About Edwardsville

The seat of Madison County Government and the home of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, this charming city was first settled in 1805.

Edwardsville, named for Ninian Edwards, the first governor of the Illinois Territory, was established in 1809. Five Illinois governors came from Edwardsville. In addition to Edwards, they were Edward Coles, John Reynolds, Thomas Ford and Charles Deneen.

Visitors and residents enjoy many attractions including the Children's Museum, the Madison County Historical Society, the St. Louis Street Historic District, the LeClaire Historic District, the Col. Benjamin Stephenson House and an abundance of hiking and biking trails.

Edwardsville is located on a popular stretch of historic Old Route 66. Known as The Mother Road, the mythic highway stretches from its starting point in Chicago to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California.

Edwardsville offers a lively downtown area surrounding the county courthouse and many shopping and dining opportunities.

Learn more about Edwardsville's schools.
Link to the Edwardsville City web site.