Dewmaine, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dewmaine, Illinois
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 Dewmaine, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Dewmaine, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Williamson |
| Elevation | 430 ft (130 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
62918
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| Area code(s) | 618 |
| GNIS feature ID | 407173 |
Dewmaine was a small community in Williamson County, Illinois. It was once a busy place where many African-American coal miners lived and worked. Today, most of the land where Dewmaine used to be is empty. It is now located near the northern edge of Carterville.
Contents
What's in a Name?
How Dewmaine Got Its Unique Name
The name Dewmaine is quite interesting! It was created by combining two important names from history. These were Admiral Dewey and the USS Maine. Both were famous during the Spanish–American War.
- Admiral Dewey was a hero in the U.S. Navy.
- The USS Maine was a battleship. Its sinking helped start the Spanish-American War.
A Look at Dewmaine's History
Early Days and the Post Office
Dewmaine was officially established in 1901. That same year, a post office was opened in the community. This post office helped people send and receive mail. It was an important part of daily life for the residents.
When the Post Office Closed
The post office in Dewmaine stayed open for many years. However, it eventually closed its doors in 1931. After that, people in Dewmaine got their mail from the nearby Carterville post office.
Population Changes Over Time
Like many small communities, Dewmaine's population changed over the years. In 1958, it was estimated that about 50 people lived there. Over time, as the coal mines closed, fewer people lived in the area. This is why much of Dewmaine is now vacant land.
