Welcome to Collinsville, a city that embodies everything good about life in Southwestern

Illinois: convenient location, small town cohesiveness, big city amenities, excellent real estate

values; a strong economy, a working Uptown area, quality schools and educational opportunities

including access to numerous colleges and universities, a wide array of recreational and leisure

opportunities, cultural events and homes to support a wide variety of contemporary and

traditional lifestyles. Lifestyle is the heart and soul of a community, the common thread that

binds together what a community offers as a place to live, work, visit and thrive. Our rich

history and cultural diversity create a dynamic and colorful quality of life that is difficult to find

in newer communities.

In fact, Collinsville has a remarkable history of greatness that began more than 1,200 years

ago with the phenomenal rise of the mighty Mississippian Indian community of Cahokia on

land that is now part of Collinsville, including our beautiful bluffs. The city that grew around

Cahokia Mounds became one of the largest and most important cultural centers of our world

by A.D. 1100, attracting people from hundreds of miles around to live and prosper. Today’s

Collinsville has risen in the same location to become another important regional population

and economic center.

We stand proudly as a forward-moving community with vibrant roots that go

back for generations. We have made significant efforts to preserve our homes,

businesses, neighborhoods and traditions. Our residents enjoy a small town

atmosphere filled with diverse neighborhoods and many rich traditions.

We all live within ten Interstate highway miles from downtown St. Louis

and its wealth of employers, cultural attractions and recreational amenities.

I welcome you to explore all that Collinsville has to offer to residents,

businesses and visitors alike. Be sure to stop by Cahokia Mounds, the famous

World Heritage Site in our own back yard. I think you will agree that this

history of greatness is repeating itself in Collinsville today!

John MillerMayor

Table of Contents

Collinsville: 2The Heart of SouthwesternIllinois Living

From the Chamber: 3

History: 4-5Our Colorful Past

Neighborhoods: 6-9A Home for Every Lifestyle

Uptown: 10-11Open for Business and Entertainment

Spotlight: 12-13On Collinsville

Commerce & Industry: 14-17A Boom in CommercialDevelopment

Education: 18-21A Proud Learning Tradition

Tourism: 22-25Visitors Enjoy More in Collinsville

Recreation & Leisure: 26-29Play & Learn in Collinsville

Festivals: 30-31Celebrate With Us

Healthcare: 32-33Easy Access to High Quality Health Services

Getting Involved: 34-35In Collinsville

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT:

The Collinsville Chamber of Commercee-mail: info@discovercollinsville.comor call: 618-344-2884

The City of Collinsville:www.collinsvilleil.org

Uptown:www.discovercollinsville.com

Tourism:uptown.collinsvilleil.org

Residential:visit: www.collinsvillenow.com

CREDITSDesign & ProductionCraig Martin Simon DesignCopywriting & ResearchThe Workman CompanyContributing PhotographersMike Bizelli PhotographyThe Collinsville Herald JournalTerry BellPrintingM.O.W. PrintingSpecial Thanks:Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

© Copyright: July 2013Collinsville Chamber of Commerce 1

Over 300,00 people per year from across the globe visit CahokiaMounds in Collinsville to witness what becamethe largest prehistoriccommunity north ofMexico by A.D. 1200.

Southwestern Illinois has long been known for its superior lifestyle, convenient location and high quality of living. The region has grown dramatically over the past25 years, and Collinsville is no exception. Today there is a spirit of excitement inCollinsville, as new growth, an emerging Uptown business district and a burst of commercial development are adding new dimensions to our long-established community.

What sets Collinsville above our newer neighbors are the many advantages that come with an established community: a wider variety of housing, a more genuinefeel to its neighborhoods and a unique civic identity steeped in history, culture,diversity and tradition. Several well-established regional festivals are held inCollinsville each year which celebrate the rich Italian and German heritage of thecommunity. Competitive schools, rising property values, favorable tax rates, beautifulparks and state-of-the-art recreational amenities round out the more favorable quality of life found in Collinsville.

But most people don’t know that Collinsville is where Southwestern Illinois living all began. From approximately A.D. 800 through A.D. 1400 the Mississippian Indianssettled into the bluffs and bottomlands of what is Collinsville today and grew tobecome a city of 10,000 – 20,000 people. The urban center at Cahokia Mounds wassurrounded by a network of outlying neighborhoods, and the city was connected tothe rest of the country by the great rivers and trails that were the interstate highways of their day. There are many parallels between this former city and the Collinsvilleof today:

• People came from a wide geographic area to visit, live and work;• Commerce flourished here thanks to outstanding transportation links to the area;• Accomplished builders created impressive homes and public areas;• Commercial production of food and other goods intensified here to support

growing populations;• Coal was discovered and eventually mined;• Large regional festivals celebrated cultures, harvests and community;• Sports and recreation thrived;• Significant cultural advances supported the growing communities;• Improvements in healthcare extended lives.

Today more people are learning about Collinsville’s great location, thriving business climate, new housing opportunities and exciting recreational and hospitalityamenities.

Interstates 55, 70, 64, 255 and 270 virtually surround Collinsville, linking it to the rest of metropolitan St. Louis and to the country. St. Louis and its wealth of cultural,entertainment, sports and employment opportunities are just twelve interstate milesaway.

Collinsville naturally attracts people who value convenience and a superior quality of life. Today we stand proudly as a forward-moving community with vibrant rootsthat go back for generations.

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Uptown Collinsville

Italian Fest

Dean’s Liquor - Uptown

Since 1928, the Collinsville Chamber ofCommerce has spearheaded major effortsto enhance the community and increase its attractiveness as an important place to live, play, invest and do business. TheChamber offers opportunities for ourmembers to grow businesses while helpingthe community put its best foot forward.Major activities include:

• Networking lunches• Business After Hours networking

events• Collinsville Progress, working to visibly

improve and beautify the Collinsvillearea through events and awardsprograms

• Marketing publications• Annual events

From The Chamber

• CollinsvilleNOW!, an economicdevelopment initiative co-sponsored withthe City of Collinsville, Collinsville Unit#10 School District, Collinsville AreaRecreation District and Gateway Center.

• Italian Fest• International Horseradish Festival

More than 350 members really believe inthis community, and efforts are paying offevery day. The Collinsville area is nowknown for its progressive attitude, preferredlocation, great real estate market and significant new growth. By investing time,energy and talents into the future ofCollinsville, the Chamber and its membersare moving the community forward with balance and pride.

The largest mound at theCahokia site and the largest man-made earthen mound in the North American continent is Monks Mound. It received itsname from the group of TrappistMonks who lived on one of thenearby mounds. They never livedon the mound but gardened itsfirst terrace and nearby areas inthe early 1800s.

1810The first settler near Collinsville was a squatter, Ephrain Conner.However, from as early as 1779, many settlers would appear in historic accounts. John Cook was listed as one of these settlers. He built a one-room log cabin at East Church and Orient streets.

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Movies on Main

Miner’s Theatre

Historic Home

Location, location, location. What is true today for thriving communities was true for Collinsville from its very beginning. The village sat onthe direct route from the East Coast to St. Louis, making transportation of people and goods a catalyst for its business growth. Bricks, flour,and even cow bells were made at large production facilities in Collinsville, but mining was the king of Collinsville’s early economy.

From the early 1900s until 1964, Collinsville had major mining and smelting operations for coal, lead and zinc deposits. At its heyday in 1921, the city’s mines employed more than 2,000 miners. Most of them brought their hard-earned money to Uptown’s 39 saloons. The historic Miner’s Theatre was built by the coal miners’ union as a multipurpose facility housing musicals, lectures,meetings, plays and other performances. It was later used as a movie house.

Many Uptown businesses, such as Simon Jewelers, Butterfields, John Locus Photography have been in operation for generations.The Collinsville Memorial Public library, churches, schools, Collinsville Historic Museum, Collinsville City Hall, police, fire andtransportation services add to the historic character of Uptown Collinsville.

Today the city is restoring one of Collinsville’s most historic homes, the Greek Revival-style Collins House.This home was moved from its original location and is undergoing a total renovation. When complete, thehome will be furnished to the period of the 1840s and an educational garden of this sameperiod will also be added, situated in a new park at the entrance of Uptown.

People have been calling the Collinsville areahome for over 1200 years. Monks Moundwas the early home of leaders of theMississippian Indians at Cahokia Mounds.Later came settlers’ cabins, then the towncenter and eventually a wide variety of historic and contemporary homes. The area’sresidents have always enjoyed a bounty oflocally grown foods.

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Drawing of Monks Moundfrom 1873 shows the mound’sproximity to farmland and aroadway that was part of theHistoric National Road andwould eventually become USRoute 40.

Historic Uptown Postcard

Historic Main Street - 1930

A.D.1000The front of the famous Birdman Tablet, found during excavations on Monks Mound. The figure of a masked, dancing man holding up a wing is engraved on sandstone.

Cahokia MoundsThe remains of the mostsophisticated prehistoric nativecivilization north of Mexico arepreserved at Cahokia MoundsState Historic Site. CahokiaMounds has been recognized as a U. S. National HistoricLandmark, and in 1982 theUnited Nations Educational,Scientific, and CulturalOrganization designatedCahokia Mounds a WorldHeritage Site for its importanceto our understanding of theprehistory of North America.

According to archaeologicalfinds, the city of Cahokia wasinhabited from about A.D. 700to 1400. After A.D. 1050,Cahokia became a regional center, surrounded byfarmsteads, villages and satellitetowns. At its peak, from A.D.1050 to 1200, the city coveredover six square miles with apopulation of 10,000 - 20,000people. At the time it was oneof the largest cities in the world.

City of MusicFrom its first fiddle band formedin 1884 to its dance bands ofthe 20th century, Collinsville hasbeen making music in parades,ballrooms and festivals throughthe years. The ‘Music Makers’played for dances at the BunkerHill Club in the early 1900s,while the Collinsville Girls’ Drum& Bugle Corps won the 1933-34 National Championship.

But nothing could top Saturdaynights at the Collinsville ParkBallroom. From the 1930s tothe 1960s, people from milesaround would come to danceto the music of popular localand national bands, includingHarry James, Lawrence Welk,Sammy Kaye, Gene Krupa, TexBeneke, Tommy Dorsey, GuyLombardo and Louis Armstrong.

The city’s German and Italianheritage lives on today withpopular ethnic celebrations andmusical traditions.

City with a PastAmerica’s most famous gangster,the notorious Al Capone, wasknown to visit Collinsville. With his main operation headquartered in Chicago, heneeded a southern connection to coordinate his nefariousdeeds. He chose Collinsville, and placed local gangster BusterWortman in charge of all ofCapone’s activities in southernIllinois.

Wortman worked out of hishome atop the bluffs overlookingthe St. Louis skyline.

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Al Capone

ABC Bar, 100 East Main St. - 1911

Kreider’s Band, c. 1919

100 Block of West Main looking eastc. 1905

Accomplished builders have createdimpressive homes in Collinsville since theMississippian Indians introduced pole andthatch structures to the neighborhoods andvillages around Cahokia Mounds. Todaythe community reflects the layout of theCahokia Mounds era, with the town center,close-in neighborhoods and outlying clustersof family homes connected by a network of streets and public areas.

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Collinsville boasts a vibrant diversity of new and established residential areas that offer homes to fit almost every Midwestern lifestyle.Many new homes and condominiums are under construction or recently completed throughout the city, offering a wide range of styles and prices. Collinsville’s market for rehabbing older homes has remained strong in recent years.

Our neighborhoods include long-established tree-lined streets within walking distance of the historic Uptown shopping and cultural district,semi-rural areas with new homes on multiple acres, newer cul-de-sac neighborhoods and established areas of suburban-style homes andstreetscapes.

Beidler Hotel - 1879

Knightsbridge Subdivision

1837May 12 was the day that William Collin’s widow, Elizabeth, along with three others, platted the village that was to become the City of Collinsville.

Homebuyers Get More in Collinsville!

Collinsville has a lower average housing cost compared toneighboring areas in Southwestern Illinois, including manyof the suburbs on the Missouri side of the St. Louis area.Property values have remained strong and are generallyrising at rates comparable to our surrounding areas. Withup to 3,000 new homes and hundreds of rehabbed homesexpected to hit the Collinsville market over the next 20years, this trend in property value appreciation shouldcontinue steadily. Buyers get more for their money in aCollinsville home.

Rehab Market Thriving

Rehabilitating existing homes has remained popular throughoutthe community in recent years, particularly in well-establishedareas near Uptown. A number of rehabbers invest inproblematic properties and revitalize them into beautifullyrestored homes. To encourage this trend, the City has zoningordinances to make the area more developer-friendly.

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It is estimated that 10,000 – 20,000Mississippian Indians lived in the CahokiaMounds area during its heyday. More than120 mounds were built on over 4,000acres, and the higher the mound meantthe higher the rank of its residents.

Historic Home - Uptown

West Country Lane Subdivision

Anderson AcresThis neighborhood is a mixtureof new and established homeson larger, wooded lotsthroughout the hilly area near thebluffs of Collinsville.

Sugarloaf This semi-rural hilltop area features multiple-acre lots andlarge homes interspersed amongfarmlands and narrow countryroads.

CollinwoodThis quiet, establishedneighborhood of ranch homes islocated near Woodland Park, oneof Collinsville’s premier public recreational areas.

North EndLocated adjacent to WoodlandPark, this hilly and wooded areafeatures a mix of new and olderhouses and apartments, as wellas an area of exclusive homesbuilt around a private lake.

CamelotA combination of upscale andmiddle income homes, thisneighborhood boasts a middleschool and a park, and is locatednear a variety of retail and otherservice businesses.

KnightsbridgeNew executive homes can be found in this upscale neighborhood overlooking alarge lake.

Uptown This established area of wide,tree-lined streets and sidewalks is ideal for the homeownerdesiring a more urbanenvironment for walking to thestores, restaurants, services, publiclibrary, art galleries and museumsof nearby and historic UptownCollinsville. The middle classhomes in this convenient areafeature well-maintained yardsand pleasant streetscapes, withclose-knit neighbors of all agesand backgrounds. Many homeshave historic value, and manyhave been restored.

1825Built on land purchased from John Cook, TheCollins homestead was one of the first framehouses built in Illinois and was the center of a happy domestic life for the Collins’ family.

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Keller-McClaskey HomeKnightsbridge Subdivision

BluffsMany homes take advantage ofCollinsville’s beautiful bluff viewsto the west of pastoral farmlandand the downtown St. Louis skyline.

Vandalia StreetThis picturesque neighborhoodof historic Victorian homes iswell-suited for the homeownerwith an interest in preserving and living amidst history. Built inthe 1800s for the city’s earlymerchants and mining companyexecutives, today these homesare a well-preserved part ofCollinsville’s colorful history.

West Country LaneThis area features many newer custom-built homes with unique interior finishes and contemporary architecturaldesigns. This neighborhood isnear the new Pleasant Ridge Park recently opened by theCollinsville Area RecreationDistrict.

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Westview Condominiums

Historic Uptown Collinsville: The original business district of Collinsville (called Uptown) is in the midst of an exciting redevelopment effort that is creating new shops, restaurants, businesses and entertainment venues. Recent improvements to the streetscape, new banners, new businesses, newevents and a bold redevelopment plan are invigorating the district. Business owners have reinvested millions of dollars into their buildings,even renovated vacant spaces for an entirely new business – many utilizing the Uptown Façade Improvement and Building Renovationgrant program. Efforts such as creating urban parks, adding signage, and installing benches and bike racks have all helped make Uptownpedestrian friendly.

Doctors, dentists, banks, lawyers, accountants and other professionals all have offices in Uptown. The Uptown district is home toCollinsville’s City Hall, police station, fire station, public library, post office, a new city museum, historic theater, art galleries, schools, professional offices, retail establishments, restaurants, churches and other communityorganizations.

Mutts on MainA new dog park offering aplace for both people andpets to socialize and exercise.

Movies on MainThis free outdoor movieseries features today’s blockbusters and familyfavorites, every other Saturday night in the summermonths.

Christmas in CollinsvilleA week of special businessopen houses, holiday lightdisplays, a holiday house tourand social events held eachDecember.

The D.D. Collins HouseThis 1845 Greek Revivalhome was the home ofDaniel Dove Collins, thefirst President of the Cityof Collinsville. The home isbeing restored to becomeCollinsville’s first housemuseum.

The Collinsville Historical MuseumA modern building housing anexpanding collection of earlysettlement, military, domestic,sports, business, schools andcoal mining artifacts as well asspecial exhibits.

The Blum HouseThis turn of the centuryhome was the home of the J. Henry Blum family whooperated the Blum BellFactory which manufacturedthe only stock bells inAmerica from 1879-1955 and was only one of three in the world.

Historic Miner’s TheatreThe Miner’s Theatre was builtin 1918 by the local miningunions as a “home away from home” for meetings,entertainment, dances, relaxation and a place to bring their families. The theatrewas placed in the NationalRegister of Historic Places in1985. Currently owned by the non-profit Miner’s InstituteFoundation, the theatre isbeing rehabilitated.

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Collinsville residents now enjoy Uptown’s many entertainment and cultural amenities. There is more to do every day, including:

Historic D.D. Collins House

“Mutts on Main” Dog Park The Blum House

Miner’s Theatre

1917The limestone cornerstone, located at the entrance to the stairwell in the Miner’s Institute, reads “Erected by Local Miners Union’s No. 685-264-848 U.M.W. of A. Laid by President Frank Farrington, October 12, 1917.”

The Bull Durham “Ghost Sign”When the Leo Hiken FurnitureStore was demolished in the1970s, the west wall of the111 E. Main building wasexposed revealing a 70-year-oldsign. The brick wall signadvertises Bull DurhamTobacco and is believed tohave been painted before1908. Brick wall advertisingbecame popular around 1900and remained so until the1950s.

Dr. Charles R. Oatman HomeThis Carpenter Gothi c Reviva lhome was built for the familyof Dr. Charles Oatman, fourthmayor of Collinsville. Dr.Oatman was also a drummerboy during the Civil War forSherman. The home nowoperates as The OatmanHouse Tea Room, a charmingspot for breakfast and lunch.

Fall FestivalA day filled with candy, chiliand fun. The festival is a familyevent that includes Trick orTreating at Main Streetmerchants, a Chili Cook-Off,and Pet and Children’sCostume Contests.

The Cahokian villagers regularly kept their hutsand structures in pristine condition so that theentire community would prosper and the villagewould survive harsh weather conditions. Today,Collinsville’s Uptown and surrounding districtsare also being renovated and improved.

Uptown Collinsville features a wide range of restaurants, taverns,live music, retail stores, pharmacies,salons, fitness facilities, churchesand schools. The Uptown MasterPlan approved by the City in 2008is guiding the area’s redevelopmentwith a sensitivity to preserving thehistoric character of the area while creating compatible newdevelopment opportunities in three distinct sub-districts:

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The Garden DistrictThis area is primarily a lush-landscaped residential areathat encourages upgradedhousing stock and serves asan arrival point for Uptown.

The Central BusinessDistrict This hub is thetraditional historiccommercial area, with plansthat focus on mixed-useredevelopment.

The Market DistrictThe district has the greatestvisibility, the most parkingareas and plans for newanchor retail tenants.

The Cahokia community thrivedwith family activities, markets, andcontinual development building their huts and temples.

Collinsville Memorial Public Library

“Ghost Sign”

Oatman House Restaurant

MCT Transit Station

The Flower Basket

Facts and Figures

Timeline: City platted in 1837City became Village in 1850City was incorporated in 1872

Population: 25,250

Location: The City of Collinsville is in Madisonand St. Clair Counties in the Southwestregion of Illinois.

Population Hub: Downtown St. Louis, Missouri is10 minutes on the interstate fromCollinsville.

Major Highways: Collinsville is served by Highways 157and 159 and Interstates 55, 70, 255, 270and 64. The Historic National Road(Highway 40) goes right through townwhile Route 66 from 1957-62 wentthrough the center of the city.

Government: Mayor/Council with City Manager

Transportation: Public transportation provided byMadison County Transit and theBi-State Development Agency witha newly constructed MCT Transferstation.

Light Rail: Two MetroLink Stations located10 minutes from Collinsville providelight rail service. Riders can go fromScott Air Force Base in Illinois toLambert-St. Louis International Airportin St. Louis County.

Airports: Lambert St. Louis International Airportis 30 minutes away. St. Louis RegionalAirport in Bethalto is 15 minutes away.Mid-America St. Louis Airport inMascoutah is 30 minutes away andSt. Louis Downtown Parks Airport is15 minutes away.

What Realtors Say About Collinsville

A recent series of focus group sessions conducted by CollinsvilleNOW involving realtors working in Madison County revealed these insights about Collinsville:

What are Collinsville’s strongest attributes?• Location• Small town feeling• More value and home for the money than

most other communities

What do you tell your clients about Collinsville?• Quality of life is good…a nice place to raise a family• Schools have countless success stories• The parks, library and recreational/leisure amenities

are good

Compare Collinsville to nearby communities.• None have as much history as Collinsville• Collinsville is more diverse than the newer

communities• There is more variety of parochial schools in

Collinsville• Uptown is a major asset for Collinsville that newer

communities don’t have

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The poles depicted in this paintingwere part of Woodhenge, a seriesof circular sun calendars used byCahokia Mounds residents todetermine changing seasons andceremonial dates.

Facilities and Services

Community (available within 10 miles):Motels/Hotels 15 Protestant Churches 28Number of Rooms 1,360 Catholic Churches 1Restaurants 60 Public Access to Lake/River YesLargest Banquet Room 1,170 Country Clubs 3Public Golf Courses 4 Health Clubs 5Public Tennis Courts 14 Public Swimming Pools 1

Utilities - Water:Water Supplier MunicipalWater Source WellStorage Capacity 2,000,000 (gallons)Treatment Capacity 5,000,000 (gallons)Average Daily Demand 2,800,000 (gallons)Peak Daily Demand 4,000,000 (gallons)Excess Capacity 1,000,000 (gallons)

Utilities - Waste Water Treatment:Sewage Treatment TertiaryProcess BiologicalTreatment Capacity 5,850,000 (gallons)Present Load 3,600,000 (gallons)Excess Capacity 800,000 (gallons)

Utilities - Natural Gas, Electricity & Telecommunications:Gas Supplier(s) Ameren/IPElectric Supplier(s) SW Electric and Ameren/IPLocal Telephone Supplier Charter and AT&TDigital Switching YesFiber Optics Yes

Travel Time: Highway Days by Rail Days by TruckAtlanta 541 2 2Chicago 278 1 1Cleveland 529 2 2Dallas 630 2 2Denver 857 2 3Detroit 533 1 2Kansas City 257 1 1Los Angeles 1,845 4 5Memphis 285 1 1Minneapolis 552 2 2New Orleans 673 2 2New York 940 2 3Seattle 2,081 4 5

TODAYCollinsville sits at the crossroads of three interstate highway interchanges and is 12 minutes from downtown St. Louis.

The Cahokia Mounds area was the ceremonial center of a wider population of Mississippian Indians in the region. It isestimated that 30,000 – 40,000 Indianslived in areas known today as Collinsville,East St. Louis and St. Louis.

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Widespread new commercial development in recent years has diversified Collinsville’seconomy and tax base, and put Collinsville among the fastest growing communities in theSouthwestern Illinois area. Collinsville ranks among the top communities in Madison andSt. Clair counties in population, commercial and residential growth, and in investments inthe public and private sectors. Collinsville’s Comprehensive Plan for growth has the goal of improving the community while protecting property values and quality of life.

The City’s desirable location in the heart of Southwestern Illinois and adjacent to fiveInterstate highways continue to attract a steady stream of new service, retail, logistics and entertainment businesses. Major employers in Collinsville include Illinois Departmentof Transportation, Illinois State Police, Fairmont Park Racetrack, Collinsville Unit #10School District, Collinsville Crossing Shopping Center, Carter-Waters, Gateway Center,and Ameren IP. The Collinsville Area Recreation District provides full-time, part-time and seasonal employment.

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Gateway Center - Eastport Plaza

Village Locksmith - Uptown

The Fifth Quarter Bar & Grill -Uptown

London Shoe Shop - Uptown

1891Chartered in 1891, the State Bankwas the first publicly owned andstate operated local bank

Today’s Collinsville offers a wide range ofretail stores and services for its residents’needs.

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Trinkets, pottery, animal peltsand other items served as asort of currency and trade forthese ancient peoples, amongthemselves, other tribes andexplorers.

Schnucks Market - Beltline Business District

Farmer’s Market - Uptown

Collinsville is experiencing major growth in its retail, convention, hospitality, entertainment, recreation and logistics industries, while consumer service businesses have grown to keep pace with the city’s population growth. The city’s office and retail vacancy rates havesteadily declined to their lowest levels in several years as more companies move into the area. The top commercial development areasin the city include:

Collinsville CrossingA $78 million retaildevelopment opened in2007 and is the largest in theCity’s history. It is anchoredby Wal Mart and HomeDepot stores. Thisdevelopment has beennearly 100 percent leasedsince its opening.

The DoubleTree HotelRenovation in the growingEastport Plaza area hascreated a luxury lodgingand gourmet restaurantdestination for locals andvisitors alike.

Eastport PlazaThe home of numeroushotels, restaurants, Splash CityFamily Waterpark, officebuildings, warehouse anddistribution facilities and theexpanding Gateway Centerconvention facilities. Thenewest tenant additions areAmeren IP, Homefield Energyand McCarthy BuildingCompanies.

Gateway CenterThe convention center hasgrown to 50,000 square-feetof top quality, full-servicefacilities for business meetings,conventions, trade shows,receptions and other groupevents after completing itsmost recent expansion in2006.

Horseshoe Lake RoadThis fast-growing area of newwarehousing and logistics-based businesses is locatednear Collinsville’s convenientaccess to three Interstatehighways. Frost Electric is thenewest addition to this areaadjacent to Interstates 70 and255.

The NortheastBusiness DistrictThis district if now home toKohl’s Department Store, therenovated OrchardsShopping Center, CVSPharmacy, the redevelopedJack Schmitt Ford-Lincoln, andthe new Swing City Music.

1923On July 13, at the request of a communitygroup, city officials approved an ordinanceproviding a $1.8 million tax for operating a library.

Rural KingThe newest addition islocated in the City’s southernretail area.

Uptown CollinsvilleThe uptown area isexperiencing rapid growth in restaurant, retail andentertainment developments.The recently expanded IllinoisRoute 159 now passesthrough the area, bringingwith it new opportunities forcommercial developments.

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Jack Schmidt Ford-Lincoln -Northeast Business District Shopping District at Collinsville Crossing DoubleTree Hotel - Eastport Plaza

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MCT Transit Station

Eastport Corporate Center - Eastport Plaza

Collinsville is well-served by a full range of high quality public, parochial andvocational educational opportunities available from pre-school through highschool. In addition, several nearby colleges and universities offer a full range of associate, bachelor and masters degree programs.

The Collinsville Unit #10 School District is committed to world-classexcellence through a culture of collaboration and achievement. It serves a diverse student body through effective implementation of vocational, college prep, advanced placement, accelerated and honors courses, alongwith special reading programs. Curriculum is aligned with today’s careerpaths and successful academic outcomes.

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Collinsville High School’s “purple pride”

Dorris Intermediate School STEMScience Project

Dorris Intermediate SchoolSTEM Computer Lab

Dorris Intermediate SchoolSTEM Project

1908Collinsville Township High Schoolopened in October housing 250 students at a cost of $50,000.

The Cahokia Mounds Interpretive Center provides a wealth of information about thisincredible civilization. It is a favorite of schoolsfor field trips and even local residents enjoyregular trips to view special exhibits andperformances.

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Collinsville High School Graduation

Collinsville Middle School

Dorris Intermediate SchoolSTEM Computer Class

Woodhenge is a recreation of one of the fire circular sun calendars used by Mississippians. It is an impressiveexample of ancient science and engineering.

The District has receivednational recognition on multipleoccasions in recent years. It isone of only eight districtsnationwide selected toparticipate in ‘Closing The Gap,’ a program funded by the Bill andMelinda Gates Foundation whichprovides up-to-date informationon current student informationsystems and learningmanagement software packages.Renfro Elementary School hasrecently been named a NationalSchool of Character by theCharacter Education Partnershipin recognition of Renfro’soutstanding student characterdevelopment. Collinsville HighSchool was awarded the 2011

National Gold Council ofExcellence Award from theNational Gold Council of Excellence for its exemplary record of leadership, service and activitiesthat serve to improve schoolsand communities.

The Collinsville Area VocationalCenter at Collinsville HighSchool collaborates with otherarea school districts to providecurriculum in 13 vocationalpathways for hundreds of students each year. More than 25 courses are offered on a dual-credit basis withSouthwestern Illinois College,providing up to 98 college credithours that are transferable toother area community colleges.Engineering is the newestprogram being offered at theCenter. It is now possible tograduate from Collinsville HighSchool and Southwestern IllinoisCollege simultaneously.

In addition, Collinsville schools offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities,including an ambitious sportsprogram. Collinsville sportsteams have won statechampionships in basketball,baseball and soccer, while thehigh school music and band programs have earned regional acclaim.

An average of 80 percent of Collinsville High School graduates go on to higher education experiences rangingfrom Ivy League colleges andstate universities to communitycolleges. There are countlessstories of successful Collinsvillegraduates in the world of business, sports and medicine.Many graduates choose toremain in the Collinsville area to fulfill their careers.

1872According to unofficial records, Collinsville Township has the distinction of having had the first organized school in Madison County. Collinsville Public School was erected in 1872.

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In 2007, the District completeda $60 million building programof renovations and expansionsat its schools, including theconstruction of a new middleschool and a Fine Arts Centerthat includes a 600-seatauditorium at the high school.These schools boast state-of-the-art facilities andaccomplished, dedicated faculty.The District is accredited bythe Illinois State Board ofEducation and the NorthCentral Association of Collegesand Secondary Schools.

Parochial and Private SchoolsCollinsville also has the highestnumber of parochial schools ofany community in southwestIllinois. Residents have accesshigh quality Catholic, Lutheranand Christian educational choices. There are also severalexcellent independent schools toserve residents seeking a private education.

Higher EducationNumerous higher educationoptions are located nearCollinsville, including SouthernIllinois University Edwardsville,Lindenwood University BellevilleCampus, McKendree University,Southwestern Illinois College,Parks College, WashingtonUniversity and St. LouisUniversity.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Dorris Intermediate School

Collinsville Middle School

Collinsville High School

PRIVATE SCHOOLS:

Good Sheperd Lutheran School

Holy Cross Lutheran School

Collinsville Christian Academy

St. John’s Neumann Catholic School

Father McGivney CatholicHigh School

SS Peter & Paul Catholic School

Legacy Christian School

COMMUNITY COLLEGE:

Southwestern Illinois College

UNIVERSITIES:

McKendree University

SIU-Edwardsville

Lindenwood University

ACCREDITATION: Illinois State Board of Education

North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools

EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

Collinsville MemorialPublic LibraryThe community library offersmany learning opportunities forpeople of all ages. The libraryfeatures public accesscomputers, children’s events,reading rooms, specialeducational facilities, bookclubs, speakers and manylearning programs hostedthrough the Collinsville Library.Also on the library grounds isthe historic Blum House, whichhas been renovated toaccommodate private partiesand special events as aservice through the libraryincluding children’s events,reading rooms, specialeducational facilities, book clubs,speakers and many learningprograms.

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Special Exhibit Displays

Permanent Exhibit Panel

Full Size Village Display

Climbing the Mounds

Woodhenge Fall Equinox

1949Cahokia Mounds was an early park for visitors to enjoy the historic site. A small gift shop withdisplay cases showcased artifacts.

When it comes to cultural enlightenment or just plain fun entertainment, thereare many reasons to visit Collinsville. We have significant historical sites, amazing cultural facilities, great entertainment venues and high quality meeting and overnightaccommodations.

Cahokia Mounds A United Nations World Heritage Site since 1982, Cahokia Mounds State HistoricSite is the largest archaeological site in America and is the home of Monks Mound,the largest prehistoric earthen construction in the western hemisphere.

The 100-foot-tall, four-tiered platform of Monks Mound was built in stages over a period of 300 years. Its base covers more than 14 acres and contains about 22 million cubic feet of earth. At one time, the Indians’ principal ruler lived, conducted ceremonies and governed the city below from the top of the massivemound.

Many one-of-a-kind jewelry items, as well as educational books, tapes, games, souvenir items and replicas of objects found during archeological digs, are featured in the gift shop located in the Interpretive Center.

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The Interpretive Center atCahokia Mounds serves as manyas 350,000 visitors yearly from all fifty states and over eighty foreign countries. This world-classfacility offers an extensive array ofeducational exhibits and tours fortravelers, scholars and students. It is one of many points of interestfor visitors in Collinsville today.

Aerial View of Mounds

Museum Gift Shop

Gateway Fun ParkThis park has something foreveryone, from go-karts tominiature golf to bumper boatsand much, much more!

The World’s Largest CatsupBottleAn excellent example ofraodside art, it stands proudlynext to Route 159, just south ofUptown Collinsville. This unique170-foot tall water tower wasbuilt in 1949 by the W.E.Caldwell Company for the G.S.Suppiger catsup bottling plant -bottlers of Brooks original rich& tangy catsup. In 2002, it wasnamed to the National Registerof Historic Places.

Willoughby Heritage Farmand Conservation Reserve This is more than just a publicpark. It's a history lesson aboutAmerican family farms from the 1920s to the 1950s, a garden tour, a museum of agriculture tools and machines, a three mile hiking trail, a classroom, a playground and anature preserve. The farm gateis open daily, year-round, andadmission is free. Be sure towatch for information on classesfor children and adults, and special events for all ages. Learnabout Willoughby Farm at:www.CollinsvilleRec.com/Farm.html.

City of Collinsville Uptown Walking Tour Visitors can enjoy is a self-guided walking tour of uptownavailable at City Hall.Throughout Uptown, there arefive buildings on the nationalregistry as well as many eligiblesites. The Brooks Catsup Bottle,Miner’s Institute, DD CollinsHouse, Masonic Temple and CityHall are all included in this touras well as the library, many ghostmurals, and other locallysignificant sites.

1949The most significant and famous landmark is commonlyreferred to simply as “the Catsup Bottle.” The 70-foottower was built by the Suppiger Co. In 2002, it was namedto the National Register of Historic Places.

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Gateway Fun Park Willoughby Heritage Farm & Conservation Reserve

The Catsup Bottle

Fairmont Park

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Splash City Family Waterpark 5th Quarter entertainment Collinsville Historical Museum

The Collinsville area is well served with an exceptional variety of parks and recreational facilities to meet the leisure needs of its residents and visitors alike.

The Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD). As an Illinois park district, CARD's mission is to provide recreation facilities and programs for area residents. District facilities include Woodland Park, Glidden Park, Schnuck Memorial Park, Pleasant Ridge Park,CARD Activity Center, Splash City Family Waterpark, Arlington Greens Golf Course, Willoughby Heritage Farm and ConservationReserve, and Jaycee Sports Complex. These facilities allow CARD to offer a variety of programs, classes and special events for all ages and abilities. Everyone, regardless of residency, is welcome at every CARD facility and to participate in every CARD program. Visit www.CollinsvilleRec.com.

Gateway CenterSouthwestern Illinois’ premiermeeting and conventiondestination, offers a multi-purpose facility with more than50,000 square feet of space forlarge or small meetings,conventions, trade shows,weddings and special events.Gateway Center has hostedthousands of events since itsopening in 1990, which attractsmillions of visitors to SouthwestIllinois.

Fairmount ParkTry your luck at Illinois’ onlydownstate horse-racing track,with live thoroughbred racingfrom April through Octoberand simulcast racing year-round.Dine in the Black StallionRestaurant, Top of the Turf orthe First Turn Café.

Collinsville Historical MuseumThis museum features displays,special speakers and eventsthroughout the year highlightingthe many facets of our local history, tradition, economy anddevelopment. Housed in a new building, there are manydisplays that proudly give a window into the past ofCollinsville’s first families, community establishment, historic industries, and otheraspects of a past well-remembered by many localresidents.

Horseshoe Lake State ParkThe park is an excellent placefor fishing, camping, picnickingand bird watching. It has beensaid that virtually all species ofbirds that have been spotted inIllinois have been seen at onetime or another at the Park. A four-mile self guided naturetrail on Walker Island has fivewatch areas for birding at thedifferent habitats that can befound on the island.

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The Flow Rider at Splash City Family Waterpark

Woodland Park Entrance

1925Churchill Downs investors started construction on Fairmount Park. It would open in 1925 and held its first Fairmount Derby in 1927.

Chunkey was a game enjoyed by the MississipianCahokia culture. It was played by rolling disc-shaped stones across the ground and throwingspears at them in an attempt to place the spearas close to the stopped stone as possible. Today’sCollinsville offers a variety of outdoor recreationopportunities, including horse racing completewith wagering.

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The Grand Plaza in front ofMonks Mound served as a fieldfor games, such as Chunkey andother community gatherings.

Playground at Woodland Park

Bumper Boats at Gateway Fun Park

Friday’s South Outdoor Patio - Uptown

Arlington Greens Golf CourseThis 18-hole public golf courseattracts beginners and expertsfrom across the region. Thepar 72 course includes anall-weather and grass drivingrange, putting and chippinggreens, club house, pro shop andbanquet room. Arlington Greensis open seven days a week. Visitwww.ArlingtonGreens.com.

CMT-YMCA The YMCA offers a wide arrayof exercise facilities, including anindoor swimming pool andviewing area, gymnasium, fitnesscenter with state-of-the-artcardio, free weight and weighttraining equipment, aerobicsstudio, child care center andoutdoor walking/bike trail andpavilion.

Glidden ParkSitting on 30 acres, Gliddenincludes an in-line hockey rinkand tennis courts. The park also has a soccer field and a basketball court. Sled Hill a family favorite on days withmore than two inches of snow.Glidden Park’s most unique feature is a dirt race track forremote controlled cars andtrucks.

Historic Miner’ s TheatreLocated in the heart of UptownCollinsville, this theater building isa local landmark and is listed onthe National Register of HistoricPlaces. Built in 1917, it hasundergone several updates andtoday is home to special events.

Jaycee Sports ComplexThe Collinsville Jaycee SportsComplex is home to 12 ballfields (six are lighted). The 17acre park also holds a footballfield, five non-lighted soccerfields, and one lighted soccerfield.

Morris Hills ParkCollinsville’s southern most parkarea is home to one halfbasketball court, playgroundequipment, and a picnic area.The 1.4 acre park is tuckedaway in a beautiful secludedarea.

Pleasant Ridge Park The concept behind the park'sdevelopment was to create a place for traditional andunstructured play. Open space is available for those who wantto set up a baseball diamond ora kickball field, and a playgroundand pavilion are for ready-use.The park includes a large pavilion, playground equipment,horseshoe pits, andwalking/bicycle trail.

Schnuck Memorial ParkA gorgeous place to visit with 9.75 acres of land, andplayground equipment. SchnuckMemorial Park also includes asmall fishing pond with a fishingpier and a wooden gazebo onits shore.

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Circa 1880Originally known as Becker’s Grove, CollinsvillePark (and Ballroom) was owned by John Becker,Collinsville’s first mayor. It was host togenerations of nationally renown entertainers.

Splash City Family Waterpark Arlington Greens Golf Course

Schoolhouse TrailThis trail is a biking, hiking, joggingand skating trail that connects to85 miles of bike trails throughoutMadison County operated byMCT Trails.

Splash City Family WaterparkCollinsville’s waterpark is locatedin Eastport Plaza, offers surfing,swimming, and sliding. This waterpark has something for everyone:Crystal Creek lazy river, Oasis lappool, Tadpole zero-entry babypool, FlowRider surf simulator forsurfing and bodyboarding, sevenwater slides, fitness classes, swimlessons, birthday parties, and special events. Visit www.SplashCity.com.

Turn 2This state-of-the-art baseballand softball training facility isunlike any other in the St. Louismetropolitan region. Turn 2offers individualized instructionwith five instructional cages.

Woodland ParkThe park is home to four ballfields: Arthur Fletcher Field,Jaycee Softball Field, Fletcher Jr.Field, and Tomahawk Field.Woodland Park also features five playground and pavilion sites:Jaycees, Optimist Club, RotaryClub, Lions Club, and Lakesidepavilions are available to rent.“Woodland Chains” is a 18 holedisk golf course, golfers throwdisks or frisbeens into a basketstrving to aquire the lowestscore. Woodland’s lake is hometo numerous ducks, geese andfish.

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Historic Miner’s Theatre

Schoolhouse Trail

Italian FestMore than 150,000 peoplecome to Uptown Collinsvilleeach fall to celebrate the community’s Italian heritage.This weekend-long social eventfeatures live music on multiplestages, lots of Italian food anddrink, grape stomp, bocce balltournament, moonlight bikeride, children’s area, 5Krun/walk, a parade and manyother activities.

International Horseradish FestivalMost of the world’s supply ofhorseradish is grown in andaround Collinsville, thanks to thefertile soil found in the area’sMississippi River bottomlands.German immigrants begangrowing horseradish here in the1800s, and today there areseveral large farms that continuethis tasty tradition.

Since 1988, the InternationalHorseradish Festival hascelebrated this multi-faceted andvastly under-utilized spicy member of the mustard family.People from around theMidwest and the country come

to Woodland Park for fun, entertainment, and great foodand drink – and particularly totaste the horseradish. TheInternational HorseradishFestival features freeentertainment, food booths, roottoss, root sacking contest, craftfair, Bloody Mary contest,horseradish cooking contest, theLittle Miss Horseradish pageant,many activities for children, gamebooths, and, of course, theAnnual Root Derby!

Movies on MainAirdome was an outdoor movie theater at 100 W. MainStreet in the early 1900s. Todayresidents and visitors can enjoyfree family-friendly outdoormovies on selected summerevenings in the City lot at thecorner of Main and Seminarystreets. Relive the past inUptown Collinsville.

Catsup Bottle FestivalHeld every year in July on thegrounds of The CollinsvilleAmerican Legion, this Festivalcelebrates the World’s LargestCatsup Bottle.

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Festivals and celebrations are a big part of life in Collinsville. We celebrate the things that helped build our community: agriculture,food, ethnic heritage and our historic Uptown area. Our festivals have received regional and national media attention, and the crowdsget bigger every year.

Italian Fest Parade

Italian Fest Street Vendors

Catsup Bottle Festival “Sir Catsup”

Italian Fest

1983As a result of an effort to promote downtown,the annual Italian Fest was born. It honors the Italian heritage of the many residents of Collinsville.

Cahokia Mounds Events A unique opportunity to purchase Native Americanhand-crafted items can befound twice each year at theIndian Market, held in theCahokia Mounds InterpretiveCenter. In addition, the annualKids Day teaches traditionalIndian craft methods and techniques, while NativeAmerican Education Daysprovides insight intocontemporary Indian culturallife. Archeology Day is a freeevent that educates visitors about the science of archaeology as wellas the ancient technique of‘flintknapping.’ Vist:www.cahokiamounds.org

In the tradition of the great Cahokian festivals,native American’s perform dances and ritualscelebrating festivals of their specific tribes.

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Chili Cook-off & Halloween WalkOn the last Saturday ofOctober, the aroma of a ChiliCook-off fills the air on MainStreet in Collinsville. Girl Scoutsdecorate merchants’ windowswith painted fall and Halloweenthemes. Costumed children(over 2,500 of them) participatein a Halloween Walk as theyvisit the businesses that handout ever popular treats. Theevent is proudly hosted byCollinsville Main StreetCommunity Association.

First DayThis free event helps promotethe partnering of thecommunity with the City andthe schools. Its purpose is tohighlight the many positivethings the City of Collinsville andthe local public and privateschools have to offer. ThisCelebration incorporates allaspects of the City and schoolsthat deal directly and indirectlywith our City families.

Tunes at Blum Outdoor live concerts arepresented on Wednesday nightsin the summer at The BlumHouse, 414 W. Main in Uptown.Residents and visitors can enjoyan evening of the best areabands for free. Lawn chairs,blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged.

Christmas In CollinsvilleEach December, Collinsville MainStreet Community Associationprepares for the holidays andcelebrates the season with special activities at theCollinsville Memorial PublicLibrary, tree lighting ceremony,horsedrawn carriage rides,Holiday House Tour of historichomes and other activities.

Festivals celebratingplanting, harvesting andthe re-fueling of homefires were common atCahokia Mounds.

Little Miss - Italian Fest Parade

Horseradish Festival

A nutrituous diet was crucialto the community’s survival.Much time and care wastaken to domesticate cornand other vital crops to sustain the families throughthe winter and ensure healthamong the villiage.

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Sweat lodges, healers and‘medicine men’ helped rid theMississippian Indians of theirphysical and spiritual ills withthe help of plants and othermaterials.

Anderson Hospital

Anderson Hospital Pavillon for Women

1879In 2010, Spirito’s Grocery replaced Ostle Pharmacy. Priorto that Ostle’s was the oldest continuing business as thedrugstore at the southeast corner of West Main andSouth Seminary streets.

Anderson HospitalLocated in Maryville, AndersonHospital was built in 1977 toserve patients living in the communities of Madison County.Since the new millennium,Anderson Hospital’s talentedphysicians and dedicated staffhave been providing over 90,000patients each year with clinicalcare of the highest quality and a full spectrum of healthcareservices including EmergencyServices, ExpressCare, andGlennon Care for Kids, ThePavilion for Women MaternityUnit; The Surgery Center, TheCenter for Sleep Medicine;Pediatric Therapy Center, and thenewest addition, the WarrenBillhartz Cancer Center.

Since 1977, Anderson Hospitalhas built an enduring communitypartnership that ensures qualityand accessible healthcare close to home.

Gateway Regional Medical CenterLocated in nearby Granite City, offers a full spectrum ofservices for every stage of life.It prides itself on its dedicatedstaff and the range of servicesoffered to meet the healthcareneeds of the entire family.

In addition to its 24-hour emergency room operations,Gateway Regional Hospitaloffers an ambulatory surgerycenter, inpatient & outpatientsurgical services, cardiac and critical care services, behavioral health services,home health services, hospiceservices, occupational health,physical rehabilitation servicesand pulmonary rehabilitation services.

Belleville MemorialHospital Belleville Memorial Hospitaloffers a complete line of services for inpatients and outpatients. Located in Belleville,the largest hospital provider inthe Metro East with 316 beds,Belleville Memorial Hospital hasa medical staff of more than350 members representing 42specialties. It is a designatedMAGNET™ facility by theAmerican Nurses CredentialingCenter (ANCC) and anAccredited Chest Pain Centerwith PCI by the Society forChest Pain Centers.

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People living, working and visiting Collinsville are fortunate to have a wide array of high quality healthcare services available at their disposal. Doctors, dentists and other providers of medical careserve the community through numerous local offices, while emergency services and a full range ofacute care and outpatient services are provided through three nearby community hospitals. Equallyimportant is the fact that the Washington University Medical Center and St. Louis University MedicalCenter are both located a short 15 minute drive from Collinsville. These nationally acclaimed hospitals offer a complete range of world class medical surgical, pediatric and trauma services. The nearby community hospitals include:

Express Care

Collinsville Physical Therapy

Memorial Hospital

There are a variety of ways that Collinsville residents and business owners can become more fully involved in the community. Therehas been a resurgence of membership in civic organizations and churches in recent years, while citizens have become more involvedand engaged in local government thanks to new technologies and the community’s continued growth and expansion.

GovernmentThe City operates under the council-manager form of government which consists of a City Council of a Mayor andfour council members elected at-large, anda City Manager appointed by the Council.The term of the Mayor and Council is four years. The City Manager serves as chief administrator of the City, under thedirection of the Council.

The Mayor and the members of theCouncil are part-time. Their offices arelocated in City Hall at 125 South CenterStreet.

There are also a number of boards andcommissions guided by citizen volunteerswith a passion for the community’sstrength and future.

WorshipReligious traditions run deep in Collinsville,where more than three dozen places ofworship offer believers of many faiths awide variety of church size and worshipstyles. These churches also offer a full rangeof social services, day care, preschool, foodpantry, thrift shops, meeting places for special interest groups and many otherbenefits to the community.

An average of one new place of worshipopens each year in Collinsville. MostCollinsville churches are increasinglyinvolved in serving the community at large,creating vibrant opportunities for faith-based worship and community service fornew residents and long-standing residentsalike.

Civic OrganizationsCollinsville residents and businesses arewell-known for their strong commitment toserving the community and enhancing thequality of life here. From American LegionPosts, Rotary Clubs, Jaycees and Lions Clubsto League of Women Voters, CollinsvilleMain Street Community Association andCollinsville Progress, there are dozens oforganizations, some dating back manydecades, that today serve the diverse needs of Collinsville.

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1922Collinsville Civic Association

Leaders, groups, and families provided guidanceto the Mississippian people at CahokiaMounds. Like today’s Elks and Moose lodges inCollinsville, the Mississippian men had clans orclubs where they provided community service,helped each other better their existence andsimply enjoyed camaraderie.

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Collinsville City Council Chambers

Historic City Hall

Economic Development CommissionAnnual “Evening with the EDC”

Community was a very importantelement in Cahokia life. Not onlydid it make the city a pleasant environment, it was also essential to work together to sustain life and times of conflict.