In this On the Trail adventure, we decided one cold weekend to travel the backroads of Southern Illinois and explore some of the abandoned and forgotten towns along the Wabash River. We started in Old Shawneetown, Illinois, then worked our way north toward the small river village of Maunie, Illinois.
Sometimes the best trips happen when you simply point the Jeep down an old two-lane highway and see what’s still standing.
Old Shawneetown, Illinois – A River Town Moved by the Flood of 1937
Old Shawneetown sits along the Ohio River near its junction with the Wabash. After the devastating Flood of 1937, much of the town was relocated a few miles inland to what is now New Shawneetown.
But Old Shawneetown never completely disappeared.
Several historic buildings and homes still remain, though many have been removed over the years. Walking the quiet streets today, you can still feel the weight of its early importance in Illinois history.
The Old State Bank of Illinois at Shawneetown (1839–1841)
One of the most impressive surviving structures is the State Bank of Illinois building, constructed between 1839 and 1841 to house the Bank of Illinois at Shawneetown.
The bank suspended operations in 1843, but the building later housed multiple financial institutions from 1854 into the 1930s. During its prime, Shawneetown was a major commercial center — serving as a federal land office and a vital outlet for Illinois’ salt industry.
The building itself is massive. Photos truly do not do justice to its size or craftsmanship.
The exterior alone is impressive, but what really stands out is the detailed woodworking. Large timber joints fitted together with precision and secured with wooden pegs — craftsmanship from a time when wood was freshly milled and would tighten as it dried.
My daughter was fortunate to be one of the few people allowed inside to photograph the building. All interior images we share are from her collection. If you would like to view more of her work or inquire about prints, you can visit MJ Art and Photography.
Lewis and Clark and Early Frontier History
In November 1803, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed near this area seeking salt supplies. At that time, Shawneetown was the only federally chartered town in the region and served as an important frontier outpost.
Another key piece of history here is the Kaskaskia–Shawneetown and Goshen Trail, funded by Congress in 1816. This pioneer route connected the early Illinois capital of Kaskaskia on the Mississippi River to Shawneetown on the Ohio River. It played a significant role in westward expansion through Southern Illinois.
Standing here today, it’s hard to imagine the river traffic, wagon routes, and early settlers who once depended on this town.
A Glimpse of Old Era Americana
Just across the corner from the old bank, at the end of the downtown street, stands an old Texaco station — another reminder of how this once-busy town served travelers from different eras.
Though Shawneetown relocated inland, Old Shawneetown remains a worthwhile stop. There is a campground just outside the historic section, and the area provides convenient access to attractions within the Shawnee National Forest.
A Forgotten Church Along the Backroads
On our way north, we stopped at an old church we had driven past many times but never taken the time to explore.
The first church on this site was a log structure built in 1875. The current building was constructed in 1912 and still stands today as a quiet reminder of the rural communities that once gathered here.
In 1978, the grounds and cemetery were donated to the Asbury Cemetery Association, helping preserve this small but meaningful piece of local history.
Maunie, Illinois – A Village That Time Slowed Down
Driving ahead of a cold front — with the wind picking up and temperatures dropping — we made our way to the village of Maunie along the Wabash River.
Maunie received its first post office in 1893 and was incorporated in 1901. A railroad once ran alongside the town, and the area was supported by nearby underground mining operations. As both industries declined, so did the village.
Today, there is still a working post office, along with remnants of the past — including an old gas station slowly fading with time.
The $59 Jail of Maunie
One of the most interesting finds was a small two-cell jail built in 1901 — the same year the village was incorporated.
The total cost? Just $59.
It’s a simple structure, but it speaks volumes about the needs of even the smallest communities at the turn of the 20th century.
Why We Explore Forgotten River Towns
This is something Cheryl and I truly enjoy — taking the Jeep down older highways and backroads to see what pieces of the past are still standing.
If you slow down and look closely, you’ll find old banks, forgotten churches, tiny jails, and quiet towns that once played important roles in Illinois history.
If you have not done so, take time to video the video that we made on this trip.
Other places we have Explored Along the Wabash River in Illinois
Crossville, Grayville, and Beall Woods State Park along the Wabash River in Illinois part 2
Have you visited Old Shawneetown or Maunie?
Do you know of other abandoned or forgotten towns along the Wabash River?
Leave a comment below — we love hearing from fellow adventurers who enjoy exploring small towns and hidden history as much as we do.
Thank you! This is very interesting to me being so close to Mount Vernon, IN! I very much enjoy both of your posts from time to time. Keep up the great trips😊
Thank you very much. We have more planned just waiting for the snow to clear some more.