Explore Randolph County
GM&O Depot Movie Location
In 1966 Sparta, Illinois became Sparta, Mississippi for a few months as the movie "In the Heat of the Night" was filmed here. After Sparta was selected as the location, the town'
Sparta, IL Railroad HistoryKaskaskia Bell State Historic Site
This old church bell, a gift to the Catholic Church at Kaskaskia from King Louis XV was cast in France in 1741. It is popularly known as the "Liberty Bell of the West."
Ellis Grove, IL ArtifactsGovernor Bond Memorial
The Governor Bond State Memorial marks the grave of Shadrach Bond (1773-1832), the first governor of Illinois after it attained statehood in 1818. The obelisk-style monument was erected in 1883
Chester, IL MonumentsPierre Menard Home State Historic Site
The Pierre Menard Home is the finest example of French colonial architecture in the Central Mississippi Valley. The Post-on-Sill Frame House was built during 1800-1802
Ellis Grove, IL Historic HomesCreole House
This lower Mississippi style house was built in the early 1800s and has been completely restored to reflect life during this period. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Prairie du Rocher, IL Historic HomesRandolph County Museum & Archives
See an old electric chair (last used to execute a woman who killed her brother)
Chester, IL MuseumsAlfred Brown Museum
This museum contains several different types of artifacts. The museum holds the best collection of post cards from the 1904 World'
Sparta, IL Museums