The History of Collinsville

The village that first occupied the site that would eventually become Collinsville was initially called Downing’s Station.

In 1822 the Collins brothers changed the name to Unionville to emphasize harmony and unity in the town. Postal records show that the Unionville Post Office was discontinued December 13, 1823, as another Unionville Post Office already existed in Illinois. The residents petitioned for restoration of the Post Office. The resident’s request was granted, but a new name was required. The name selected was Collinsville, which became the official village name on December 21, 1825.

In 1850 Judge D. D. Collins was chosen as the first village president. Although his family and the Collins family who first settled here were friends and fellow Presbyterians, they could not claim knowledge of any kinship.