About the City of Gillespie
Our History
Gillespie, Illinois, was incorporated in 1853, named after Judge Joseph Gillespie. The town experienced significant growth due to the coal mining industry which attracted many immigrants seeking work.
During the late 1920s it was one of the busiest towns in the county: coal was mined at the Little Dog mine (which closed in 1968) and Superior Mines in Eagerville (No. 1), Sawyerville (No. 2), Mt. Clare (No. 3) and Wilsonville (No. 4).
Great Place to Visit and Relax
