White County

White County spreads across southern Illinois as an agricultural region with open fields and the Little Wabash River running through it. The landscape is flat and mostly rural, with the town of Carmi serving as the county seat and administrative hub.

The county was created in 1815 from Gallatin County and named after Captain Leonard White, who died in the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. Its formation reflected the westward expansion happening across the frontier during that era.

Scottish-Irish families from the Carolinas were among the first to settle here, followed by German immigrants from Baden who arrived in the 1840s. These communities shaped the local character and traditions that remain visible in the region.

Most visitors travel through on Interstate 64 or U.S. Highway 45 to reach Carmi and other towns, where government offices and local services are located. The flat terrain makes driving straightforward, though keep in mind the region is largely rural with limited services between communities.

Oil was discovered here in 1939, transforming the region from purely agricultural land into a production area and sparking rapid growth in Carmi. This economic shift shaped local development for decades and left visible marks on the landscape and communities.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1815

Capital city: Carmi

Shares border with: Edwards County, Gallatin County, Gibson County, Posey County, Saline County, Hamilton County, Wayne County, Wabash County

Website: https://whitecounty-il.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.09000,-88.18000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:25