Norris City in White County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Business
The Building of a Town
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 9, 2026
1. Business Marker
The first business in Norris City was Harper, Ritchie and Company founded in 1871 which sold general merchandise. So on, there were two Blacksmith shops, one harness shop, and one hotel. In 1904 Norris City State Bank was erected. By 1907 there were two Flow Mills, two hotels, two general stores, several doctors, a funeral home, newspaper, a Post Office, and a produce house. Something kept coming along to boost the economy. In early 1900's the Coal Mine started. In early 1930's the depression came and hard times prevailed, but Norris City had a boost in 1934 the CCC Comp started and 235 men had a job. The Oil Boom hit and many new businesses opened up. Norris City industries were organized and brought new business to town. It takes progress to prosper and Norris City has continued through the years to prosper.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 37° 58.847′ N, 88° 19.741′ W. Marker is in Norris City, Illinois, in White County. It is at the intersection of South Division Street (U.S. 45) and Main Street (County Route
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois Little Egypt, in the Tri-State Region, and in the Wabash Valley. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, 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: Schools (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroads (within shouting distance of this marker); Churches (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Eastern (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sohio (about 300 feet away); War Emergency Pipeline (approx. 0.7 miles away); The First Presbyterian Church In Illinois (approx. 3.9 miles away); Southern Illinois College
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 9, 2026
2. Business Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
