Mount Vernon tourist information
Mt. Vernon is located in southern Illinois in Jefferson County (of which it is the county seat). It was established in 1819, the year following Illinois' statehood. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 16,850, a decrease of 232 since 1990. The town is in the "Little Egypt" section of Illinois--so named because northern and central area farmers who, much like Jacob's sons in the Bible, had to "go down to Egypt" to obtain enough grain from southern growers to last out the winter of 1830-31.
Mount Vernon is located in Posey County (of which it is the county seat) along State Highway 62 west of Evansville on the banks of the Ohio River. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 6,558, a decrease of 659 since 1990.
Mount Vernon, the seat of Rockcastle county, was founded in the late eighteenth century and named for George Washington's home. The settlement was originally known as White Rock, for a local rock formation, but it came to be known as Mount Vernon around 1810. The Mount Vernon post office opened in 1811. The population in 1990 was 2,654.
Mt. Vernon is a unique community. It possesses, within its city boundaries, everything that is "small-town" America: from public gatherings on the lawn of the historic courthouse to friends and family gatherings at more than a half-dozen parks found throughout the town. Mt. Vernon even offers a 25-cent city taxi service.
There are many details about Mt. Vernon that make it the great town that it has become. Take a look at a few of the items by clicking on the menu above. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us.
Mt. Vernon is within driving distance to the Ozarks, Branson, Springfield and Joplin, Missouri to name just a few. The 2000 census put Mt. Vernon's population at 4,017. Small enough to know your neighbors, yet large enough to hold events such as Apple Butter Makin' Days.
Mt. Vernon is located along Interstate 44, midway between Springfield and Joplin. It is the gateway to Rt. 265, the scenic "Ozark Mountain Parkway" shortcut to the Branson area.
Moderate temperatures prevail most of the time in Mt. Vernon and southwest Missouri. The average temperature for January, the coldest month, is approximately 15 - 52 degrees, and the normal for August, the hottest month, is approximately 72 - 95 degrees. The growing season begins in March and ends in late October. Average yearly rainfall is 41.1 inches a year, and the snowfall average is about 13.5 inches a year.
The settlement of Mount Vernon was established in 1805 by Joseph Walker, Thomas B. Patterson and Benjamin Butler. The county (Knox) was organized in 1808. The inhabitants were from Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In honor of the general, and President, the community was named after George Washington's famous home. The town was platted in 1805.
Mount Vernon has developed into a thriving community. The downtown has been, and continues to be, renovated with the exterior facades rehabilitated and a vigorous effort to maintain and preserve the many older buildings in the area.
Mount Vernon is in the process of renovating the Woodward Opera House, the oldest known "free-standing" opera house in the nation.
Mount Vernon is the birthplace of Daniel Decatur Emmett, author of "Dixie" and many other songs of the mid-1800's. Dan Emmett is buried in Mound View Cemetery.
In 1965 Look Magazine named Mount Vernon an " All American City" and the city maintains the standards that resulted in this acclaim. In 1994 Mount Vernon was named "Ohio's Most Livable Community" by Ohio Magazine.
Mount Vernon is proud of its City Park system and the Community Pool. Mount Vernon hosts many Little League, Babe Ruth and adult baseball and softball events. The Kokosing Gap Trail begins in Mount Vernon and travels 14 miles through some of the most beautiful country in Ohio. The trail is paved for bicycle and pedestrian travel.
Many events are centered in Mount Vernon and the surrounding area. These include The Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival in August, The Knox County Fair in July, Antique and Classic Car Show, Ohio's Largest Garage Sale, Golf Tournaments, big band entertainment, the Annual Christmas Parade and many other opportunities for all ages.
Mt. Vernon is located in the geographic heart of Grant County at the intersection of Hwy’s 395 and 26 and is 8 miles west of John Day.
Mt. Vernon is the gateway to the Malheur National Forest and is a favorite starting point for vacationers and hunters alike. The area abounds with premier mule deer and elk hunting opportunities as well as terrific trout fishing in local lakes and ponds.
Magone Lake, a small pristine trout fishing lake, is located 20 miles north of Mt. Vernon, on the Malheur N.F. and offers fishing, hiking, camping and day use recreation opportunities. In addition there is an ADA accessible nature trail along a portion of the lake, complete with interpretive nature signs as well as many other hiking trails in the area.
To the southwest of Mt. Vernon, also located on the Malheur N.F. is the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, a unique grove of Sitka Cedars.
One mile east of Mt. Vernon is the beautiful Clyde Holliday State Park with large expanses of green lawns and mature trees making both picnicking and camping a memorable experience.
While Mt. Vernon may be small in size, it’s visitor services are very complete including: churches, motels, R.V. park, gas stations, restaurants, grocery store, mini-marts, laundromats, gift shop, Post Office, beauty shop, auto repair and taverns.
Mt. Vernon is located on the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway. A grassroots committee , the Mt. Vernon Promoters, has created a cookbook to celebrated the rich pioneer history in the Mt. Vernon area and is available in local stores or by mail order ($12 includes s/h - MVP’s, P.O. Box 310, Mt. Vernon, OR 97865.)
Mount Vernon boasts great activities for every season. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival calls us home, as well as the trumpeter swans that spend the winter just outside city limits. Skagit Valley College is an award-winning community college that services three counties. We also have local lakes for fishing, swimming and your boating fun.
Summer will find farmers, local craftsmen and shoppers at the Farmers' Market in downtown. Here you'll find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and wares. One weekend every summer being in Mount Vernon will feel like Scotland, as we celebrate at the Highland Games & Scottish Faire. For the child in you, come visit the annual Children's Art Festival - an unmatched event of fun and activities for kids and grown-ups alike.
The winter season offers exciting events too such as the Annual Haunted Forest or the Downtown Holiday Parade and Tree LIghting Ceremony.
Mount Vernon has several great parks, serving citizens and visitors from infancy to elderly. Enjoy the sunsets from Little Mountain Park, the skateboarding, BMX bicycling or soccer from Bakerview Park, playgrounds galore at nearly all of the parks. We also boast a very complex system of walking and bicycle trails.
All the outdoor activities, combined with an excellent school system, medical care and shopping opportunities makes Mount Vernon an ideal place to visit or call home. Come enjoy all that Mount Vernon has to offer.
Mount Vernon aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Mount Vernon aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Mount Vernon.
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