About Us

Known as the “Festival Arts City,” Mount Vernon, Illinois, is a thriving community with deep roots and a proud history. As the county seat of Jefferson County and home to 14,600 residents (2020 Census), Mount Vernon blends small-town warmth with opportunities for growth, creativity, and connection.

From its early days as a frontier town to its modern reputation as a regional hub for industry, transportation, and culture, Mount Vernon continues to evolve — always shaped by the spirit of its people.

A Brief History of Mt. Vernon

19th Century Beginnings

Founded in 1817 by Zadok Casey, Mount Vernon quickly became a crossroads for progress in southern Illinois. Named after George Washington’s plantation, the city grew along the historic Vandalia Road, connecting travelers and trade across the region.

In 1848, Mount Vernon became home to the Illinois Supreme Court’s Fifth District, bringing some of the state’s most prominent lawyers — including Abraham Lincoln — to argue cases in the city. The Appellate Court House, constructed in 1854, still stands as a lasting landmark of this era.

The city also endured hardship and resilience. A devastating tornado in 1888 destroyed much of Mount Vernon and took 37 lives. Relief efforts, led by Clara Barton and the American Red Cross, marked one of the first organized disaster responses in U.S. history.

But from tragedy came renewal. By 1889, the Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company opened, employing over 1,000 workers and fueling the city’s industrial growth.

20th and 21st Century Growth

Throughout the 20th century, Mount Vernon’s economy and infrastructure continued to adapt and expand. The car shops evolved into a hub for National Railway Equipment Company (NREC), which today services and rebuilds locomotives for railroads across the globe — a symbol of the city’s enduring innovation.

The arrival of Interstates 57 and 64 further cemented Mount Vernon’s role as a regional transportation center, connecting residents and businesses to opportunities throughout Illinois and beyond.

In 2007, Mount Vernon made history once again by electing Mary Jane Chesley, the city’s first female mayor.

A City Full of Character

Mount Vernon’s story isn’t just one of industry and progress — it’s also filled with the kind of small-town charm that makes our community special.

Decades ago, Veterans Memorial Park was home to the city’s very own zoo, featuring lions, monkeys, and even zebras. Though the zoo closed in the 1950s, its legacy lives on through the Aquatic Zoo, our family-friendly waterpark named in tribute to this beloved local attraction.

The park was also home to the Mount Vernon Kings, a minor league baseball team that played from 1910 to 1954 and competed in leagues that later evolved into today’s Midwest League. The Kings hosted All-Star Games in 1949 and 1951, filling Veterans Park with the excitement of America’s pastime. Today, the park remains a cherished public space for recreation and community events.

Looking Ahead

Today, Mount Vernon stands as a city of progress, pride, and possibility — a place where history is honored, art is celebrated, and the community continues to grow stronger together.

Learn more about Mount Vernon’s history on Wikipedia.