Vandalia is a historic city in central Illinois and the county seat of Fayette County. It is about 70 miles northeast of St. Louis and 40 miles southeast of Decatur. Vandalia is best known as Illinois' second state capital, the historic Vandalia State House, and the National Road, which once passed through the city and connected it with communities across the Midwest.
Location Map of Vandalia, Fayette County, Illinois
About Map: The map shows the location of Vandalia in Fayette County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.
Vandalia Map, Illinois
About Vandalia Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Vandalia in Fayette County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Vandalia Located?
Vandalia is a city located in Fayette County, Illinois, the United States. It is in central Illinois, about 70 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri, and approximately 40 miles southeast of Decatur. Vandalia lies at about 39.003° North latitude and 89.155° West longitude. The city had 7,458 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 7.30 square miles, or 18.91 square kilometers. Vandalia served as the state capital of Illinois from 1836 until 1839, making it an important location in the state's early political history. Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois legislature while Vandalia was the state capital, and the Old State Capitol remains one of the city's best-known landmarks. The National Road also passes through the community, reflecting Vandalia's historic role as a transportation center. Today, Vandalia serves as the Fayette County seat and offers visitors access to historic sites, museums, parks, and attractions tied to Illinois history.
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Vandalia City Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Vandalia |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Fayette County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Central Illinois |
| Incorporated | 1836 |
| Founded | 1819 |
| Total Area | 7.30 sq mi (18.91 sq km) |
| Land Area | 7.22 sq mi (18.70 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.08 sq mi (0.21 sq km) |
| Elevation | Approximately 510 ft (155 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 7,200 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 7,458 |
| Population Density | Approximately 1,033 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 62471 |
| Area Code | 618 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 70, U.S. Route 40, Illinois Route 51 |
| Public Transit | Local and regional transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Vandalia State House, Vandalia Historical Museum, National Road Interpretive Center, Kaskaskia River |
| Official Website | https://vandaliaillinois.com/ |
Distance from Vandalia, IL to Nearby Cities
- St. Elmo, IL – 10 miles (16 km)
- Ramsey, IL – 14 miles (23 km)
- Greenville, IL – 19 miles (31 km)
- Effingham, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Altamont, IL – 24 miles (39 km)
- Shelbyville, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
- Salem, IL – 32 miles (51 km)
- Taylorville, IL – 34 miles (55 km)
- Centralia, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Decatur, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
- Mattoon, IL – 43 miles (69 km)
- Charleston, IL – 45 miles (72 km)
- Carlinville, IL – 48 miles (77 km)
- Jacksonville, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
- Springfield, IL – 67 miles (108 km)
- St. Louis, MO – 70 miles (113 km)
- Champaign, IL – 75 miles (121 km)
- Quincy, IL – 115 miles (185 km)
Top Attractions in Vandalia
- Vandalia State House – A historic building that served as Illinois' fourth and final statehouse in Vandalia and was used while Abraham Lincoln served in the Illinois legislature.
- National Road Interpretive Center – A museum and visitor center explaining the history of the National Road and its importance to transportation across early America.
- Vandalia Historical Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, photographs, documents, and stories from Vandalia and Fayette County.
- Madison County Historical Sites – Historic resources in and around the region help explain the development of early communities in central Illinois.
- Vandalia State House State Historic Site – The historic statehouse grounds preserve important sites connected with Illinois' early government and political history.
- Fayette County Courthouse – A prominent civic landmark in downtown Vandalia and the center of county government.
- Kaskaskia River – The nearby river provides a natural feature for fishing, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation.
- National Road – Historic sections and markers near Vandalia commemorate one of America's earliest major east-west roads.
- Vandalia Lake – A nearby recreational lake offering opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and outdoor activities.
- Lincoln Park – A local community park providing open space and recreational facilities in Vandalia.
Airports Near Vandalia, IL
- Vandalia Municipal Airport (VLA) – 4 miles
- Effingham County Memorial Airport (1H2) – 27 miles
- Decatur Airport (DEC) – 42 miles
- Centralia Municipal Airport (ENL) – 44 miles
- MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) – 58 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Vandalia website and local government records.
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