The first group of settlers arrived to the area of Gillespie in the late 1820s from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Gillespie is the birthplace of Howard Keel, actor and singer.
- CountyMacoupin County
- Population3,168 (2020 U.S. Census)
Gillespie, Illinois gifts and souvenirs: 25 designs made from Gillespie's own map, landmarks and history, from $16 to $95. Printed to order and shipped free in the USA.
| Popular | Price |
|---|---|
| Gillespie Hometown Ornament | $23 |
| Gillespie Vintage Travel Poster | from $40 |
| Gillespie Varsity Crewneck | from $57 |
| Gillespie Est. Tee | from $33 |
| Gillespie Town Line Mug | from $26 |
| Gillespie Market Tote | $37 |
Ceramic keepsake, gold ribbon
Its landmark photo in a classic travel-poster layout
A local landmark photo as a gallery print
Classic large-letter postcard art, filled with local photos
The town's story in dates, from its own records, for home or classroom
Map of local landmarks, washable fabric
Heavy-blend fleece, street map printed on the back
Soft Bella+Canvas jersey
Kids' Bella+Canvas jersey, youth sizes
Bella+Canvas toddler jersey
Bella+Canvas baby bodysuit
Large-letter postcard art filled with local photos
Glossy ceramic, dishwasher safe
Large-letter postcard art filled with local photos, 11 oz ceramic
Weatherproof, for the front walk
24″×16″, printed coir-look fibers, rubber back
12″×12″ printed wood, ready to hang
Soft-touch, zip cover
A local landmark photo with the town name, 18″×18″
Sturdy all-over-print tote
Large-letter postcard art on a sturdy tote
Foam-front trucker, printed (not embroidered) with local photos
Glossy top, cork back
Soft fleece, 50″×60″
20 oz, double-wall stainless
The first group of settlers arrived to the area of Gillespie in the late 1820s from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. Gillespie is the birthplace of Howard Keel, actor and singer.
Population 2010: 3,319 → 2020: 3,168
From Wikidata (CC0).
The first group of settlers arrived to the area of Gillespie in the late 1820s from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The township thrived in the 1830s, increasing in population and businesses. In 1835 the first schoolhouse was built. Gillespie was incorporated as a town in the spring of 1853. By 1904, the population rose to 3,100 and there were a number of businesses, churches, and schools. On January 29, 1905, a fire swept through the business district and destroyed most businesses and some homes.
For years, Gillespie's main source of employment were the multiple coal mines scattered throughout the township operated by the Chicago & Northwestern Railway. It is said that Gillespie boasted three of the largest coal mines in the world.
On May 31, 2013, a low-end EF2 tornado tore through Gillespie, causing major damage to a brick gymnasium at Gillespie High School. It was on the ground for three minutes and resulted in zero injuries or fatalities.
Adapted (trimmed) from the Wikipedia article Gillespie, Illinois, revision 1382125321 by its contributors, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
We share a part of every Gillespie sale with local partners, and we'd love to print from your collection. Old photographs, maps and postcards make the best keepsakes.
Partner with usA favorite landmark, your street, a school or team, an anniversary gift, a different product. Tell us and we'll get back to you by email.
Gillespie's population was 3,168 in the 2020 U.S. Census, down from 3,319 in 2010.