Canton, IL

Town in Fulton County, IL

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Sponsors of Canton, IL


Since the founding of our communities, organizations, businesses and citizens have stepped forward to build and serve their community. Click on any of the logos below to learn about those who made this website possible! If you would like to learn about becoming a sponsor CLICK HERE!

About Canton, IL


Canton was founded in 1825 by settler Isaac Swan, who believed his new town and Canton, China, were antipodes. Abundant coal and labor, and the proximity of railroads and the Illinois River made Canton a factory town. The major manufacturing plant in town was P&O (Parlin & Orendorff) Plow Works, later International Harvester, which closed in 1983. In 1997, the 30-acre (120,000 m2) plant was destroyed by an arson fire, leaving the former industrial heart of the city a smoldering ruin, which has since been leveled. The town’s employers now include the Illinois state prison named the Illinois River Correctional Center, the city’s Graham Hospital, Cook Medical, Spoon River College and retail stores.

Founder Isaac Swan, his infant child, and three other people died in a devastating tornado of June 1835. Isaac Swan and his child were found in the wreckage of their cabin the baby dying in its mother’s arms,” leading some to conclude that the tornado represented divine retribution for the city allowing a circus performance the previous week. The city was hit by another F-3 tornado on July 23, 1975. Two people were killed, and the storm caused major damage to the downtown area. A circus had visited the city just one week prior, the first circus to entertain in Canton since 1835. In November, 1975, the Canton City Council passed an ordinance banning circuses within the city limits in perpetuity.

Much of the city, particularly the northern portion, has been undermined by room and pillar extraction of coal that took place in the 1800s. Sinkholes occasionally have occurred, leading to loss of property, but no documented injuries or deaths. Areas afflicted by mine subsidence have been cleverly redeveloped as parkland and recreational lakes

Canton is a vibrant, thriving city rich in history and full of traditions. Located in West Central Illinois, the legacies of the Spoon and Illinois Rivers run deep here, immortalized by poet Edgar Lee Masters in the Spoon River Anthology.

Home to Spoon River College, Graham Hospital, beautiful parks and an excellent school system, Canton offers so many wonderful amenities not usually found in smaller communities.

Unlike many small, rural towns Canton is growing, and once again beginning to thrive—due the generosity of a benefactor who chose to offer a hand up to his old hometown, but also to the will and vision of community leaders, and the determination and energy of its residents. It’s a place that visitors will find charming, interesting and a perfect place to plan an extended stay.

Businesses of Canton, IL


The businesses of our towns are truly the lifeblood of each community, click on any businesses below to learn about them, to learn how to add your business to your town and county page CLICK HERE!

Fulton County, IL


Visit our county page and you will find information about our town and county's points of interest, festivals/events and faith community. You also will learn about the community organizations that have built and continue to build strong communities (chambers, community groups, and departments, etc) and much more when you visit the Fulton County, IL page.