In this On the Trail adventure, we continue exploring small towns along the Wabash River in Illinois. From railroad history and oil booms to river crossings and old-growth forests, this stretch of southern Illinois is full of quiet stories waiting to be discovered.
Crossville – A Railroad Town Left Between Two Highways
We started this trip in Crossville, a small village of around 750 people. Plotted in 1872, the town’s existence is closely tied to the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, which officially opened on December 9, 1872.
The railroad project had stalled during the Civil War, but in 1867 the Cairo and Vincennes Railway Company was formed, and work resumed in earnest. Though Crossville is not directly on the Wabash River, its life has long been affected by access to it — especially after the closure of the Wabash River bridge in New Harmony.
Life After the Railroad and Bridge Closure
With the railroad abandoned and the bridge closed, Crossville found itself tucked between larger towns. Residents now travel through Carmi or Grayville for most stores and services.
Carmi, in particular, has benefited from that shift and has seen continued commercial growth over the years.
Memorial Park and the Old Rail Bed
Crossville still maintains a beautiful memorial park near where the railroad tracks once ran through town. As you head north on Highway 1, the old rail bed sits quietly to your right.
In our video, you’ll see where we drive under the old rail bridge just outside of town — a quiet reminder of what once connected this small village to the rest of Illinois.
Grayville – River Protection, Railroads, and Oil
The next stop north on Highway 1 is Grayville, founded around 1810 by James Gray, head of the Gray family.
The Queen Anne Home of William W. Gray Sr.
One standout historic home was built in 1885 for William W. Gray, Sr., one of the town’s founders. Designed in the Queen Anne architectural style, it still reflects the pride and craftsmanship of that era.
Why Grayville Thrived on the Wabash River
Grayville’s location along a large oxbow of the Wabash River helped protect travelers navigating up and down the river. That natural bend created a safer area for movement, trade, and settlement.
A historic flood marker from 1913 stands near the riverbank. Nearby, a sign marks the original location of the Wabash House, built in 1830. It was described as a primitive hotel serving travelers who were a “Rough and Ready” lot — hunters, traders, and adventurers making their way through the region.
You can almost imagine the river traffic and stories that passed through here.
Railroads and Oil in the Wabash Basin
By 1872, Grayville became part of the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad network. The original train depot still stands today, though it was closed when we visited.
Later, another rail line crossed the Wabash River just south of town from Griffin as part of the former Illinois Central route.
In 1939, oil was discovered in the Wabash Basin. Workers flooded into the area to drill, and for a time, the city boomed. Like many oil towns, the population began to decline in the 1950s — but Grayville has managed to hold on better than many others.
Why Grayville Still Thrives
Unlike many small Illinois oil towns, Grayville benefits from its proximity to Interstate 64 just south of town. Highway 1 runs directly through it, and Highway 130 meets just north of town, helping keep traffic and opportunity flowing.
Keensburg – A Quick Stop Along the Old Line
Continuing north on Highway 1, we passed through the small community of Keensburg, founded in the mid-1870s and named after the Keen family.
It was another stop along the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad. Today, there’s not much left of the original activity, and we made a quick drive through on our way to our final stop.
Beall Woods State Park – The Forest of the Wabash
Our final stop was Beall Woods State Park.
Portions of the park have been designated a National Natural Landmark known as the Forest of the Wabash. The park was officially established in 1966 after the death of the last member of the Beall family, who had preserved the forest in an untouched state since the early 1800s.
Old-Growth Forest in Southern Illinois
The park offers:
A campground
Approximately 6 miles of hiking trails
Towering old-growth trees over 120 feet tall
Massive trunks exceeding 40 inches in diameter
Walking through these woods feels like stepping back in time — a living reminder of what much of Illinois once looked like before widespread settlement and development.
Watch Our Wabash River Illinois Adventure
If you haven’t seen our full trip video exploring these small towns along the Wabash River in Illinois, you can watch it on our YouTube channel or right here below.
If you enjoy small-town history, backroads travel, and hidden natural gems, be sure to subscribe and follow along as we continue our adventures.
Other places we have Explored Along the Wabash River in Illinois
Abandoned & Forgotten Towns Along the Wabash River – Old Shawneetown & Maunie, Illinois (Part 1)
Have You Explored These Small Illinois River Towns?
Have you visited Crossville, Grayville, Keensburg, or Beall Woods State Park?
What small towns along the Wabash River have you explored — and what stories did you discover along the way?
Drop a comment below and let us know. We love hearing from fellow adventurers.
