Gallatin County Historical Society
Established in 1966, we endeavor to promote and preserve the rich history of Gallatin County, Illinois.
The John Marshal Home/Bank Museum located at 434 Main Street, Old Shawneetown, Illinois is owned and operated by the Historical Society.The museum is open May - October on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, 1:00 pm - 4:00, or by appointment.
Historical Society monthly meetings are the 4th Thursday of each month at 5 pm at the Village Hall in Old Shawneetown.
Announcements!
Come visit us during the Old Town Heritage Celebration!
July 3, 4, and 5
We will be open 1p - 4p
Calling all photographers!
Take part in our Photo Contest!
For more information click on the "Photo Contest "link in the Menu above
The John Marshal House/Museum
Gallatin County Villages
Old Shawneetown
This historic village on the Ohio River is located just east of the current county seat, Shawneetown. Early settlement being about 1793, with the town officially laid out and established in 1810. It was a vital port on the Ohio River for trade, salt, and westward migration. It served as a seat of government for the Illinois Territory. The Federal Land office was established there in 1812, prior to statehood in 1818. Due to devastating floods, particularly in 1937, most of the city was moved to higher ground creating "New" Shawneetown, leaving "Old" Shawneetown as an historic site. It is the home of the Historic Shawneetown State Bank and the John Marshall Home/Bank Museum.
Shawneetown
The county seat of Gallatin County, Illinois. The original town being located on the river, was devastated in the flood of 1937, causing most of the town to be relocated a few miles west of the original location. It was the first-ever federal approval for the relocation of an entire town. It is the largest city in the county. A historical mural, painted in 1941 by Earl Ledyard, is located inside the Gallatin County Courthouse in Shawneetown.
Ridgway
Was founded as a railroad camp in 1866. It is named after Thomas S. Ridgeway. It was once known as the Popcorn Capital of the World due to a former popcorn plant there. It continues to celebrate its annual Popcorn Days in September. The primary historical landmark of Ridgway was the St. Joseph's Catholic Church, which was destroyed by an EF-4 tornado in 2012. The St. Kateri Catholic Church was rebuilt on the footprint of the original St. Joseph's church.
Equality
Located in western Gallatin County on the north side of the Saline River. It served as the county seat from 1826-1851. The Great Salt Springs are located southeast of Equality where the saltworks first developed as a large industry in the area. Points of interest include the Crenshaw House.
New Haven
A small village located in the northeastern part of Gallatin County near the Little Wabash River, which forms part of its northern border. It is the site of a Late Woodland Native American village, Duffy Site. It was settled around 1800 by Jonathan Boone, Daniel Boone's older brother.
Omaha
Located in northwestern Gallatin County, it was founded in 1871, it was officially incorporated in 1888. It started as a railroad stop and was named by a railroad worker who had worked in Omaha, Nebraska. It's home to a long-standing local business, Omaha Furniture, established in 1932. It is historically famous for strawberry farming.
Junction
Located near the Ohio and Saline rivers, it was founded in the 1880s at the junction of the L & N and B & O railroads. The post office was established in 1884 and was named Cypress Junction. The name was changed in 1888 to Junction City and shortened to Junction in 1894.