General Information

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In 1819, ten acres of land in southern IL became the future city of Troy. Settler John Jarvis sold the ten acres for $10 per acre to James Riggen and David Hendershott. The community formerly known as Columbia was then mapped out, surveyed, and renamed Troy by James Riggen. Within a year, the village was populated by 120 people, and began a growth which hasn't stopped since.

Troy's humble beginnings started with just a band mill, storehouse, taverns, and housing. With the addition of a post office in 1833, and the National Road in 1839, Troy would become the first stagecoach stop for travellers to and from St. Louis, 18 miles west of the budding community.

All the necessary ingredients were present to make Troy a success by 1850. The community had grown to 250 people, covering every occupation necessary in a small town. These skilled citizens, along with the "stagecoach stop" recognition, helped Troy become legally recognized as a town in 1857.

Troy's growth continued with the addition of more farms, industry, and shops. Churches and schools became present, while the local mines and farms offered employment.

Troy's first newspaper, The Commercial Bulletin , made its debut in 1872 started by James Jarvis. The addition of a railroad stop in the late 1800's helped Troy's population increase, bringing in additional revenue and job opportunities. Troy officially became a city on April 12, 1892 with a population of over 1,080 by the year 1900.

New growth brought about new challenges and opportunities. Troy met both of these head on, continuing to prosper with new business and jobs throughout the 1900's. Troy's small town charm along with convenient location to big city business helped Troy grow to the third fastest growing area in the U.S. by 1978, and still shows no signs of slowing down. Despite the continued growth, Troy has maintained it's small town charm. A strong sense of community combined with the promise of opportunity makes Troy a unique and wonderful place to live.

Demographics - Troy, Illinois

Our wonderful city is located conveniently at the 55/70/270 crossing. Please read below for Troy, Illinois' demographic information.

2007 Special Census Population Count

Troy's prior population 7,724, special census for specified area 2,179, already counted residents for 2000 for specified area -820, Troy's new population 10,083. The state of Illinois has a population of 9,883. According to the Census Bureau the reason for the difference is the  following: The state of Illinois goes by blocks/tracks and accounts for annexations as well as area of community. The total is figured and divided between adjoining communities in order to give fair assessment on the population count.

For more info, click here.

Click here to view the Jarvis Township
Click here to view the Pin Oak Township
Click here to vist the Madison County Website
Click here to visit the official Troy Home Page

Troy Services

City of Troy, Illinois - Municipal Building

Troy History

Community Genealogy

In 1819, ten acres of land in Southern Illinois became the future city of Troy. Settler John Jarvis sold the ten acres for $10 per acre to James Riggen and David Hendershott. The community formerly known as Columbia was then mapped out, surveyed, and renamed Troy by James Riggen. Within a year, the village was populated by 120 people, and began a growth which hasn't stopped since. Troy's humble beginnings started with just a band mill, storehouse, taverns, and housing. Wtih the addition of a post office in 1833, and the National Road in 1839, Troy would become the first stagecoach stop for travelers to and from St. Louis, 18 miles west of the budding community.

All the necessary ingredients were present to make Troy a success by 1850. The community had grown to 250 people, covering every occupation necessary in a small town. These skilled citizens, along with the "stagecoach stop" recognition, helped Troy become legally recognized as a town in 1857.

Troy's growth continued with the addition of more farms, industry, and shops. Churches and schools became present, while the local mines and farms offered employment.

Troy's first newspaper, The Commercial Bulletin, made its debut in 1872 started by James Jarvis. The addition of a railroad stop in the late 1800's helped Troy's population increase, bringing in additional revenue and job opportunities. Troy officially became a city on April 12, 1892 with a population of over 1,080 by the year 1900.

New growth brought about new challenges and opportunities. Troy met both of these head on, continuing to prosper with new business and jobs throughout the 1900's. Troy's small town charm along with convenient location to big city business helped Troy grow to the third fastest growing area in the U.S. by 1978, and still shows no signs of slowing down. Despite the continued growth, Troy has maintained it's small town charm. A strong sense of community combined with the promise of opportunity makes Troy a unique and wonderful place to live.

Troy Genealogical Society

It was in 1997 that a small group of individuals, each who were interested not only in their own genealogy, but were wanting to share their enthusiasm for discovering “roots.” Little by little, they have grown from a few to nearly 50 members. They meet the first Wednesday of each month, with the exception of July and December, in the Genealogical/Historical Room of the Tri-Township Public Library, 209 South Main, Troy, Illinois. For correspondence purposes, you may address questions/inquiries to them at P.O. Box 352, Troy, Illinois 62294.

They have many genealogical books and CDs, plus quarterlies from the Illinois Genealogical Society, Madison County, many surrounding counties as well as magazines and access to Ancestry.com through their computer and printer. They also have a scanner and copier machine.

One of their main civic projects is photographing, inventorying and preparing a database of the Troy City Cemetery. That database may be reached at: Troy City Cemetery.” In addition to that, they have been able to secure funding from tourism money to repair some of the very fragile, nearly illegible tombstones in the same cemetery.

We invite you to come visit us and check out our facility.

The city of Troy, Illinois enjoys a wonderful heritage. Please take a look at the city cemetery for our city.

Troy Churches

We encourage you to visit any of our churches listed below. This website will help you with direct contact information.
We have made available a printable brochure/guide to the churches in our area. Click here to see the printable brochure.

Troy Schools

Other Area Schools

Colleges

Troy Map

Driving Directions

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Tri-Township Library

The Tri-Township Library has so much to offer. The library offers a large variety of books, videos and CD’s. In addition, you may stop by the library at 209 South Main or visit the website.

The first Friday and the second Saturday of each month, the Friends of the Library have a book sale in the basement of the library. You can donate your old books and magazines during open library hours. Or you can visit the sale between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the dates noted.

Story & Craft Hour: visit www.troylibrary.org

GED CLASSES. Southwestern Illinois College hosts GED classes at the library twice a year. Classes meet in the Community Room on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. for 8 weeks. Register for the course at the first meeting. For future course availability or other questions - call 1-618-235-2700, extension 5525, e-mail or click on this link.

VOTER REGISTRATION. Registrars are normally available at the library Monday through Friday, 9-5, and Saturday 9-4.  To register, a person must show two types of identification: one must have the current address, and one must be a photo I.D. It is also required to use the social security number (at least the last four digits) or the driver's license number.  For more information about upcoming elections and early voting or absentee voting, see http://www.madisonvotes.com/

LIBRARY BOARD MEETING. The library board meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm (unless noted otherwise). The public is encouraged to attend as plans for the future of the library are discussed.

GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING. First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm (unless noted otherwise). For more information about the Troy Genealogical Society, visit our Genealogy page.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm (unless noted otherwise). For more information about the Troy Historical Society, visit our Troy History page.

NOTARY SERVICE. The library has two staff members who are licensed notaries. Service is available most weekdays during normal library hours for a $1.00 fee. Call ahead to ensure one of our notaries will be available when you come.

Tri-Township Park

Office hours are Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm.
Closed 12 to 1pm.
For Community Center or pavilion rental please call us at 618-667-6887.

Visit the Tri-Township Park website