Carbondale, Illinois

Carbondale is a city in extreme south central Illinois in the midwestern United States, about an hour north of Cairo. It is known mainly as the site of the main campus of Southern Illinois University. The city is located in Jackson County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 20,681.

History

Carbondale, as its name suggests, began its days as a coal mining town. By the time of the American Civil War, the area had been incorporated as a village. After the war it developed into a center of business and transport for the region. Southern Illinois Normal University, a major factor in Carbondale's economy, which later became known as Southern Illinois University, was founded in Carbondale in 1874.

Related Topics:
American Civil War - Southern Illinois University - 1874

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On November 8, 1969 Carbondale was the site of a concert given by Simon and Garfunkel. Recordings of at least some of the tracks from this concert have been widely bootlegged, most notably on Head Records' CD "Village Vanguard," tracks 4-11.

Related Topics:
November 8 - 1969 - Simon and Garfunkel

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Carbondale is also famous for a series of riots that have occurred on Halloween. "The Strip", as the main stretch of local businesses and bars is known in the city, has often been shut down on Halloween in order to keep the opportunity for riotous, often alcohol-inspired behavior down. While the riot activity is often attributed to the presence of Southern Illinois University, most of those arrested by police during these activities are actually out-of-towners.

Related Topics:
Halloween - Southern Illinois University

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One main site of interest is the area of Highway 51 by SIU's campus known as "The Strip." The strip has an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~