The Jackson County Courthouse
Murphysboro, Where History, Architecture & Small-Town Spirit Meet If you’ve ever driven through downtown Murphysboro, you’ve seen it rising above the storefronts and streetscape: the stately Jackson County Courthouse, framed by its strong limestone columns and timeless green tile roof. It’s more than just a government building, it’s a landmark woven deeply into the story […]
Limbert Cottage
406 South 15th Street Murphysboro, IL 62966 The Limbert Cottage is located in the John A. Logan Historic District, and believed to be the oldest brick residential structure standing in Murphysboro today. (Built circa 1882) Facebook
After Dark in November: Murphysboro & Jackson County
When most people hear “nightlife,” they picture neon lights, rooftop bars, and crowds.Here in Murphysboro and Jackson County, our nightlife looks a little different, fog rolling in across open fields, bonfires flickering in backyards, owls calling from deep in the Shawnee, and the occasional deer wandering through a parking lot like it owns the place. […]
The Liberty Theater: A National Register of Historical Places, in Jackson County.
In the heart of downtown Murphysboro, stands a theater with more than a century of stories etched into its walls. The Liberty Theater isn’t just a building, it’s a living piece of Southern Illinois history. Whether you’re a lover of vintage architecture, classic cinema, or small-town charm, the Liberty invites you to take a seat, look […]
Beneath the Surface: The Coal History of Jackson County, Illinois
When you think of Jackson County, you might picture the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, orchards bursting with fruit, or small towns steeped in charm. But beneath the soil of Jackson County lies a story that quite literally fueled the region’s growth, coal mining. Coal was first discovered in Southern Illinois in the […]
Grange Hall: The Brick-Built Heart of Jackson County’s Farming Legacy
If you’ve ever driven through the rolling farmland of Jackson County, you’ve probably passed your share of barns, silos, and century-old homesteads. But tucked away in Somerset Township sits a different kind of agricultural landmark, one that tells the story of community organizing, political progress, and a little bit of small-town stubbornness. Welcome to Grange Hall, […]
Carl Lee: From Classroom to Community Landmark
If you stroll through downtown Murphysboro today, you’ll find a striking steel pavilion catching the sunlight in shimmering curves, the Carl Lee Park Pavilion. But this modern sculpture-meets-stage is more than just eye candy. It’s a living tribute to the man whose name it bears: Carl Lee, a pioneer Black educator, civil-rights activist, and community hero. […]
A Grand Arrival in 1888
The Mobile & Ohio Railroad Depot opened its doors (and tracks) in 1888, marking Murphysboro’s rise as a key hub between St. Louis and Cairo, Illinois. Designed, probably, by Philip N. Frew, a local architect‑in‑the‑rails, it was the line’s largest station on that route. Emery‑red bricks mingled with stone cut from nearby Alto Pass, and local clay created the depot’s […]
Where It All Began: The Story of Jackson County, Illinois
Before there were bustling wineries, legendary barbecue joints, or scenic hikes through the Shawnee National Forest, there was Jackson County, the very first county carved out of Southern Illinois. Founded in 1816, Jackson County was established during a pivotal moment in American expansion. It was named after Andrew Jackson, a War of 1812 hero and future U.S. […]
Discovering Devil’s Backbone: A Historical and Recreational Gem in Grand Tower, IL
Tucked along the Mississippi River in the river town of Grand Tower, Illinois, Devil’s Backbone is a destination steeped in legend, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply in search of a scenic getaway, Devil’s Backbone offers something truly special. From its storied past to its current […]
