Brownsville, Jackson County, Illinois facts for kids

Brownsville is a fascinating ghost town located in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now it's mostly empty or completely abandoned. Brownsville was once a busy and important place, but today, only traces of its past remain.

What Was Brownsville?

Brownsville was not always a ghost town. It was once a lively community and even served as the first county seat for Jackson County. A county seat is the main town in a county, where the local government offices, like the courthouse, are located. It's usually the center for business and community life.

Where Was Brownsville Located?

Brownsville was built in a good spot near a salt creek. This creek flows into the Big Muddy River. This location was important for travel and trade back in the day. Today, Brownsville is about 3.25 miles (5.23 km) west of Murphysboro. It is also about 0.75 miles (1.21 km) south of Illinois Route 149.

Why Did Brownsville Become a Ghost Town?

The main reason Brownsville became a ghost town was a big fire. In 1843, a terrible fire destroyed the courthouse and many other buildings in the downtown area. This was a huge loss for the community.

The Move to Murphysboro

After the fire, the leaders of Jackson County decided to move the county seat. They chose a new location, which became the city of Murphysboro. This meant that all the important government buildings and many businesses moved away from Brownsville. Without the county seat, Brownsville slowly lost its importance and its people. Over time, it became the ghost town we know today.