Collinsville, Illinois – Coal Mines and Catsup
Nestled atop the picturesque bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River in southwestern Illinois lies the vibrant city of Collinsville. Its story is one woven with threads of early settlement, industrial boom, and a unique cultural identity, a history marked by the extraction of coal and the condiment that has become a symbol of the city: catsup. This is a tale of Collinsville, Illinois.
The narrative of this Illinois community begins with John Cook, a pioneer hailing from Shepherdstown, Virginia. In 1810, Cook established the first known residence, a humble log cabin, in what was then known as Downing’s Station. His solitary life changed in 1817 with the arrival of the three Collins brothers, who journeyed from the east and acquired Cook’s property. The brothers were soon joined by their parents and sisters, transforming the landscape and initiating a new chapter in the region’s development.
The Collins family, enterprising and resourceful, quickly set about establishing the foundations of a thriving community. They erected a distillery store, an ox-powered grist mill, a sawmill, and workshops for blacksmiths, carpenters, and wagon makers. These essential services attracted more settlers to the area, fostering growth and prompting the need for a formal identity. In 1822, the settlement was briefly christened Unionville, but this name proved short-lived due to a pre-existing Unionville post office elsewhere in Illinois. A new name was needed, and the residents chose to honor the family that had played such a pivotal role in the community’s establishment: Collinsville. The name officially recognized on December 21, 1825, marked a significant milestone in the city’s history.
The formal structure of Collinsville began to take shape in 1837 when the town was platted. It officially became an incorporated village in 1850, with Judge D.D. Collins serving as its first president. Although the Judge and the pioneering Collins family were friends and fellow Presbyterians, historical records indicate no direct kinship between them.
The mid-19th century saw a transformative shift in the economic landscape of Collinsville. In 1857, Peter and Paul Wonderly initiated the city’s coal mining era by sinking the first coal mine. This venture was followed by another mine opened by John Maull and David Williams in 1862. The arrival of Dr. Lumaghi in 1865 added another dimension to the city’s industrial base with the establishment of a zinc works. The first of Lumaghi’s mines opened in 1871. The Lumaghi Coal Co. proved to be a resilient force, its last mine remaining in operation until the spring of 1964.
The influx of miners fueled a period of rapid growth and expansion in Collinsville. As the population swelled, new businesses sprung up to cater to the needs of the burgeoning community. This era of prosperity and civic pride culminated in the construction of a new city hall in 1885. Designed in the elegant Italianate style, this building stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and continues to serve as its center of municipal governance today.
The spirit of community and the importance of the mining industry were further solidified in December 1918 with the opening of the Miners Institute. This building, a cornerstone of downtown Collinsville, served as a hub for social and cultural activities. Now owned by the Collinsville Area Recreational District, it continues to thrive, housing the Miners Theatre, various shops, and other businesses.
By 1922, the coal mining industry had become deeply intertwined with the identity of Collinsville. Approximately 3,000 coal miners and their families constituted nearly a third of the city’s 9,800 residents. Over the next half-century, more mines were opened, along with other industries, including zinc and lead works, a knitting mill, a cowbell factory, and canning plants.
However, the landscape of Collinsville underwent another significant transformation in the mid-20th century. By 1950, most of these industries had closed as the city transitioned into a "bedroom community" of St. Louis, located just nine miles west. This shift reflected a broader trend of suburbanization, as families sought a more peaceful and less hectic lifestyle away from the urban core. The population of Collinsville continued to grow as it became an increasingly attractive residential option for those working in St. Louis.
Today, Collinsville stands as one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the St. Louis metropolitan area. With a population of just over 25,000, the city offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to the amenities of a major metropolitan center. One of the city’s unique draws is its panoramic view of the iconic Gateway Arch and the downtown St. Louis skyline.
Beyond its historical significance and suburban appeal, Collinsville boasts a vibrant downtown main street. This area is characterized by unique shops, inviting eateries, and beautiful architecture, offering a glimpse into the city’s past and present. A self-guided walking tour showcases some of the city’s architectural gems, including the 150-year-old D.D. Collins House, the stately Blum House, and the historic Miner’s Theatre.
No visit to Collinsville is complete without a pilgrimage to the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, a roadside attraction of international renown. Located just south of Main Street, this whimsical structure is a testament to the city’s unique character and its connection to the condiment industry. Collinsville is also home to one of the oldest registered cemeteries in Illinois and a historic Bull Durham sign dating back to 1908, one of only six such signs remaining in the United States.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s heritage, the Collinsville Historical Museum offers a treasure trove of information. Located at 406 West Main Street, the museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, newspapers, journals, photographs, and memorabilia that document Collinsville’s rich and varied history.
While in the area, a visit to the Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must. Located near Collinsville, this is the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico.
Conveniently located just about 10 miles northeast of downtown St. Louis via I-55, Collinsville offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and small-town charm. It is a destination that offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the opportunities of the future.