Our Story: North City & Coello
North City is a village in western Franklin County, Illinois, known locally as Coello. Its history is closely connected to the coal-mining communities that shaped southern Illinois in the early twentieth century.
A Short History
The village incorporated in 1915. The name North City is associated with two nearby coal mines known as Old North and New North. In 1918, a post office opened under the name Coello, reportedly honoring its first postmaster, Pete Coello. Both names remain part of the community's identity.
Where We Are
North City lies immediately north of Christopher, near Illinois Route 148 and Illinois Route 14. The village is within reach of Benton, the Franklin County seat, as well as neighboring communities including Valier and Sesser.
A Community with Deep Roots
From its early coal-mining years to the present, North City and Coello share a distinct local identity. This website is intended to make village information, announcements, and resources easier for residents and visitors to find.
Historical background: North City community history. Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 incorporated places. Geography: USGS Geographic Names Information System.