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Charleston, IL

Frequently asked questions

Charleston, IL

Charleston is a city in, and the county seat of, Coles County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,286, as of the 2020 census. The city is home to Eastern Illinois University and has close ties with its neighbor, Mattoon. Both are principal cities of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Charleston has a total area of 9.59 square miles (24.84 km²), of which 8.88 square miles (23.00 km²) (or 92.68%) is land and 0.70 square miles (1.81 km²) (or 7.32%) is water.

Native Americans lived in the Charleston area for thousands of years before the first European settlers arrived. With the great tallgrass prairie to the west, beech-maple forests to the east, and the Embarras River and Wabash Rivers between, the Charleston area provided semi-nomadic Indians access to a variety of resources. Indians may have deliberately set the "wildfires" which maintained the local mosaic of prairie and oak-hickory forest. Streams with names such as 'Indian Creek' and 'Kickapoo Creek' mark the sites of former Indian settlements. One village is said to have been located south of Fox Ridge State Park near a deposit of flint.

The early history of settlement in the area was marked by uneasy co-existence between Indians and European settlers. Some settlers lived peacefully with the natives, but conflict arose in the 1810s and 1820s. After Indians allegedly harassed surveying crews, an escalating series of poorly documented skirmishes occurred between Indians, settlers, and the Illinois Rangers. Two pitched battles (complete with cannon on one side) took place just south of Charleston along "the hills of the Embarrass," near the entrance to Lake Charleston Park. These conflicts did not slow American settlement, and Indian history in Coles County effectively ended when all natives were expelled by law from Illinois after the 1832 Black Hawk War. With the grudging exception of Indian wives, the last natives were driven out by the 1840s.

First settled by Benjamin Parker in 1826, Charleston was named for Charles Morton, its first postmaster. The city was established in 1831, but not incorporated until 1865. When Abraham Lincoln's father moved to a farm on Goosenest Prairie south of Charleston in 1831, Lincoln helped him move, then left to start his homestead at New Salem in Sangamon County. Lincoln was a frequent visitor to the Charleston area, though he likely spent more time at the Coles County courthouse than at the home of his father and stepmother. One of the famous Lincoln–Douglas debates was held in Charleston on September 18, 1858, and is now the site of the Coles County fairgrounds and a small museum. Lincoln's last visit was in 1859 when the future President visited his stepmother and his father's grave.

The health and wellness landscape in Charleston is robust, with Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center serving as a cornerstone for comprehensive healthcare services. Residents have access to quality medical care, and the city promotes an active lifestyle with various recreational options. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include CrossFit 217, Jazzercise, and Infinity Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Charleston, such as the Lake Charleston Loop and Warbler Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Charleston, IL are Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, and Eastern Illinois University Tarble Arts Center.

Population: 17,028 (2023). ZIP code: 61920. Area codes: 217, 447. Elevation: 699 ft (213 m). Area: 9.59 sq mi (24.83 km²).

FAQs

What is Charleston, IL, known for?

Charleston is known for its public art and performing arts venues. It also hosts the Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum, the Lincoln Log Cabin as well as a number of other museums. Downtown Charleston has a beautiful historic shopping district filled with unique shops and galleries.

Is Charleston, IL a good place to live?

Living in Charleston offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Charleston, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Charleston and residents tend to lean conservative.

Is Charleston, IL expensive?

Charleston is 13% less expensive than the national average and 13% less expensive to live in than the average city in Illinois. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2-bedroom Apt. Food costs in Charleston are more affordable than average in the United States. Transportation costs in Charleston are as affordable as average in the United States. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Charleston

Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center 

Charleston Parks and Recreation Department 

CrossFit 217

Jazzercise 

Infinity Fitness

Lake Charleston Loop 

Warbler Trail

Douglas-Hart Nature Center

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

Eastern Illinois University Tarble Arts Center

Downtown Different

Niche

Erieri

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