America , Illinois , mattoon

About Mattoon, Illinois, United States

Mattoon is a city in Coles County, Illinois, United States, located in the east-central region of the state, about 70 miles east of the state capital, Springfield. Located along historic Route 66, the city has a total area of about 26.5 square kilometers and a population of about 18,000 (2020 data).

History and Economic Development

Founded in 1855, the city of Mattoon was named after William Mattoon, a railroad engineer. it emerged in the 19th century as a result of railroad construction, and grew to become a regional transportation and agricultural center. The modern economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare services, and retail, with major employers such as the Sarah Bush Lincoln Medical Center. Agriculture is well developed around the city, with corn and soybean farming being important industries.

Culture and Lifestyle

Marten is known as the "Kangaroo City", after an anecdote about a kangaroo that escaped from a roadshow circus in 1918, and is now celebrated annually with a Kangaroo Festival. The city retains a number of Victorian-style buildings, has the Marton Public Library and a community park system, Lake Land College offers higher education opportunities, and surrounding natural attractions such as the Lincoln Trail Forest Park appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.

Transportation and Location

Mattoon is easily accessible by Interstate 57 and the Illinois Central Railroad, and general aviation is available at the Mattoon Municipal Airport. The Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area is only 40 minutes away, making it easy for residents to enjoy the resources of a college town. Known for its low cost of living and close-knit community atmosphere, the city is an important livable town in eastern Illinois.