Railroad Crew: Early 1900's (Local History Room: Mattoon Public Library)
The 'Prairie State'
(Illinois) expanded, along with other U.S. States, in the middle of the 19th
century as a result of population growth. This growth was largely due
to immigration and high birth rates. Americans proudly noted that
population growth had caused their nation's borders to expand westward.
Mattoon was one such expansion town, drawing people from both the northeast
and the upland south.
Railroad Crew: Early 1900's (Local History Room: Mattoon Public Library)
Settlement in Mattoon was an attractive offer because it was in the heart of rich farm land. In the spring of 1855, the railroad was built directly through the developed area. This railroad, the Illinois Central Railroad, acted as a direct connection between Chicago and New Orleans. Crossing this line was the Terre Haute and Alton Line. Both gave Mattoon it's beginning, changing it from a mere farming area into a boom town and a "gateway to the west".
| Localités/Localities home | back |
Copyright © 2000 by Localités/Localities, all rights reserved.
This work may be copied for non-profit educational use if proper credit is given to
Localités/Localities and/or Coles County Legal History Project.