Introduction to West Frankfort, Illinois
West Frankfort, Illinois, in Franklin county, is 75 miles W of Evansville, Indiana and 89 miles SE of St. Louis, Missouri.
West Frankfort History
In 1810, Francis Jordan arrived in this area from Tennessee and constructed a fort on top of a hill where Franklin County is currently situated. This fort was called Frank’s Fort, and Jordan soon constructed other forts in anticipation of the threats posed by Tecumseh’s War. This resulted in the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. An important trading route developed between Kaskaskia and Old Shawneetown, Illinois, and settlers began to be attracted to the region near Frank’s Fort.
West Frankfort and nearby Attractions
- Heritage House Museum
- Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
- Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
- Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
- Shawnee National Forest
Things To Do In West Frankfort
Local museums include the Depot Veteran’s Museum, the Ken Gray Presidential Hall of Fame and the Heritage House Museum. The Ken Gray Presidential Hall of Fame houses information regarding the political life of former Congressman Ken Gray. Local parks include the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, the Shawnee National Forest and the Pyramid State Recreation Area.
West Frankfort Transportation
Williamson County Regional is the nearest major airport.
West Frankfort Higher Education
John A. Logan College, Southern Illinois University, Southeast Missouri State University and Southwestern Illinois College are some of the local colleges and universities.
