Cities and Towns in Edwards County, Illinois
Founded in 1814, Edwards County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Edwards County was formed from Gallatin County and Madison County. The city of Albion is the county seat. With FIPS code of 47, Edwards County has a population of 6,075 and area of 222 square miles (575 km²).
List of all cities in Edwards County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Albion, IL | 62806 | 618/730 |
| Black, IL | 62806 | 618/730 |
| Bone Gap, IL | 62815 | 618/730 |
| Browns, IL | 62818 | 618/730 |
| Ellery, IL | 62833 | 618/730 |
| West Salem, IL | 62476 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Edwards County, Illinois
Albion
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.23 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,900 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62806
- Latitude: 38.3773° N
- Longitude: 88.0578° W
Location and History
Albion is the county seat of Edwards County, located in southeastern Illinois, about 30 miles west of the Indiana state line. Founded in 1818 by English settlers led by George Flower and Morris Birkbeck, Albion became a center for the “English Settlement,” a community of immigrants who brought with them progressive ideas on agriculture and abolitionism. The town grew steadily throughout the 19th century, with farming playing a key role in its economy. Today, Albion retains much of its historic charm with several 19th-century buildings still standing. The town serves as the administrative and cultural center of Edwards County, balancing its rural roots with modern amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Albion is served by the Edwards County Community Unit School District 1, which includes Albion Grade School and Edwards County High School. The town’s most notable landmarks include the Edwards County Courthouse, a historic structure built in 1888, and the Albion Public Library, which serves as a community hub. The town is also home to the picturesque Albion City Park, offering recreational facilities such as playgrounds and picnic areas. Each year, the town hosts the Edwards County Fair, a popular event that showcases the area’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, entertainment, and local crafts, drawing residents and visitors alike.
West Salem
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.54 square miles
- Population: Approximately 880 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62476
- Latitude: 38.5247° N
- Longitude: 88.0050° W
Location and History
West Salem is a small village located in the northeastern part of Edwards County. It was founded in 1830 by German immigrants who were attracted to the fertile lands of southeastern Illinois. Initially an agricultural settlement, West Salem’s early economy revolved around farming, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans being the primary products. The village grew steadily throughout the 19th century, benefiting from its close-knit community and strong agricultural base. Today, West Salem continues to thrive as a rural farming community with a deep connection to its German heritage, reflected in the local culture and architecture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
West Salem is also part of the Edwards County Community Unit School District 1, with students attending schools in nearby Albion. The village is home to several historic landmarks, including the Zion United Methodist Church, which dates back to the mid-19th century and remains a center of community life. The West Salem City Park provides recreational facilities for residents, with playgrounds, ball fields, and picnic areas. The annual West Salem Fall Festival is a major event in the village, celebrating its agricultural roots with parades, food stalls, and live entertainment. The village’s rich history and quiet rural setting make it a peaceful place to live.
Grayville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.18 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,600 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62844
- Latitude: 38.2617° N
- Longitude: 87.9932° W
Location and History
Grayville is a city that spans the border between Edwards and White Counties, located along the Wabash River in southeastern Illinois. Founded in 1830 by James Gray, the town was initially a river trading post and grew quickly due to its location on the Wabash River, which served as a vital transportation route for goods and people. Grayville became a hub for agricultural products, particularly grain, and livestock. Over the years, the city developed into a regional trade center, benefiting from both river traffic and the arrival of the railroad in the 19th century. Though river trade has declined, Grayville has maintained its agricultural and commercial roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grayville is served by the Grayville Community Unit School District 1, which includes Grayville Junior-Senior High School. The city’s most notable landmarks include the historic Grayville City Hall, built in 1906, and the Pollywog Bridge, a remnant of the town’s early transportation infrastructure. The Wabash Riverfront is another highlight, offering scenic views and opportunities for fishing and boating. The town hosts the annual Grayville Days Festival, which features parades, concerts, and carnival rides, drawing visitors from throughout the region. Grayville’s rich history as a river town and its role in the region’s agricultural economy continue to shape its identity.
Bone Gap
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.31 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62815
- Latitude: 38.4495° N
- Longitude: 88.0078° W
Location and History
Bone Gap is a small village located in the western part of Edwards County. The village was founded in the early 19th century, and its name is believed to be derived from a natural gap or depression in the nearby hills, where early settlers discovered animal bones. Bone Gap grew as a small agricultural community, with farming being the mainstay of its economy. Despite its small size, the village has a rich history tied to the early settlement of the region and the development of agriculture in southeastern Illinois. The close-knit community has maintained its rural charm over the decades.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bone Gap is part of the Edwards County Community Unit School District 1, with students attending schools in Albion. The village is known for its peaceful, rural setting, with the surrounding farmland providing a picturesque backdrop. While Bone Gap does not have major landmarks like larger towns, it is home to the Bone Gap Christian Church, which has been a central part of the community for over a century. The village also offers easy access to nearby natural attractions, such as Beall Woods State Park, where residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and camping. Bone Gap’s small-town charm and agricultural heritage make it a quiet, welcoming place to live.
Browns
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.17 square miles
- Population: Approximately 130 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62818
- Latitude: 38.3709° N
- Longitude: 87.9750° W
Location and History
Browns is a small village located in the southwestern part of Edwards County, near the border with White County. Founded in the mid-19th century, Browns grew as a rural farming community, with its economy centered on agriculture. The village was named after William H. Brown, an early settler who played a key role in its establishment. Over the years, Browns has remained a small, close-knit community with a focus on farming, producing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. The village’s location near the Little Wabash River has contributed to its agricultural success, providing fertile soil for farming.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Browns is part of the Edwards County Community Unit School District 1, with students attending schools in Albion. The village is known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere, with much of its identity tied to agriculture. The Browns Cemetery, which dates back to the early days of the village, is one of its most notable landmarks, reflecting the long history of the community. The village also offers easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities along the Little Wabash River. While Browns is small, its strong sense of community and its deep agricultural roots make it a quintessential rural village in southeastern Illinois.
Bellmont
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.31 square miles
- Population: Approximately 260 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62811
- Latitude: 38.3864° N
- Longitude: 87.9009° W
Location and History
Bellmont is a small village located in the southern part of Edwards County, near the Wabash River. Established in the late 19th century, Bellmont grew as an agricultural settlement, with farming being the primary economic activity. The village’s proximity to the river and its fertile soil made it an ideal location for farming, and over the years, Bellmont has maintained its rural, agricultural character. Although small, Bellmont has a rich history tied to the early agricultural development of the region, with many families having farmed the land for generations.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bellmont is part of the Edwards County Community Unit School District 1, with students attending schools in Albion. The village is known for its quiet, rural lifestyle, with agriculture remaining a central part of the local economy. Bellmont is home to the Bellmont Methodist Church, which has been a key part of the community since the village’s early days. The nearby Wabash River offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. The village’s small size and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal location for those seeking a rural way of life, with close ties to both nature and community.
