National Road - Mulberry & Greenville

Mulberry Grove

The village of Mulberry Grove was platted in 1844 although a post office had been established in 1834. Since Mulberry Grove was located on the National Road and the St. Louis, Vandalia and Terre Haute Railroad, it became a hub for freight shipping. Its Main Street had a variety of early businesses. It was probably named for mulberry tress that grew in the area.

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Images courtesy of Phil Lewis and the Historical Collectors' Association for the Effingham County and National Road Museum Association.
Effingham County and National Road community histories by Phil Lewis

Greenville is located in Bond County and is the third county seat. George Davidson moved to Bond County from Madison County where he had owned a dairy farm. Milk sickness forced him to sell his herd and farm in Madison County. He bought 160 acres where Greenville is now located on September 27, 1816. Davidson had the town surveyed and platted in 1821 when it was chosen as the county seat. He owned a popular tavern in Greenville for travelers and local townspeople. The origin of the town name is still in question. Thomas White was the oldest man in town when Greenville was surveyed. He suggested Greenville because of the green trees, which surrounded the town. Another theory is that was named after Greenville, North Carolina. The village was formally incorporated on February 15, 1855 by a special act of the Illinois legislature. Greenville citizens voted again on August 13, 1872 to incorporate as a city under Illinois law. Its location on the National Road helped the city to grow and prosper. Greenville College offers students a quality education in a small town atmosphere. A portion of the old depot houses an insurance agency. The current courthouse was completed in 1885 at a cost of $20,000. The new Farm Heritage Museum is located southeast of Greenville.

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Greenville