Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

The founders of Mt. Carmel, Reverends Thomas S. Hinde and William McDowell, conceived the idea of building a city about 1815. In 1818, the site was selected and platted. The property, which was obtained from Enoch Greathouse, later became Mt. Carmel.

As late as the year 1824, Wabash was still joined to Edwards County. The settlers were dissatisfied with the county seat being located at Albion, a settlement of the English. The situation soon became explosive, and four companies of militia drilled and en-camped at Bald Hill Prairie six miles west of Mt. Carmel. Their purpose was to march against Albion and seize county records. The English, with cooler heads prevailing, sent out a delegation under a white flag to negotiate. The negotiated terms provided that Major Utter, a member of House of Representatives promised to propose to the Illinois Legislature to divide the county again. In 1824, the act was submitted and passed, thus dividing Wabash from Edwards County. The division took place at Bonpas Creek. In June 1825, the county was divided into two townships -- Prairie, north of the base line, and Centerville south.

The name Wabash is derived from the name the Indians gave the river, "Ouabacke." In Indian language, the name means many things: "White Waters," "Moving Cloud," "Silver Water," "Swift Summer Cloud," and "Mad Bull." The early French explorers named the river St. Jerome; but, the Indians and early settlers refused to accept that name, and the name Wabash remains today. Mt. Carmel was incorporated as a village January 19, 1825, and incorporated as a city February 15, 1865.

You can walk through primeval woodland among 300 species of native trees, and enjoy an annual National Rib Cookoff. The county is proud of Beall Woods State Natural Preserve, and the Ribbfest sanctioned by "Memphis in May" is held in September. Find out for yourself why Wabash County is known as the "Crown Jewel of the Wabash Valley."

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