Coles County, Illinois

Coles County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. As of the 2010 census, the population was 53,873. Its county seat is Charleston, which is also the home of Eastern Illinois University.

Coles County is part of the Charleston-Mattoon, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Coles County was organized on December 25, 1830 out of Clark and Edgar counties. It was named after Edward Coles, the second governor of Illinois, from 1822 to 1826.

Coles County from the time of its creation to 1843

Coles County from the time of its creation to 1843

Coles County between 1843 and 1859

Coles County between 1843 and 1859

Coles County reduced to its current size in 1859 by the creation of Douglas County

Coles County reduced to its current size in 1859 by the creation of Douglas County

Folklore

Coles County is home to several well-known legends and folktales, including the Mad Gasser of Mattoon and the ghost of Mary Hawkins at Pemberton Hall. Michael Kleen has documented many of these tales, including the "witch's grave" of St. Omer Cemetery and story of "Rag Doll Cemetery," in his book Tales of Coles County, Illinois. The legend of "Rag Doll Cemetery" formed the basis of the independent film Rag Doll, which was filmed primarily in and around Mattoon, Illinois in 2010. Additionally, the novel A Family Possessed by L. W. Stevenson is based on poltergeist activity experienced by a rural family living in Coles County in the 1980s.Ashmore Estates has long been a part of local folklore. Originally the almshouse at the Coles County Poor Farm, it is now a haunted attraction and a place of interest for paranormal investigators.