Elsah
River Town Frozen in Time
Elsah was a prosperous river town until the railroad bypassed it in favor of Alton. The town's economy collapsed, and most residents left. Because it was too poor to modernize, Elsah's 19th-century buildings survived intact. In 1973, the entire village became the first to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mississippi River Commerce
In the 1850s, Elsah thrived on river trade. Steamboats stopped here, and businesses catered to travelers and farmers. The town had hotels, mills, and a growing population.
The Railroad That Never Came
When the railroad was built through Alton instead of Elsah, the town's commercial future ended. By the 1880s, most businesses had closed. The surviving buildings, untouched for a century, became a time capsule.
Timeline
- 1853 - Founded Town established on the Mississippi
- 1870s - Railroad Bypass Railroad chose Alton instead
- 1880s - Decline Most residents departed
- 1973 - Historic Recognition First entire village on National Register
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Quick Facts
- First entire village listed on National Register of Historic Places
- Stone buildings date to the 1850s
- Home to Principia College
Location
Address: Elsah, Illinois
Coordinates: 38.9575, -90.3551