Cities and Towns in Coles County, Illinois
Founded in 1830, Coles County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Coles County was formed from Clark and Edgar County. The city of Charleston is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Coles County has a population of 46,765 and area of 508 square miles (1,316 km²).
List of all cities in Coles County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ashmore, IL | 61912 | 217 |
| Charleston, IL | 61920 | 217 |
| Humboldt, IL | 61931 | 217 |
| Lerna, IL | 62440 | 217 |
| Mattoon, IL | 61938 | 217 |
| Oakland, IL | 61943 | 217 |
| Rardin, IL | 61920 | 217 |
| Trilla, IL | 62469 | 217 |
Major Cities and Towns in Coles County, Illinois
Charleston
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 9.63 square miles
- Population: 20,066 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 61920
- Latitude: 39.4961° N
- Longitude: 88.1762° W
Location and History
Charleston, the county seat of Coles County, is located in east-central Illinois, about 50 miles south of Champaign and along the Embarras River. Founded in 1831, Charleston developed as an agricultural community, serving the surrounding farmland. The town gained prominence in 1858 when it hosted one of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates during Abraham Lincoln’s U.S. Senate campaign. Charleston’s economy and population expanded with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century. The city is also home to Eastern Illinois University (EIU), established in 1895, which plays a significant role in the town’s economy and culture. Charleston has grown into a regional hub for education, agriculture, and commerce, balancing its historic charm with modern amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Charleston is served by Charleston Community Unit School District 1, with Charleston High School providing education for local students. The city’s most prominent landmark is Eastern Illinois University, known for its academic programs and O’Brien Stadium, which hosts various collegiate sports events. Other notable landmarks include Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, a reconstruction of Abraham Lincoln’s parents’ cabin, and Coles County Courthouse, a historic building located in the heart of downtown. Charleston also boasts Lake Charleston, a recreational area offering fishing, boating, and hiking, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Mattoon
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 10.31 square miles
- Population: 16,211 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 61938
- Latitude: 39.4831° N
- Longitude: 88.3728° W
Location and History
Mattoon, located in the western part of Coles County, developed rapidly in the mid-19th century as a key railroad town, positioned at the intersection of the Illinois Central and Terre Haute & Alton railroads. Officially incorporated in 1855, Mattoon’s growth was fueled by the transportation of agricultural products and goods, making it a commercial hub for the region. The city is named after William B. Mattoon, a railroad official who played a significant role in bringing the railroad to the area. Mattoon also played a part in Civil War history, serving as a site for Union army training camps. Today, Mattoon remains a significant center for transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mattoon is served by Mattoon Community Unit School District 2, with Mattoon High School being the largest public school. Notable landmarks include Peterson Park, which hosts the annual Bagelfest, celebrating the town’s connection to Lenders Bagels, a major bagel producer. Lake Mattoon, a man-made reservoir, provides recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Another key site is the Mattoon Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from the city’s railroad and Civil War history. Mattoon also has a thriving downtown area with historic architecture and local businesses that contribute to its small-town charm.
Oakland
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.74 square miles
- Population: 830 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 61943
- Latitude: 39.6628° N
- Longitude: 88.0278° W
Location and History
Oakland is a small town located in the northeastern part of Coles County, about 20 miles from Charleston. Founded in 1833, Oakland developed as a farming community and soon became known for its role in Illinois history. One of the town’s most notable historical figures is Dr. Hiram Rutherford, a prominent local abolitionist who used his home as a safe house on the Underground Railroad. Oakland also played a role during the Civil War, contributing soldiers and resources to the Union cause. Although small in size, Oakland has retained its historical significance, with well-preserved sites that attract visitors interested in the region’s past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oakland is served by Oakland Community Unit School District 5, with Oakland High School being the town’s main educational institution. One of Oakland’s major landmarks is the Hiram Rutherford House, now a museum dedicated to the life and work of the town’s famous abolitionist. The Oakland Historical Museum offers further insight into the town’s early development and its role in the Underground Railroad. Walnut Point State Park, located just outside of Oakland, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, and hiking, making it a popular spot for nature lovers.
Ashmore
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.41 square miles
- Population: 785 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 61912
- Latitude: 39.5292° N
- Longitude: 88.0162° W
Location and History
Ashmore is located in the eastern part of Coles County, approximately 10 miles east of Charleston. The town was founded in 1853 and named after its first settler, John Ashmore, who established a farm in the area. Ashmore grew slowly as a rural farming community, with its economy based primarily on agriculture. The town gained some historical prominence with the establishment of the Ashmore Estates, a building originally used as a poor farm and later turned into a psychiatric hospital. Though Ashmore remains small, it holds a place in local lore due to its historical buildings and rural charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ashmore is part of Charleston Community Unit School District 1, and students typically attend schools in nearby Charleston. The town’s most notable landmark is Ashmore Estates, a historic building that has gained fame as a destination for paranormal investigations and historical tours. Fox Ridge State Park, located nearby, offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying nature, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. The Ashmore Cemetery, with graves dating back to the town’s early years, provides insight into the town’s past and its pioneer heritage.
Humboldt
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.36 square miles
- Population: 425 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 61931
- Latitude: 39.6011° N
- Longitude: 88.3198° W
Location and History
Humboldt is a small village located in western Coles County, about 8 miles northwest of Mattoon. Founded in 1875, the village was named after the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. Like many small towns in central Illinois, Humboldt developed as a farming community, with agriculture serving as the backbone of its economy. The town’s growth was modest, and it has remained a quiet, rural village throughout its history. Humboldt’s proximity to Mattoon allows residents to enjoy the amenities of a larger city while retaining a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Humboldt is part of Mattoon Community Unit School District 2, and students attend schools in nearby Mattoon. While Humboldt is a small village, its surrounding rural landscape offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like farming, fishing, and hunting. Lake Mattoon is located nearby, providing recreational activities such as boating, camping, and picnicking for local residents. The village’s close-knit community and agricultural heritage are central to its identity, making Humboldt a peaceful and historically rich place to live.
