In Part 3 of our On the Trail series, we continue exploring small towns along the Wabash River in Illinois. This southern Illinois road trip takes us to Mount Carmel and St. Francisville — two historic river towns filled with railroad history, Revolutionary War connections, oil booms, and one of the most unique river crossings in Illinois.
Mount Carmel – The Largest Town Along the Wabash River in Illinois
Located at the confluence of the Wabash River and the White River, Mount Carmel, Illinois is the largest Illinois town situated directly along the Wabash River.
Founded in 1815, Mount Carmel developed as an important Wabash River trade town. Steam-powered mills produced flour that was shipped south by flatboat to New Orleans. River trade also included fur, honey, and wild game harvested from the surrounding countryside.
Railroads Made Mount Carmel a Southern Illinois Hub
By the 1850s, the Airline Railroad crossed the Wabash River near Mount Carmel. In the 1870s, the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad passed directly through town, transforming Mount Carmel into a major railroad hub in southern Illinois.
This combination of river traffic and rail access helped the city grow into one of the most important communities along the Illinois side of the Wabash River.
On the left shows where the turn table was and on the right is parts from a steam engine wreak that was found in the woods.
The Grand Rapids Hotel – A Lost Resort on the Wabash River
In the 1920s, The Grand Rapids Hotel (also called The Grand Rapids Resort) became one of the first luxury resorts on the southern portion of the Wabash River in Illinois.
Thanks to railroad access and scenic river views, tourists traveled from across the country to stay there. Unfortunately, after only nine years in operation, the hotel burned to the ground. With the Great Depression underway, it was never rebuilt.
Today, it remains one of the forgotten stories of Mount Carmel’s riverfront history.
Oil Boom & River Industry in Mount Carmel, Illinois
In the 1930s, oil was discovered in the Wabash River Basin, creating another economic surge for Mount Carmel and Wabash County.
We stopped at the Wabash County Museum to learn more about the area’s river and oil history.
The Freshwater Mussel & Pearl Industry on the Wabash River
One of the most fascinating exhibits highlights the freshwater mussel industry along the Wabash River in Illinois. Workers harvested mussels for pearls and used the shells to manufacture buttons that were shipped worldwide. One blue pear was resold to Tiffanys of London and finally was used as a replacement pearl in Queen Alexandra’s necklace. It is the only Wabash pearl said by England to be used in any of the Royal Jewels. Queen Alexandra’s necklace is called the Dagmar necklace, and was a wedding present from her father.
For decades, this river-based industry supported families throughout southern Illinois.
A Hidden Surprise: The Voice of The Lone Ranger
The biggest surprise at the museum was learning that Brace Beemer, the voice of the The Lone Ranger, was from Mount Carmel, Illinois.
The museum basement features original radio equipment, sound-effect tools, and personal artifacts connected to the legendary radio program — an unexpected piece of small-town history along the Wabash River.
More treasures showing everyday life along the Wabash River
We enjoyed the number of items that they had that showed what peoples everyday was like in a rural area of Illinois. It gives you a understanding more about what the people did in the homes and on their farms.
Historic Downtown Mount Carmel, Illinois
Downtown Mount Carmel still shows pride in its historic roots. Like many small towns in southern Illinois, it faces competition from larger shopping centers across the river, but many storefronts remain active and well maintained.
It’s encouraging to see a Wabash River town preserving its downtown character.
St. Francisville – Revolutionary War History Along the Wabash River
Our next stop along the Illinois side of the Wabash River was St. Francisville.
Before it became an established town, this river crossing played a role in the Revolutionary War.
On February 5, 1779, George Rogers Clark began his march toward Fort Sackville in Vincennes. His troops crossed the flooded Wabash River near present-day St. Francisville, Illinois before capturing the fort and strengthening the American foothold in the Northwest Territory.
This small Illinois river town holds deep early American history.
Historic Log Cabin in St. Francisville, Illinois
We visited a preserved log cabin originally constructed around 1876 by Jules Grandclair. It was later donated and reconstructed by the local Women’s Club, preserving a tangible piece of early St. Francisville history along the Wabash River.
The 13th Street Bridge – Railroad Expansion in Southern Illinois
Built in 1909 over the Cairo, Vincennes & Chicago Railway, the 13th Street Bridge reflects the strong railroad presence in St. Francisville. The rail line once connected directly across the Wabash River into Indiana, reinforcing the region’s importance as a transportation corridor.
Wabash Cannonball Bridge – Driving Across a Former Railroad Bridge in Illinois
One of the most unique experiences along the Wabash River in Illinois is the Wabash Cannonball Bridge.
Originally constructed between 1897 and 1924 as a railroad bridge, it later became a one-lane toll bridge for vehicles. The toll booth remains on the Illinois side, and it costs just $2 to cross.
After paying, you drive along what was once the railroad bed before reaching the wooden-deck bridge itself. But before we get to the bridge the town holds another surprise for us.
Surprise along the Wabash Cannonball Bridge: Grave of James Johnston
There is a small memorial near the bridge of Revolutionary War officer named James Johnston who was a lieutenant-colonel who survived the war and lived out his life near the bridge. You stop in the parking area by the welcome sign for St. Francisville. It is a short walk down to where his grave site is today.
What It’s Like to Cross the Wabash Cannonball Bridge
There are no signal lights control traffic because it is only one lane. Before crossing, you must ensure no vehicles are coming from the opposite direction.
The original rails were removed, and heavy timbers were installed for vehicles. As you drive across, your vehicle bounces along the wooden planks — a true backroad adventure along the Illinois-Indiana border.
Despite its remote location between St. Francisville, Illinois and rural Indiana, the bridge sees steady local traffic.
If you plan to visit, bring GPS directions — signage is limited once you cross into Indiana.
Ending Our Wabash River Illinois Road Trip in Vincennes
We wrapped up this southern Illinois road trip by heading north to Vincennes for dinner at Procopio’s Pizza & Pasta — a relaxing end to a day exploring small towns along the Wabash River.
Watch Our Mount Carmel & St. Francisville Wabash River Adventure
If you haven’t seen our full video exploring Mount Carmel, Illinois and St. Francisville along the Wabash River, you can watch it below.
Follow along as we continue exploring small towns along the Wabash River in Illinois and uncovering hidden history across southern Illinois.
Have You Explored These Wabash River Illinois Towns?
Have you visited Mount Carmel or St. Francisville along the Wabash River in Illinois?
Have you ever driven across the Wabash Cannonball Bridge?
Let us know in the comments — we love hearing from fellow small-town explorers.
