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 HistoryPopeye Statue
Monument to Elzie Seager, Chester native and creator of "Popeye the Sailor Man."
Chester, IL MonumentsRandolph County Museum & Archives
See an old electric chair (last used to execute a woman who killed her brother)
Chester, IL MuseumsCreole 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 HomesKaskaskia 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 ArtifactsFort De Chartres State Historic Site
Reconstruction of the mid-1700s stone fort that was the base of French control of the Mississippi River Valley. It was surrendered to the British following the French and Indian War. The original powder magazine remains, and is one of the oldest buildings in Illinois.
Prairie du Rocher, IL Historic FortsGovernor 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 Monuments