Edwardsville - Third Oldest City in Illinois
In 1805, Thomas Kirkpatrick, Edwardsville's first settler, arrived from North Carolina and built a two-room log cabin overlooking Cahokia Creek. Word spread of the rich resources here, and, by 1809, other settlers from the Southeast followed the Kirkpatrick family's example and formed a small community. Edwardsville's namesake, Ninian Edwards, was appointed territorial governor in 1809 when the Illinois Territory was established and later served as governor of the state of Illinois from 1826-1830. Interestingly enough, Edwardsville's name wasn't officially recognized until 1816 even though Kirkpatrick had already named it years earlier in honor of Governor Edwards.
Edward Coles arrived in Edwardsville in 1819 and later became Illinois' second Governor. A plaque on the site of the courthouse commemorates Edward Coles for his courageous action of freeing his slaves after bringing them from Virginia. In 1819, one year after Illinois gained statehood, Coles issued freedom papers to his slaves and purchased land and homes for them in Pin Oak Township. Elected second governor of Illinois in 1822, Coles led the opposition against efforts to call a constitutional convention to legalize slavery. There is also a memorial to Coles at the northeast corner of Forever Valley View Cemetery on Route 157.
The second oldest brick house in the city, the Dr. John Weir House at 715 North Main Street, was built in 1836. Today the Weir House is home to the Madison County Historical Museum.
Edwardsville continued to grow south and east during the 1850s and 60s. The Dale School was constructed in 1863 on North Kansas Street. The building was demolished in 1909 to make way for a new high school, now part of Columbus School.
It is known that Abraham Lincoln was in Edwardsville twice, as an attorney in the 1814 courthouse and a speaker outside the 1857 courthouse on Sept. 11, 1858. The present courthouse, a square, four-story neo-classic structure of white marble, was constructed from 1913-15.
Edwardsville's smallest park, at the intersection of St. Louis and Randle Streets, is home to a commemorative plaque honoring five early residents who served as governor of Illinois. There is the already-mentioned Coles and Edwards, plus John Reynolds, governor from 1830-34, Thomas Ford, governor from 1842-46, and Charles Deneen, governor from 1909-13.
Early industry was based on agriculture, gristmills, sawmills, cabinetry, bricklaying, an ice plant and a grain elevator. Coal mining arrived in the mid-1800s. Kirkpatrick's wood mill is an example of Edwardsville's early industry; flourmills, clay mining and brick manufacturing were also established. Richards Brick Company is still in operation. At one time five railroad lines came through Edwardsville, including an electric line. There have been several coalmines in and around Edwardsville.
At any time of the year, Edwardsville is a great place to visit and offers much to see and do. Our picturesque Main Street and neighborhoods are surrounded by natural wonders and a thriving downtown commercial center. Edwardsville currently has 39 buildings designated as historic landmarks. There are also three historic districts. In the older section of town there is the Brick Street District and the St. Louis Street District. Built in the 1880s and 90s, the homes on St. Louis Street represent several architectural styles. Going back even further, we have many buildings that were built prior to the civil that can be experienced on a Pre-Civil War Walking Tour. This is a wonderful opportunity to see many still-existing buildings that were build prior to the Civil War.
While you are here, be sure to enjoy our fine restaurants and exciting family activities. For the children, the Children's Museum is a wonderful place to see and learn about many different topics that your children will be interested in!
If you would like to know more about lodging and dining options in Edwardsville, please contact the Edwardsville Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce or visit the link below for more information.
Edwardsville Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce
Sources:
City of Edwardsville, IL
Community Profile Network
