Ledford, Illinois, Saline County, is a ghost town that once thrived in the heart of Saline County. Its history reflects the rise and fall of small American towns. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Saline County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 37.7956° N, 88.5328° W
Elevation: Approximately 400 feet (122 meters)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: Not available
Disestablished: Not available
Comments: Ledford, Illinois, was once a bustling coal mining community that contributed considerably to the region’s economy. The town experienced its peak during the early 20th century when coal mining was a major industry in Illinois.
As the demand for coal declined and mining operations ceased, Ledford lost its population, eventually becoming a ghost town.
Remains: Today, few remnants of Ledford’s past remain. Visitors may find the foundations of old buildings and overgrown pathways that hint at the town’s former vibrancy. The natural environment has largely reclaimed the area, with dense vegetation covering much of what was once a community.
Current Status: Ledford is a ghost town with no active community or local governance. The area is largely uninhabited, serving as a historical site for those interested in the legacy of coal mining towns in Illinois.
Remarks: Ledford’s story is common among many small American towns that were once dependent on a single industry. The town’s decline reflects the broader economic shifts that have shaped rural America.
While it no longer functions as a community, Ledford remains an intriguing site for historians and explorers, offering a glimpse into the past and the impact of industrial change on small-town life.
