Old Evansville, Illinois, Randolph County is a ghost town that captures the imagination with its forgotten history and eerie silence. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Randolph County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 38.0864° N, 89.7190° W
Elevation: Approximately 400 feet
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: 1830s
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but declined considerably in the late 19th century
Comments: Old Evansville was once a thriving community in the 1830s, serving as a local hub for settlers in the area. Its location was strategic due to its proximity to the Kaskaskia River, a critical transportation and trade route during that era.
Unfortunately, the town began to decline as the river’s course changed and transportation routes shifted.
Remains: Very few structures remain standing today. Some foundations and ruins can still be found, hidden by overgrowth. The cemetery is one of the few reminders of the town’s past, with several weather-worn headstones marking the final resting places of past residents.
Current Status: Old Evansville is considered a ghost town. It is largely abandoned, with no active community or functioning infrastructure. The area is mostly farmland now, with the occasional visitor seeking to explore its history.
Remarks: Old Evansville silently represents the changes in transportation and settlement patterns that can lead to the decline of once-bustling communities. Despite its abandonment, the town holds a mysterious allure for those interested in the stories of the past and the impermanence of human endeavors.
