Galatia in Saline County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Tobacco Industry

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 14, 2022

1. The Tobacco Industry Marker

Inscription.
From the creation of Saline County in 1847 to the end of the century the production of tobacco was the principal industry. In 1870 Saline County had the highest tobacco production in the state.

The Webber brothers of Galatia and Raleigh were the largest buyers and processors in the county, some years exporting 1,500,000 pounds of tobacco.

Erected 1957 by Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 37° 50.438′ N, 88° 36.974′ W. Marker is in Galatia, Illinois, in Saline County. It is on West Main Street (Illinois Route 34) west of South West Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 S West St, Galatia IL 62935, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois — Little Egypt,

in Shawnee Hills,

and in the Tri-State Region.

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 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dedicated in Grateful Tribute to the Men and Women Who Served. (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away); Galatia United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ingersoll Law Office

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. 4.6 miles away); Walpole (approx. 7.4 miles away); First Settlement in Franklin County (approx. 7.6 miles away); Revolutionary War Memorial (approx. 8.1 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 8.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Galatia.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 14, 2022

2. The Tobacco Industry Marker

Marker is in front of Galatia Wash 'n Go.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 521 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 14, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.