Visitors Guide to DeSoto
Jackson County, Illinois

When the Illinois Central Railroad came through Southern Illinois, the Village of DeSoto came into existence. In 1854 the town was surveyed and the plat was recorded at the county seat in January of 1855. The railroads considered the wood yard in DeSoto an important one before the trains began to burn coal. By the 1880s, coal mining had become a profitable industry in the area and the town grew quickly. By the 1880s DeSoto 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, another 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. 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.

Today the Village of DeSoto is a small, Southern Illinois town with an approximate population of 1,700. It is known for its friendly people and home town atmosphere and is 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 Murphysboro. Rend Lake to the northeast, Kinkaid Lake to the west, Crab Orchard Lake to the southeast, and Cedar Creek Lake to the southwest 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 DeSoto. The community's DeSoto Daze is only one of the many annual festivals and fairs within easy driving distance in the area.