Add YOUR Family To This Page
History of Carterville, Illinois, USA
Journey back in time to Carterville, Illinois, USA
Explore Carterville, Illinois, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Carterville Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Carterville was founded by George Monroe McNeill and Laban Carter. McNeill married Olive Herrin of Herrin Prairie and in 1866 they settled on the farm now known as Carterville. Carter came to Williamson County in 1864, purchased 100 acres of land, and helped organize and secure a post office for Carterville in 1871. The town was named in his honor. McNeill was one of the youngest members of the Union army during the American Civil War. He enlisted at 16 and was with General Sherman during his March to the Sea.
Explore even more about Carterville, Illinois, USA. Keep reading!
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to CARTERVILLE

ILLINOIS Gift Idea - Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago-Style Hot Dog and Chicago Mix Popcorn - I Love Illinois! - IL Mug Family History
Our Illinois-inspired Ceramic Mug is here to showcase your love for all things Illinois, featuring vibrant, mouthwatering designs of deep dish pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, and the classic Chicago Mix popcorn.

ILLINOIS ROOTS - I'm from ILLINOIS! Deep Dish Identity Crisis Mug
Celebrate your Illinois roots with humor and style with our "I'm from Illinois! Deep Dish Identity Crisis Mug". This ceramic mug is perfect for anyone who understands that deep dish pizza is more than just food—it's a cultural statement.
Discover Carterville: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1895 - Carterville
Car’terville, a post-village of Williamson co, Ill., 10 miles by rail W. by N. of Marion. It has 4 churches, a bank, a common school, and a newspaper office. Coal mining is the principal business of this place. Pop. 969.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Car’terville, a post-village of Williamson co, Ill., 10 miles by rail W. by N. of Marion. It has 4 churches, a bank, a common school, and a newspaper office. Coal mining is the principal business of this place. Pop. 969.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Carterville, a banking city of Williamson co., Ill., on the Illinois Central R., 9 miles W. by N. of Marion. Coal mining is the principal business of this place. Pop. in 1900, 1749.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Carterville, a banking city of Williamson co., Ill., on the Illinois Central R., 9 miles W. by N. of Marion. Coal mining is the principal business of this place. Pop. in 1900, 1749.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1962 - MINE EXPLOSION KILLS ALL 11 BELOW GROUND. RESCUERS WORK THROUGH NIGHT TO FIND BODIES.
Carterville, Ill. - An explosion ripped through the Blue Blaze Coal Co.'s No. 2 mine northeast of Carterville at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, killing all 11 underground workers.
Rescue teams who toiled all night in sub-zero weather began the grim task of removing the bodies this morning.
A temporary morgue was set up at the Carterville American Legion club, where members of the miner's families were to be taken to identify the victims. The chore ended long hours of tearful waiting.
Those killed are:
IRA YEWELL, Carterville.
VIRGIL TANNER, Carterville.
IRA WILLIAMS, Carterville.
RALPH BRANDON, Herrin.
BILL GARTNER, Herrin.
MELVIN RAMSEY, Herrin.
ROY WOODIS, Herrin.
HOWARD KIMMEL, De Soto.
WILLIE GULLEY, West Frankfort.
JOHN BARKUS, Hurst.
ALPHA HORSLEY, Carbondale.
The second shift workers apparently died instantly when the blast rocked the mine about three hours after they went down the 165-foot shaft. One of the bodies was found at the bottom of the shaft, two... Read MORE...
Carterville, Ill. - An explosion ripped through the Blue Blaze Coal Co.'s No. 2 mine northeast of Carterville at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, killing all 11 underground workers.
Rescue teams who toiled all night in sub-zero weather began the grim task of removing the bodies this morning.
A temporary morgue was set up at the Carterville American Legion club, where members of the miner's families were to be taken to identify the victims. The chore ended long hours of tearful waiting.
Those killed are:
IRA YEWELL, Carterville.
VIRGIL TANNER, Carterville.
IRA WILLIAMS, Carterville.
RALPH BRANDON, Herrin.
BILL GARTNER, Herrin.
MELVIN RAMSEY, Herrin.
ROY WOODIS, Herrin.
HOWARD KIMMEL, De Soto.
WILLIE GULLEY, West Frankfort.
JOHN BARKUS, Hurst.
ALPHA HORSLEY, Carbondale.
The second shift workers apparently died instantly when the blast rocked the mine about three hours after they went down the 165-foot shaft. One of the bodies was found at the bottom of the shaft, two... Read MORE...
Here's a list of some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in and around Carterville:
Cannon Park: Start your exploration with a visit to Cannon Park. It's a lovely spot for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or just to relax. The greenery and open spaces make it a great place to unwind.
John A. Logan College Arboretum: Nature lovers will appreciate the John A. Logan College Arboretum. Take a walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the serene environment. It's a hidden gem in the area.
Carterville Heritage Museum: Immerse yourself in the local history by visiting the Carterville Heritage Museum. Learn about the town's past, the people who shaped it, and the events that have unfolded over the years.
Lake Sallateeska: If you're into fishing or just enjoy being around water, check out Lake Sallateeska. It's a peaceful lake where you can spend a quiet afternoon fishing, boating, or simply taking in the scenic views.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit. Hike the... Read MORE...
Cannon Park: Start your exploration with a visit to Cannon Park. It's a lovely spot for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or just to relax. The greenery and open spaces make it a great place to unwind.
John A. Logan College Arboretum: Nature lovers will appreciate the John A. Logan College Arboretum. Take a walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the serene environment. It's a hidden gem in the area.
Carterville Heritage Museum: Immerse yourself in the local history by visiting the Carterville Heritage Museum. Learn about the town's past, the people who shaped it, and the events that have unfolded over the years.
Lake Sallateeska: If you're into fishing or just enjoy being around water, check out Lake Sallateeska. It's a peaceful lake where you can spend a quiet afternoon fishing, boating, or simply taking in the scenic views.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge: For outdoor enthusiasts, the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit. Hike the... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Carterville Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Carterville, Illinois, USA
We currently have information about 1 ancestors who were born or died in Carterville.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!
Search for YOUR Family by Place
Our Genealogy Gift Ideas
Ancestry Family Tree Search
Search for YOUR Family by Name
NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 9/29/2023 8:53:18 AM
