Coles County, Illinois is situated in the eastern part of the state and is home to a population of over 53,000 people. The county seat is Charleston which is also the largest city in Coles County. According to theinternetfaqs.com, the county was established in 1841 and was named after Edward Coles who served as the second governor of Illinois from 1822 to 1826.
The area around Coles County has been inhabited since prehistoric times and there are several archaeological sites in the region which provide evidence of the first human inhabitants. In more recent history, Coles County was an important stop on the Underground Railroad during the 19th century as it provided a safe haven for escaped slaves.
Today, Coles County offers plenty of things to see and do for visitors and locals alike. There are several historic sites such as Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, which is a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s childhood home, and numerous museums including the Coles County Museum which displays artifacts from throughout Coles County’s history. Other attractions in the area include Mattoon Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area, Lake Mattoon Park, and Beall Woods State Park which offer a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and boating.
Coles County has also been home to several notable people throughout its history including Abraham Lincoln who lived here during his early years before becoming president as well as astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom who was born in Mitchellsville (now known as Grissom Air Force Base).
Coles County offers something for everyone whether you’re interested in exploring its rich history or enjoying outdoor adventures.
Climate and weather in Coles County, Illinois
According to ehuacom.com, Coles County, Illinois is situated in the east-central part of the state and enjoys a humid continental climate. The county experiences four distinct seasons with hot and humid summers, cool and wet springs, chilly winters, and mild autumns. The average annual temperature in Coles County is around 52°F (11°C).
During the summer months (May to September) temperatures range from an average high of 86°F (30°C) to a low of 64°F (18°C). The hottest month is July when temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C).
The winter months (November to March) are characterized by cold weather with an average temperature range of 21-34°F (-6 to 1°C). January is usually the coldest month when temperatures can drop below 0°F (-18 °C). Snowfall usually begins in late November or early December and continues through late February or early March. Average annual snowfall amounts vary from 12-24 inches depending on the location within Coles County.
Springtime in Coles County brings milder weather with temperatures ranging from 40-60 °F (4 to 16 °C). Rainfall increases throughout this season as well, which can lead to flooding along some rivers and streams.
Autumn is generally mild with temperatures ranging between 45-70 °F (7 to 21 °C). This season also brings an increase in precipitation with most rainfall occurring during October and November.
Coles County experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year which can make for a pleasant climate for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and more.
Transportation in Coles County, Illinois
Coles County, Illinois is served by a variety of transportation options. The county is well-connected with neighboring cities and communities via a network of highways, railroads, and airports.
The main highways that run through Coles County are Interstate 57 and US Route 45 which provide easy access to several nearby cities such as Mattoon, Charleston, Effingham, and Paris. In addition to these major roads, there are several other state routes that connect the county to other parts of the state.
The county is also served by two railroads: The Norfolk Southern Railway and The Indiana & Ohio Railway. These railroads provide freight services as well as passenger services for Amtrak lines that connect nearby cities such as St. Louis and Chicago.
In addition to roadways and railways, Coles County also has two airports located within its borders: Grissom Air Force Base located in Mitchellsville (now known as Grissom Air Force Base) and Mattoon/Charleston Airport located in Mattoon. Both of these airports offer commercial flights with destinations throughout the country.
In addition to all of these transportation options, there are also several bus companies that serve Coles County including Greyhound Bus Lines which offers service between Chicago and St Louis via Charleston or Decatur with stops in Coles County towns such as Mattoon or Paris.
Coles County provides easy access to a variety of transportation options making it convenient for both residents and visitors alike.
Cities and towns in Coles County, Illinois
Coles County, Illinois is home to a variety of cities and towns that offer a unique mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, the county’s largest city is Mattoon, a vibrant community with a population of over 18,000. Mattoon offers many cultural attractions including the Mattoon Arts Council, the Coles County Historical Society and Museum, and the Lakeland College Art Gallery.
Charleston is another popular city in Coles County with a population of over 8,500. This city has an impressive downtown area with many shops and restaurants as well as several historic sites such as the Old State Capitol Building and the Fox Theatre.
Effingham is another major city in Coles County that is home to around 12,000 people. This city has several attractions such as the Effingham Performance Center which hosts concerts by nationally-known artists throughout the year. It also has an impressive selection of restaurants to choose from.
Other cities in Coles County include Ashmore, Humboldt, Lerna, Oakland, Paris, Toledo, and Westfield. These smaller towns offer a rural atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities such as camping or fishing in nearby lakes or rivers.
In addition to these cities and towns, there are several unincorporated communities located throughout Coles County including Ashmore Station, Bogue Corner, Kincaid Station, Moccasin Station, Pleasant Grove Station, and Stoy Station. These communities are great places to visit for some peace away from busy urban areas.