Charleston is a city in east-central Illinois and the county seat of Coles County. It is about 50 miles south of Champaign and 60 miles east of Decatur. The city is home to Eastern Illinois University and is known for its historic downtown, Lincoln-Douglas debate history, and nearby Lake Charleston.
Location Map of Charleston, Coles County, Illinois
About Map: The map shows the location of Charleston in Coles County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.
Charleston Map, Illinois
About Charleston Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Charleston in Coles County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Charleston Located?
Charleston is a city located in Coles County, Illinois, the United States. It is about 50 miles south of Champaign and 60 miles east of Decatur. Charleston is located at approximately 39.4961° North latitude and 88.1762° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 17,286 residents, and the city covers about 9.74 square miles (25.23 sq km). Eastern Illinois University is a major part of the city's identity and economy. Charleston was founded in 1831 and incorporated in 1865. The city also has historical ties to Abraham Lincoln, including the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate held at the Coles County Courthouse.
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Charleston City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Charleston |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Coles County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | East-Central Illinois |
| Incorporated | 1865 |
| Founded | 1831 |
| Total Area | 9.74 sq mi (25.23 sq km) |
| Land Area | 9.67 sq mi (25.05 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.07 sq mi (0.18 sq km) |
| Elevation | About 650 ft (198 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | 17,100 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 17,286 |
| Population Density | 1,787 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Standard Time (CST); Central Daylight Time (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 61920 |
| Area Code | 217, 447 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 45, Illinois Route 16, Illinois Route 130 |
| Public Transit | Coles County Rural Transit |
| Major Attractions | Eastern Illinois University, Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, Lake Charleston |
| Official Website | https://www.charlestonillinois.org/ |
Distance from Charleston, IL to Nearby Cities
- Mattoon, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
- Paris, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Casey, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Tuscola, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
- Effingham, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Marshall, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
- Urbana, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
- Champaign, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
- Decatur, IL – 60 miles (97 km)
- Danville, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
- Terre Haute, IN – 55 miles (89 km)
- Indianapolis, IN – 110 miles (177 km)
- Springfield, IL – 100 miles (161 km)
- Bloomington, IL – 105 miles (169 km)
- St. Louis, MO – 130 miles (209 km)
- Chicago, IL – 190 miles (306 km)
Top Attractions in Charleston
- Eastern Illinois University – Public university founded in 1895 and one of Charleston's most important educational and cultural institutions.
- Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum – Museum documenting the famous 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate held in Charleston.
- Coles County Courthouse – Historic courthouse associated with the Lincoln-Douglas debate and the history of Coles County.
- Lake Charleston – Local reservoir offering fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site – Historic site preserving the reconstructed home of Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln.
- Douglas-Hart Nature Center – Nearby natural area with prairie, woodland, wetlands, trails, and native wildlife.
- Fox Ridge State Park – Forested park near Charleston offering hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic overlooks.
- Mattoon Depot – Historic railroad landmark in nearby Mattoon reflecting the area's transportation history.
Airports Near Charleston
- Coles County Memorial Airport (MTO) – 10 miles
- Decatur Airport (DEC) – 65 miles
- University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) – 55 miles
- Terre Haute Regional Airport (HUF) – 65 miles
- Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) – 115 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Charleston website and local government records.
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