Greenville, city in Bond County, Illinois, United States
Greenville is a small city in Bond County, Illinois, with a quiet downtown area featuring historic buildings, local shops, and murals on its walls. The city sits surrounded by farmland and is easy to explore on foot or by bike, with parks and lakes nearby for outdoor activities.
The city was founded in 1815 when George Davidson bought land and built a tavern that became a gathering place, leading to the settlement's growth. It became the county seat in 1821 and later played an important role in the Underground Railroad and as a location for Civil War-era political speeches.
Greenville is rooted in farming and local traditions that shape how people live and gather today. The community keeps its past alive through events, family-owned shops, and shared memories of important moments like the Underground Railroad and Civil War-era speeches that took place here.
The city is easily reached via Interstate 70 and has a small airport for planes, with local roads connecting to nearby towns and lakes. Governor Bond Lake to the south offers fishing, camping, and boating, while walking trails and parks make it simple to explore the downtown area.
The city is home to Greenville University, founded in 1855 as one of the early colleges for women's education, with a museum displaying sculptures by renowned artist Richard Bock. Another draw is the annual Graffiti Car Show in August and occasional visits from celebrities like Donna Douglas from classic television shows.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
