The New International Encyclopædia/Charleston (Illinois)

CHARLESTON, chärlz′ton. A city and county-seat of Coles County, Ill., 48 miles west of Terre Haute, Ind., on the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and Saint Louis and the Toledo, Saint Louis and Western railroads (Map: Illinois, D 4). It is the centre of a farming district, and has manufactures of flour, brooms, stoves, and tiles. The city is the seat of the Eastern Illinois Normal School, and possesses a Carnegie free library and parks. Charleston was settled in 1830, incorporated in 1855, and at present is governed under a charter of 1870 which provides for a mayor, elected every two years, and a city council. The water-works are owned and operated by the municipality. One of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates was held here in 1858. Population, in 1890, 4135; in 1900, 5488.