Casey in Clark County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Development of Casey

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 6, 2020

1. The Development of Casey Marker

Inscription. With the opening of the National Road through this area, small communities began to the established along the route, one of which was Casey. The first settler was John Lang, a native of Scotland. Lang and family arrived from Ohio in 1838 and bought several plots along West Main Street where he established a cabin/tavern, the first building in present Casey. After several years, this lot became the setting for Lang's National House, a two story frame hotel, which was a popular stagecoach stop and local gathering site. It was one of the earliest and most prestigious establishments in Casey and was one of the principal hotels in Clark County. Directly across the street was the Lang Barn, where the cross-country stagecoach stopped to change horses. After Lang's death in 1872, his children managed the establishments until about 1892. During this period as the community grew, the town of Casey was established in 1853. It was named after Zadok Casey of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, our US Senator, who was an influential and popular American politician.

Erected 2019 by Casey Historical Society and Citizens of Casey.

Topics and series.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 39° 17.953′ N, 87° 59.604′ W. Marker is in Casey, Illinois, in Clark County. It is on West Main Street west of South Central Avenue (Illinois Route 49), on the right when traveling west. Marker is next to Tina's Barber Shop, next to the large barber's pole. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 W Main St, Casey IL 62420, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois

and in the Wabash Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World's Largest Mail Box (within shouting

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 6, 2020

2. The Development of Casey Marker

Marker is facing away from the road. World's Largest Mailbox is in the background

distance of this marker); Doty Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Cumberland Presbyterian Church Bell (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); You Are Not Forgotten (about 600 feet away); Casey (about 600 feet away); The Early Settlement of Cumberland (approx. 0.7 miles away); Rev. John Doughty (approx. ¾ mile away); "Large" Pizza Slicer (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Casey.

Also see . . . Zadok Casey on Wikipedia. Casey was the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois from 1830-1833, and would serve five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1833-1843). He died at the age of 66 in another town in Illinois that was named after him, Caseyville (in St. Clair County near Collinsville and East St. Louis). (Submitted on July 7, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed by Thomas Smith, May 14, 2025

3. The Development of Casey Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,870 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 7, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on May 18, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill.