Lost Towns of Illinois - Stachnikville, Illinois.

The exact location is unknown, but I believe it is very close to Peoria, Illinois.

Stacknikville is a desolate ghost town in Tazewell County, Illinois, founded in 1856 as a small coal mining settlement. 

It reached its peak in 1873 and then began a steep decline. Coal miners fell on hard times in the late 19th century. The town was ridden by poverty and sickness as people fought to keep their families together as their main source of income dwindled. A rebound began when an underground spring was discovered but didn't make much of a difference.

The population diminished rather quickly as the surrounding towns became more popular and the coal mining industry dried up in this area. The only thing that still remains is the Hillman Street Barn. 

The original town had been leveled, and the property was returned to cultivable land. 

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.