Randolph County, Illinois

Alice the Goon & Child Beaver Island Bluto Castor Oyl & Bernice the Whiffle Hen Charter Oak School Chester, Randolph County, Illinois Chester-Kaskaskia, Illinois Cole Oyl Dedicated in Memory of George Rogers Clark Dr. George Fisher Dr. George Fisher Elias Kent Kane First Fire Bell Flood of 1993 For God and Country Fort de Chartres Fort de Chartres In The Illinois Country Fort Kaskaskia Shelter Founding of Steeleville Four Nephews Garrison Hill Cemetery George Rogers Clark Campsite German World War I Field Gun German World War I Howitzer Governor Shadrach Bond Ham Gravy Heritage Wheat Revival Home of Pierre Menard Illinois in the American Revolution In Dedication Honor and Memory In Honor of Veterans of All Wars Kaskaskia Kaskaskia Confluence Area Kaskaskia Island Kaskaskia Village King Blozo Lest We Forget Lewis and Clark in Illinois Lewis and Clark in Illinois Lewis and Clark in Illinois Lewis and Clark in Kaskaskia Looking For a Few Good Men Mary's River Covered Bridge Modoc Rock Shelter Nana Oyl North County Area Veterans Memorial Pierre Laclede at Chartres Poopdeck Pappy Popeye Port of Chester, Illinois Welcoming Mississippi River Travelers since 1829 Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois Prof. O.G. Wotasnozzle Rough House Sea Hag & Bernard the Vulture Sherlock and Segar Site of Fort Kaskaskia Statehood of Illinois Ste. Anne's Church The American Bottom The Calvary The Chester Bridge The Creole House The Home of Pierre Menard The Liberty Bell of the West The Railroad The River Boats The Spirit of 1776 This Eternal Flame This Memorial is Dedicated in Honor and Memory Thomas Mather To Prepetuate and Rededicate our Democratic Principles To The Glory of God Toar Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial War Memorial We Dedicate this Memorial to the Courage and Valor of the Members of our Community Weistar House Welcome to Fort de Chartres State Historic Site Wimpy World War II Memorial World Wars I and II Memorial
Randolph County, Illinois has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area that is now Randolph County was first explored by French trappers and traders in the late 1600s, but it wasn't until the early 1800s that settlers began to establish permanent communities there. The county was officially formed in 1795 and was named after Edmund Randolph, the first Attorney General of the United States.

In its early years, Randolph County was predominantly an agricultural community. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it an ideal location for farming, and many settlers grew crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county also had a strong mining industry, with coal being a major natural resource. The combination of agriculture and mining helped to fuel the economy and attract more residents to the area.

During the mid-19th century, Randolph County saw significant growth and development. The construction of railroads in the county connected it to the rest of the state and facilitated the transportation of goods. This led to the establishment of new industries, such as manufacturing and timber production. The county also experienced an influx of immigrants, particularly from Germany and Ireland, who brought new skills and cultural traditions to the area.

In the 20th century, Randolph County continued to evolve and adapt to changing economic and social conditions. The decline of coal mining and agricultural changes led to a shift towards a more diverse economy. Today, the county is known for its tourism industry, with attractions such as the Chester Bridge and Fort de Chartres drawing visitors from across the country. Randolph County also has a strong sense of community, with many residents proud of their heritage and actively involved in preserving the county's history.
Brief timeline of the history of Randolph County, Illinois:

  • 1809 - Randolph County is established as one of the first counties in Illinois.
  • 1818 - Illinois becomes a state, and Randolph County is part of the new state.
  • 1820s - The town of Kaskaskia becomes the first state capital of Illinois.
  • 1830 - The county seat is moved from Kaskaskia to Chester.
  • 1850s - Coal mining becomes an important industry in Randolph County.
  • 1860s - Randolph County experiences significant growth due to the construction of railroads.
  • 1927 - The Mississippi River floods, causing major damage in Randolph County.
  • 1970s - The county experiences economic decline due to the decline of coal mining.
  • 1990s - Efforts are made to revitalize the county, focusing on tourism and agriculture.
  • 2020 - Randolph County continues to be a rural county with a rich history and diverse economy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Randolph County, Illinois.