White County, Illinois
Bell of St. Johns
Big Prairie Church
Carmi's Oldest House
Colonel Conger House
Former Site of Big Prairie United Methodist Church
Gray Mansion
Gray Opera House
Illinois Remembers POW/MIA
James Gray's Stables and Slave Quarters
Mike Smith's Saloon
Present Site of The Gray Family Cemetery
Ratcliff Inn
Southern Illinois College
The First Presbyterian Church In Illinois
The Gray Family Cemetery
Thomasanne Payne Home Site
Veterans Memorial
Vincennes to Shawneetown Stage Coach Line
War Emergency Pipeline
"Empire Corner"
"Flow Gently, Sweet Afton"
The county was officially established in 1815 and was named after Captain Leonard White, a prominent early settler. During its early years, agriculture played a central role in the county's economy, with corn, wheat, and livestock being the main commodities. The county also saw the establishment of various towns and villages, including Carmi, which became the county seat.
In the mid-1800s, the discovery of coal in White County transformed the region. This led to a population boom as coal miners flocked to the area in search of work. Coal mining became a major industry, and the county's economy was heavily dependent on it for many years.
Throughout the 20th century, White County experienced economic ups and downs. The decline of the coal industry in the 1950s and 1960s resulted in a significant population decrease. However, the county has since diversified its economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism becoming important sectors.
Today, White County is known for its scenic beauty, including the Shawnee National Forest, and its rich history. It continues to be a primarily rural area, with a population that appreciates its small-town charm and natural surroundings.
Brief timeline of the history of White County, Illinois:
- 1818 - White County was established by the Illinois General Assembly.
- 1839 - The county seat was moved from Carmi to New Haven.
- 1839 - The New Haven Academy was founded to provide education in the county.
- 1861-1865 - White County residents served in the American Civil War.
- 1875 - The county seat was relocated back to Carmi.
- 1881 - The Southern Illinois Normal College (later Southern Illinois University) was established in Carbondale.
- 1925 - The First National Bank building in Carmi was built and still stands today as a historic landmark.
- 1937 - The Edward F. Dunnebacke Fish and Wildlife Area was established in the county.
- 1953 - The Beulah Land overpass was constructed and served as a landmark on Route 1.
- 1988 - The last remaining covered bridge in the county, the Mill Shoals Bridge, was destroyed by a tornado.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of White County, Illinois.