The White County Courthouse is in Carmi, the county seat.
Outlined by the Little Wabash River, Carmi marks the transition between the open prairie and the hilly country of southern Illinois. The center of an oil-producing area shared by three states, Carmi also relies on farming and stock raising.
The Lincoln Heritage Trail enters the state just northeast of town. Also historically significant is the Robinson-Stewart House, the former residence of John M. Robinson, who served in the U. S. Senate 1835-43.