Golconda Historic District

The Golconda Historic District is an area covering about 276 acres along the Ohio River with buildings from the 1800s. Commercial buildings and homes line the main street, creating a record of how this river town developed and grew.

The area started in the early 1800s as a river trading center and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This recognition marked its importance to the region during the 1800s.

The buildings showcase architecture from the 1800s that shaped how small towns in Illinois looked during the period of western expansion. Walking through the district gives a sense of how this community was built and organized around river trade and commerce.

The district is open to visitors year-round for self-guided exploration of the buildings and information plaques. Guided walking tours are also available and offer a deeper look at the history and architecture of the place.

The area is one of only three registered historic sites in Pope County, alongside two archaeological locations in the region. This concentration makes it an important place for understanding the local past.

Location: Golconda

GPS coordinates: 37.36667,-88.48667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:03