Okawville was incorporated as a village in 1838 by German immigrants who settled here. Although the town was initially named Bridgeport, that was later changed because there was another Bridgeport in Illinois.
Farming was and still is the dominant occupation in the area. The town of only 1,400 has vibrant business services of two banks, grocery store, grain elevator, lumberyard, electrical, plumbing, insurance and financial services, newspaper, chiropractor, mental health counseling, pharmacy, restaurants, hotels, farm equipment dealership, trucking company, used car dealer, auto repair and body shops, gas station/convenience store, fitness center, compute repair, construction company, concrete plant, funeral home, 18 hole golf course, florist, gift shop, landscaper, beauty shops and barber shop.
Okawville has changed and adapted to fit the community’s needs throughout the years, but one constant has always been citizens’ pride in their families, neighborhoods, homes and schools.
Famous Landmarks
The discovery of mineral water in 1867 led to the start of The Original Springs Hotel. Trains brought people from cities the Hotel, where they took mineral water baths and had massages to alleviate rheumatism. The nearly block-long Hotel constructed in 1892 to replace the building that burned still dominates the business area. The Hotel draws tourists who come for the unique experience in a unique atmosphere. The Original Springs Hotel is the only remaining mineral water bath house in Illinois.
Heritage is so important to the community that a turn-of-the century house with his adjacent harness shop and laundry building were turned into a museum in the 1980s. Years later the Dr. Poos House and the oldest house in town were added to the Heritage House Museum properties.
Location
Okawville has a great central location with easy access to surrounding towns and cities. Construction of Interstate 64 in the 1970’s had a major impact on Okawville. Restaurants, a truck stop, and hotel were built there to serve motorists. The Interstate also made commuting from Okawville to jobs in the Metro-East and St. Louis easier. Many residents today have careers outside of Okawville with easy highway or interstate commutes. They are then able to come home at the end of each day to a rural, peaceful community. Find out more details about the area locale here.
Education
Education and the school system is extremely important to the community. The Okawville public school system has an elementary school and a high school. In 2010, the town decided to invest in a new state-of-the-art K-12 facility. The town also has a private elementary school and pre-school, Immanuel Lutheran Grade School. They have provided a parochial education for decades. Immanuel Lutheran also operates a day care. Learn about our excellent school system, devoted teachers, award-winning extracurriculars and more here.
Visit our Why Okawville page to learn more about the benefits of joining our community.
