Welcome to DeSoto
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The Village of DeSoto Board of Trustees welcomes you to our website. We hope that you find it helpful. After you explore the site, please contact us if you have questions or comments.
Located in Jackson County, the Village of DeSoto is a small, Southern Illinois town with an approximate population of 1,407. DeSoto is known for its friendly people and home town atmosphere. We are fortunate to be located in an area that provides many diverse attractions and opportunities within a short driving distance. DeSoto is six miles from Carbondale, Illinois and Southern Illinois University, seven miles from the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro, Illinois, and approximately 16 miles from John A. Logan Community College. Rend Lake, located to the north east, Kinkaid Lake located to the west, Crab Orchard Lake to the south east, and Cedar Creek Lake to the south west surround DeSoto with boating, fishing, camping, and other outdoor recreational activities. Lake Murphysboro, Pyramid, Heron Pond, Giant City, and Fern Cliffe are all Illinois State Parks near us. There are several golf courses within a 20 mile radius of DeSoto. We have two parks for the enjoyment of the people of DeSoto and visitors to our community. The DeSoto Community Park offers facilities for baseball, softball, and large group gatherings. Small group picnic shelters, basketball courts, and a playground are also available. The Senior Citizens’ Park (so named in honor of the many people who have contributed to the betterment of the community) offers a place to relax and visit with friends ½ block from downtown businesses. Our lovely little town is home to a recently completed Veteran’s Memorial site, our K – 8 school, several churches, many clubs and organizations, restaurants, and various other businesses. We invite you to visit us and experience the “home town” atmosphere of DeSoto, Illinois. |
HISTORY
In 1787, the Congress of Confederation passed an ordinance which organized the territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio River. Settlers began to come to the Southern Illinois region from the areas of Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. In 1818, Illinois became the 21st State in the Union.
When the Illinois Central Railroad came through this part of the state, the Village of DeSoto came into existence. The railroads considered the wood yard in DeSoto an important one before the trains began to burn coal. In 1854, the town was surveyed by Claiborn Barrow, surveyor for the county. The survey was requested by the owner of the land, David A. Neal of Salem, Massachusetts. The plat was certified to Mr. Barrow in November 1854 and recorded at the county seat in January 1855. (The name ADeSoto@ was derived from that of the Spanish explorer, Hernando DeSoto) S.S. Hall laid out the first addition to the Village. The post office was established in April of 1855, with Franklin Campbell as postmaster. By the 1880's, coal mining had become a profitable industry in the area. The town grew quickly over the years and has had many businesses; including a flour mill, sawmill, copper mill, newspaper, blacksmith shop, hotels, casket maker, saloons, gas stations, restaurants, and several drug and general merchandise stores.
Through the years, the Village of DeSoto has experienced several disasters. Shortly after the Civil War, a large portion of the Northern section of the town burned. In 1891, a fire did great damage to the southern portion of the town. Perhaps the most devastating to the people of DeSoto was the Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925. Much of the town was destroyed including the two story school building. The casualties of the tornado were numerous, including many children who were attending school at the time. Following each disaster, with a great sense of community, the people of DeSoto have bravely rebuilt their town.
Currently, with a population of approximately 1,590, DeSoto has several churches. The Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church was established in 1855, the Rivers of Living Waters Church formed in 2012, the First Baptist Church organized in 1905, Christ the King Church established in 2010 and the Jubilee Tabernacle began in 1987.
The organizations and clubs of DeSoto include the DeSoto Township Fire Protection District, Lions Club, Parent Teacher Organization, and the DeSoto Little League. Each group strives, both collectively and through their organizations mission, to improve the quality of life for the people of DeSoto.
With the passing of time, DeSoto has largely become a bedroom community. Many of the citizens spend part of their work day in other towns. However, with each generation, the people of DeSoto have continued to expand and improve the Village . . . and to take great pride in the community in which they live.
When the Illinois Central Railroad came through this part of the state, the Village of DeSoto came into existence. The railroads considered the wood yard in DeSoto an important one before the trains began to burn coal. In 1854, the town was surveyed by Claiborn Barrow, surveyor for the county. The survey was requested by the owner of the land, David A. Neal of Salem, Massachusetts. The plat was certified to Mr. Barrow in November 1854 and recorded at the county seat in January 1855. (The name ADeSoto@ was derived from that of the Spanish explorer, Hernando DeSoto) S.S. Hall laid out the first addition to the Village. The post office was established in April of 1855, with Franklin Campbell as postmaster. By the 1880's, coal mining had become a profitable industry in the area. The town grew quickly over the years and has had many businesses; including a flour mill, sawmill, copper mill, newspaper, blacksmith shop, hotels, casket maker, saloons, gas stations, restaurants, and several drug and general merchandise stores.
Through the years, the Village of DeSoto has experienced several disasters. Shortly after the Civil War, a large portion of the Northern section of the town burned. In 1891, a fire did great damage to the southern portion of the town. Perhaps the most devastating to the people of DeSoto was the Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925. Much of the town was destroyed including the two story school building. The casualties of the tornado were numerous, including many children who were attending school at the time. Following each disaster, with a great sense of community, the people of DeSoto have bravely rebuilt their town.
Currently, with a population of approximately 1,590, DeSoto has several churches. The Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church was established in 1855, the Rivers of Living Waters Church formed in 2012, the First Baptist Church organized in 1905, Christ the King Church established in 2010 and the Jubilee Tabernacle began in 1987.
The organizations and clubs of DeSoto include the DeSoto Township Fire Protection District, Lions Club, Parent Teacher Organization, and the DeSoto Little League. Each group strives, both collectively and through their organizations mission, to improve the quality of life for the people of DeSoto.
With the passing of time, DeSoto has largely become a bedroom community. Many of the citizens spend part of their work day in other towns. However, with each generation, the people of DeSoto have continued to expand and improve the Village . . . and to take great pride in the community in which they live.
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PO Box 467 210 West Lincoln Street DeSoto, Illinois 62924 Phone: 618-867-2315 Fax: 618-867-2696 Email: policedesoto@gmail.com |
DeSoto Village Hall Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. |
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