HISTORY OF
Vermilion County, Illinois

This has been Contributed by Mary Paulius
on Aug. 20th, 2006
Source: History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - by Knight & Leonard H. W. Beckwith and Son
Source: Baldwin, Thomas and J. Thomas, M.D. New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States.
Philadelphia, PA; Lippincott, Grambo & Co., 1854 V. p. 1205

The parts of Illinois now know as Vermilion County was originally a portion of New France.  New France was divided into two districts, one known as Canada and the other Louisiana.  At one time prior to 1745 the division line of the “Illinois country” began on the Wabash.  This was at the mouth of Vermilion River and northwest to LaSalle’s old fort on the Illinois River and a few miles above Ottawa.

Vermilion is a county of Illinois, bordering on Indiana, has an area estimated at 1200 square miles. It is drained by the Vermilion river (affluent of the Wabash) and by its branches, the Salt fork. Middle fork, and North fork, which unite near the middle of the county; the Little Vermilion river flows through the South part. Vermilion County contains a large portion of prairie, with plenty of timber distributed along the streams. Indian corn, wheat, oats, wool, butter, potatoes, and pork are the staples. In 1850 it produced 1,475,195 bushels of corn; 46,301 wheat; 168,976 of oats, and 178,586 pounds of butter. It contained 25 churches, 2 newspaper offices, 70 pupils attending public schools, and 200 attending an academy. A plank-road connects Danville with the Wabash river and canal. A railroad is in progress through the county, leading to Springfield and Lafayette. Vermilion river affords valuable water-power. Stone coal abounds on the banks of the river. Capital, Danville. Population, 11,492.

Vermilion County was established January 18, 1826; named after the Vermilion River. Danville became the County Seat in 1827. Townships in Vermilion County are: Blount, Butler, Carroll, Catlin, Danville, Elwood, Georgetown, Grant, Jamaica, Love, McKendree, Middle Fork, Newell, Oakwood, Pilot, Ross, Sidell, South Ross, and Vance.

Vermilion County once belonged to the Indian tribes Maims, Kickapoo, and Potawatomie. It was here that salt was as popular to white men as gold. The settlement of these frontiersmen became known as "Salt Saline’s".  You can view one of the original iron kettles on I-74 at the Salt Kettle rest area (as I was growing up, I remember this kettle sitting on Route 150 near the Vermilion County Fairgrounds).

Danville and Vermilion County were known for their Coal Mining in the 1800's rather than salt.

The following items were contributed by Prudy (Mary Paulius)

Vermilion County Jail in 1860. Built about 1846. The Central figure in long coat and "top hat" may be Abraham Lincoln.  The man next to him in 'top hat' may be Dan Beckwith, Sr.

MORE TO COME LATER..... or upon request.