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City of Lebanon

312 West St. Louis Street
618-537-4976

A leisurely stroll through the downtown shopping district of Lebanon will convince you that this is a special place. The ambiance is one of history reflected in the mid-Victorian architecture of some twenty antique and specialty shops. It's a city in which you will want to spend a lot more time.

Lebanon's historic nature may be traced to its beginnings for it was founded in 1804 during the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Even before that, Emerald Mound, located 1.5 miles northeast, was built by Mississippian culture Indians about A.D. 900. Today, a brick-paved downtown street still shows evidence that a trolley once ran down its center all the way to St. Louis.

Just twenty-three miles east of St. Louis along I-64, Lebanon is strategically located for both commercial and residential development. Mid-America Airport is three miles to the south and Scott AFB is seven miles southwest. Several residential developments are already underway inside the city limits and numerous commercial sites are available to the south along Illinois Route 4.

Lebanon also boasts excellent school facilities where a comprehensive curriculum is offered at both grade and high school levels. Class size is small and well able to accomodate new students.

McKendree College, selected as one of America's 100 best college buys, is located in Lebanon. Founded in 1828, it is the oldest college in Illinois. This four-year liberal arts institution has been awarded Landmark plaques for some of its historic buildings which still stand among its newer structures. McKendree's athletic teams are consistently among the best at their level.

Other facilities include excellent churches, Horner Park, a 58 acre park with a small fishing lake, an 18-hole public golf course, two bed & breakfasts, and a community theater group. All of this in a small town with a population of only 3700.

No discussion of Lebanon would be complete without mention of the Mermaid Inn where Charles Dickens stayed while visiting the Looking Glass Prairie in 1842. This old "hotel" built in 1830 has now been partially restored and is available for tours.