Cities and Towns in Wabash County, Illinois
Founded in 1824, Wabash County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Wabash County was formed from Edwards County. The city of Mount Carmel is the county seat. With FIPS code of 185, Wabash County has a population of 11,202 and area of 223 square miles (578 km²).
List of all cities in Wabash County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Allendale, IL | 62410 | 618/730 |
| Bellmont, IL | 62811 | 618/730 |
| Cowling, IL | 62863 | 618/730 |
| Friendsville, IL | 62863 | 618/730 |
| Keensburg, IL | 62852 | 618/730 |
| Lancaster, IL | 62855 | 618/730 |
| Maud, IL | 62863 | 618/730 |
| Mesa Lake, IL | 62855 | 618/730 |
| Mount Carmel, IL | 62863 | 618/730 |
| Odgen, IL | 62863 | 618/730 |
| Patton, IL | 62863 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wabash County, Illinois
1. Mount Carmel
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 5.00 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,800 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62863
- Latitude: 38.4103° N
- Longitude: 87.7614° W
Location and History
Mount Carmel is the county seat of Wabash County, located in southeastern Illinois along the banks of the Wabash River. The city was founded in 1815 by Samuel Whiteside and a group of settlers, and it quickly became an important trading post due to its location near the confluence of the Wabash, Patoka, and White Rivers. Mount Carmel’s early economy was largely based on agriculture, and it later became a regional center for coal mining and oil production in the early 20th century. The city is located near the Indiana state line, which historically made it a key transportation and commercial hub. Over time, Mount Carmel has diversified its economy with manufacturing, healthcare, and education becoming important sectors.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mount Carmel is served by the Wabash Community Unit School District 348, with Mount Carmel High School as the primary secondary education institution. The city is home to Wabash Valley College, a community college that offers a variety of academic and vocational programs. Notable landmarks in Mount Carmel include the historic Wabash County Courthouse, built in 1881, and the Mount Carmel City Park, which offers recreational facilities and hosts local events. The nearby Beall Woods State Park, just a short drive away, provides hiking, camping, and nature trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Allendale
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.28 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62410
- Latitude: 38.5264° N
- Longitude: 87.7117° W
Location and History
Allendale is a small village located in northern Wabash County, about 10 miles north of Mount Carmel. The village was founded in 1869 and named after a local landowner, William Allen. Originally a farming community, Allendale developed with the arrival of the railroad, which boosted the local economy by facilitating the transport of agricultural goods. The village experienced growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the area prospered from farming, particularly the cultivation of corn, soybeans, and wheat. Although small, Allendale has retained its rural character and close-knit community feel.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Allendale is part of the Wabash Community Unit School District 348, and students attend schools in nearby Mount Carmel. One of the village’s notable landmarks is the Allendale Cemetery, which reflects the town’s long history and serves as a reminder of its pioneer past. The village also has a public park that provides space for local events and recreational activities, including a playground and picnic areas. Allendale celebrates its agricultural heritage with community events throughout the year, making it a peaceful, rural retreat for residents who enjoy small-town life.
3. Keensburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.30 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62852
- Latitude: 38.3803° N
- Longitude: 87.9119° W
Location and History
Keensburg is a small village located in the southwestern part of Wabash County, near the Wabash River. The village was established in the late 1800s and was named after an early settler, Jacob Keene. Keensburg grew as a farming community, benefiting from its proximity to the Wabash River, which provided fertile farmland and access to transportation routes for crops. Like many small towns in the region, Keensburg’s economy has been primarily driven by agriculture, particularly the cultivation of corn, soybeans, and livestock. Although the population has remained modest, the village has retained its rural charm and sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Keensburg students also attend schools in the Wabash Community Unit School District 348, with most of them going to Mount Carmel for their education. The village is home to Keensburg Community Park, a small but well-maintained park that offers playgrounds and picnic areas for residents to enjoy. Another key landmark is the Keensburg United Methodist Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. The surrounding farmlands provide scenic views of rural Illinois and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing along the nearby Wabash River.
4. Bellmont
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.20 square miles
- Population: Approximately 260 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62811
- Latitude: 38.3858° N
- Longitude: 87.8972° W
Location and History
Bellmont is a small village in Wabash County, located about 6 miles west of Mount Carmel. The village was founded in the 1870s, and its growth was closely tied to the development of the railroad, which provided access to larger markets for the area’s agricultural products. Bellmont was originally a farming town, with local farmers growing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Over the years, the village has remained small and primarily residential, with much of its economy still linked to the surrounding agricultural industry. Despite its size, Bellmont is a tight-knit community with a rich history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bellmont is part of the Wabash Community Unit School District 348, with students typically attending schools in nearby Mount Carmel. One of the key landmarks in the village is the Bellmont Presbyterian Church, which has been a part of the community since the village’s early days. The village also features a small public park where local residents can gather for community events and outdoor activities. Bellmont’s peaceful rural setting, combined with its proximity to Mount Carmel, makes it a desirable location for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle while still having access to nearby services and amenities.
5. Lancaster
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.18 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62863
- Latitude: 38.4339° N
- Longitude: 87.7620° W
Location and History
Lancaster is a very small village located just north of Mount Carmel in Wabash County. Established in the early 1800s, Lancaster was one of the first settlements in the area and played a key role in the county’s early development. The village was originally a trading post along the Wabash River, and its economy was centered around agriculture and small-scale commerce. As larger towns like Mount Carmel grew, Lancaster remained a small, rural community. Today, Lancaster is a quiet village with a strong connection to its historical roots, serving as a residential area for those who work in nearby towns.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lancaster is also served by the Wabash Community Unit School District 348, with students attending schools in Mount Carmel. One of the village’s primary landmarks is the Lancaster Presbyterian Church, which has been a part of the community since the 19th century. The village’s small cemetery also holds historical significance, with many of the area’s early settlers buried there. Although Lancaster does not have extensive recreational facilities, its proximity to Mount Carmel and Beall Woods State Park allows residents easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The village’s quiet, rural atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, small-town lifestyle.
