1826Government
First settled by Benjamin Parker in 1826, Charleston was named for Charles Morton, its first postmaster.
1831Government
The city was established in 1831, but not incorporated until 1865.
1832History
These conflicts did not slow American settlement, and Indian history in Coles County effectively ended when all natives were expelled by law from Illinois after the 1832 Black H...
1847History
In 1847, the county was divided when prominent local citizens offered refuge to a family of escaped slaves brought from Kentucky by Gen.
1858Culture
One of the famous Lincoln–Douglas debates was held in Charleston on September 18, 1858, and is now the site of the Coles County fairgrounds and a small museum.
1859History
Lincoln's last visit was in 1859, when the future President visited his stepmother and his father's grave.
1864Crime
At the height of the American Civil War, violence would overcome downtown Charleston on March 28, 1864 and would be infamously known as the Charleston riot.
1893Culture
=== Climate ===
The data below were taken from 1893 through January 2020, when this chart was made.
1895Government
In 1895, the Eastern Illinois State Normal School was established in Charleston, which later became Eastern Illinois University.
1917Disaster
On May 26, 1917, a tornado ripped through Charleston, killing 38 people and injuring many more, along with destroying 220 homes.
1953Government
Established in 1953, the airport received commercial service until 2000, and now serves as a public general aviation facility.
1977History
Shaw, Illinois state senator; born in Charleston
Larry Stuffle, member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1977 to 1985.
1983Government
Jimmy John Liautaud founded the first Jimmy John's restaurant in Charleston in 1983, occupying premises near the corner of Fourth Street and Lincoln Avenue.
1998Crime
"Bloody spring: The Charleston, Illinois riot and Copperhead violence during the American Civil War" (PhD dissertation, Miami University; ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 1998.
2003History
As of September 18, 2003, R.
2015Government
Brandon Combs was appointed mayor of Charleston June 30, 2015 and continues to hold the office.
2020History
== Demographics ==
As of the 2020 census there were 17,286 people, 7,847 households, and 3,850 families residing in the city.