Palmyra, Edwards County, Illinois facts for kids
Palmyra was a small town that existed for only a few years, from 1814 to 1821, in what is now Wabash County, Illinois. It was part of an area known as the English Settlement. Palmyra was located about 2 miles (3.2 km) (or 2 miles) north of the town of Mount Carmel, Illinois.
What Was Palmyra?
Palmyra began in 1814. It was first known as the place where a ferry crossed the Wabash River. This ferry helped people and goods move across the river. Soon after the town started, a road was built. This road connected Palmyra to the border of Gallatin County, Illinois.
Palmyra as a County Seat
Palmyra became important when it was chosen as the very first county seat for Edwards County. A county seat is like the main office town for a county's government. It's where important meetings happen and decisions are made. In Palmyra, these early government meetings were held right in someone's home!
Why Palmyra Didn't Last
People claimed that Palmyra grew quite a bit, with a population of 500 to 600 residents. However, these numbers might have been a bit too high. The town faced big problems with diseases. Outbreaks of malaria and yellow fever caused many people to get sick and sadly, many died.
By 1821, it was clear that Palmyra was not a stable place for the county government. The diseases and other issues made it difficult for the town to continue. So, on April 10, 1821, the Illinois General Assembly (which is like the state's main law-making group) decided to move the county seat. They chose Albion, Illinois, as the new main town for Edwards County. After this, Palmyra slowly faded away and became a ghost town.
