Coles County, Illinois
Coles County is located in east-central Illinois, with Charleston serving as the county seat. The county is home to Eastern Illinois University, adding a strong educational presence to the area. Historic Lincoln-Douglas debate sites also attract history enthusiasts interested in the region’s political past.
Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, while education is another major influence. Coles County combines a peaceful rural landscape with a college-town atmosphere, creating a distinctive mix of communities. Lake Charleston also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
The Lincoln Log Cabin is one of the county’s most popular attractions and preserves the home where Abraham Lincoln’s father and stepmother once lived. Around the larger communities, numerous small towns add their own local character and charm to the county.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Coles County |
| County Seat | Charleston |
| Etymology | Named after Edward Coles, the second Governor of Illinois |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Charleston, Mattoon, Oakland, Ashmore, Hutton, Lerna, Humboldt, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 57, U.S. Highway 45, U.S. Highway 20, Illinois Route 16, Illinois Route 130 |
| FIPS Code | 17-029 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 510 square miles (land: 508 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Douglas County (North), Edgar County (Northeast), Clark County (Southeast), Cumberland County (South), Shelby County (Southwest), Moultrie County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.4806° N, 88.2405° W |
| Major Landmarks | Eastern Illinois University, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Lake Charleston, Fox Ridge State Park |
| Population | Approximately 46,000 |
