Charleston is located in the state of Illinois and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Charleston (Illinois), you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Charleston (Illinois)
Charleston, Illinois is a charming Midwestern town with a rich history and a variety of activities to keep visitors entertained. The town is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and is home to a number of museums, parks, and historical sites.
Downtown Charleston is the perfect place to start exploring the town. Visitors can stroll down Main Street, admire the Victorianstyle architecture, and stop in at the shops and restaurants. The Charleston Museum is a mustsee for history buffs, and the Children’s Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits for kids.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the town’s parks and trails. The Mississippi Riverfront Trail offers beautiful views of the river, and Fort DeChartres State Park is perfect for a picnic or a game of frisbee. For a challenge, hike to the top of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge for views of the surrounding area.
In the evenings, catch a show at the Coles County Arts Council or grab a bite to eat at one of the town’s many restaurants. Visitors can choose from American, Italian, Chinese, and Mexican cuisine, to name a few.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an actionpacked vacation, Charleston, Illinois has something for everyone.
Sights in Charleston (Illinois)
The city Charleston is the county seat of Coles County, Illinois, United States. The population was 21,838 at the 2010 census. The city is home to Eastern Illinois University and has close ties with its neighbor, Mattoon. Charleston is also known for being the birthplace of the adopted state flower, the violet.
The city was first settled in 1833 and was named for Charles Drury, one of its first settlers. Drury served in the Black Hawk War and was later elected to the Illinois General Assembly. The city was not officially incorporated until 1865.
The city has a total area of 9.67 square miles (25.10 km2), of which 9.58 square miles (24.86 km2) is land and 0.09 square miles (0.23 km2) is water.
The city is situated on what used to be the NaDene Native American territory. The Potawatomi, Kickapoo, and Illini once inhabited the area.
The climate in Charleston is humid continental, with cool, dry winters and hot, humid summers. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, but is somewhat heavier in spring and summer.
The city is home to many architectural landmarks, including the Woodrow Wilson House, the DancyPolk House, and the Flower House. The City Hall and the Coles County Courthouse are also notable buildings.
The city’s parks system includes 22 parks, totaling nearly 300 acres (1.2 km2). The parks feature playgrounds, walking trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and picnic pavilions. There are also two cityowned golf courses, the Charleston Country Club and the Hillcrest Golf Course.
Charleston is home to Eastern Illinois University, a public university with an enrollment of over 9,000 students. The university was established in 1895 as a teachers’ college.
The city is also home to Lindenwood University Belleville, a private university with an enrollment of over 2,000 students.
The Coles County Fair is held annually in Charleston. The fairgrounds are located just north of the city and include a grandstand, a horse track, a carnival Midway, and a 4H building.
The Charleston Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from May to October in downtown Charleston. The market features fresh produce, baked goods, plants, flowers, and artisan items.
The city is served by the Charleston Public Library District, which operates the Charleston Carnegie Public Library. The library is located in the Historic Carnegie Building, which was constructed in 1903.
The MattoonCharleston Municipal Airport is located just outside the city limits. The airport is served by two commercial airlines, American Eagle and Cape Air.
Charleston is located at the intersection of Interstate 57 and Interstate 70, approximately halfway between St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois.
The city is served by the Charleston Community Unit School District 1, which includes Charleston High School, Charleston Middle School, Jefferson Elementary School, and Washington Elementary School.
The city is also home to Lincoln Land Community College, a twoyear public college with an enrollment of over 4,000 students.
The economy of Charleston is diverse, with healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture being the main sectors.
The presence of Eastern Illinois University and Lincoln Land Community College make education a major contributor to the economy. The university’s estimated economic impact is $300 million per year.
The city is also home to several healthcare facilities, including Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, a regional medical center with over 200 beds.
Manufacturing is another important part of the economy, with Caterpillar, Inc. and Charleston Die Casting being the two largest employers in the city.
Charleston is also the home of the registered trademark RAILSPLITTER®, which is used by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The city’s downtown area is home to several shops and restaurants. The Crossroads Character Area is a designated historical district that is home to a variety of Victorianstyle buildings.
The city is home to the Lincoln Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the history of Abraham Lincoln and his connection to Coles County. The museum is located in the Historic Lincoln Depot, which was built in 1854.
The Coles County Historical Society operates a number of historic properties, including the illfated Coles County Courthouse, which was destroyed by a tornado in 1896.
The city is also home to the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, the former home of U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis. The mansion is now a museum that is open to the public for tours.
History of Charleston (Illinois)
The city of Charleston, Illinois is located in Coles County in the state of Illinois. The city was founded in 1833 by James L. Allen and was named after his father, Charles Allen. The city was originally settled by families from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia. The city’s population grew rapidly in the early 1840s, reaching a peak of 1,500 people by 1850. The city’s economy was largely based on agriculture and the production of tobacco and wool.
The city was also home to a large number of slaves, who worked on the city’s plantations and in its factories. Charleston was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and many slaves escaping from the South found their way to Charleston. In 1860, the population of Charleston was 2,385, of which 1,154 were slaves.
The American Civil War began in 1861, and Charleston became a target of Union forces due to its strategic location on the Illinois Central Railroad. The city was occupied by Union troops in 1862, and many of the city’s factories and plantations were destroyed. Charleston was rebuilt after the war, but its population never recovered to its prewar level.
Today, Charleston is a city of about 21,000 people. The city’s economy is based on agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Charleston is home to Eastern Illinois University and has a hospital and several clinics. The city also has a number of manufacturing plants, including a plant that produces automotive parts.
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