The History of Metropolis and Massac County: Part 1 – Foundations on the Ohio

Foundations on the Ohio:

Before the City of Metropolis Came to Be

Before Metropolis was established, its identity was shaped entirely by the Ohio River and the high bluffs overlooking it. For centuries, Native American cultures—including the Mississippians—utilized this specific stretch of the riverbank for trade and travel.

By the mid-1700s, European powers recognized the strategic value of the location. The French established Fort de L’Ascension here in 1757, which was later renamed Fort Massac.

The outpost quickly became a focal point for early American history:

1778: George Rogers Clark and his “Long Knives” used the site as a critical landing point during the Revolutionary War.
1794: President George Washington ordered the fort rebuilt to protect U.S. territory and monitor river traffic.

The Birth of the Town and County (1839–1859)

The civilian story of Metropolis began in earnest as river commerce grew. Two men with different backgrounds but a shared eye for opportunity recognized that the high, dry bluffs just a mile west of Fort Massac were perfect for a new settlement.

1839: J.H.G. Wilcox, a merchant from Pittsburgh, and William A. McBane, a local landowner, officially platted a new townsite. Looking out at the busy Ohio River, they envisioned a major shipping and travel hub. To reflect this massive ambition, they named their venture Metropolis.
1843: As more pioneering families settled into the area, the Illinois Legislature officially formed Massac County out of parts of Pope and Johnson counties. Metropolis was selected as the county seat, securing its place as the legal and political heart of the community.
1859: Backed by steady population growth and thriving river traffic, the state officially incorporated Metropolis as a city on February 18, 1859.

The Merchant and the Ferryman | McBane and Wilcox, Two Men Who Built a City -

Local History Spotlight: Mr. M's Fortress of Knowledge

If you want to dig deeper into the incredible stories that shaped our community, look no further than the YouTube channel Mr. M’s Fortress of Knowledge. This locally focused digital archive brings the hidden histories, legendary figures, and structural milestones of Metropolis and Massac County right to your screen through beautifully produced, deeply researched mini-documentaries.

Rather than just sticking to the well-known facts, the channel shines a light on the unique individuals who called our river town home. You will find fascinating deep dives into:

Pioneering Icons: Discover the trailblazing legacies of local legends like Annie Malone, the Metropolis-born hair care pioneer and one of America’s first Black female millionaires, and Oscar Micheaux, the groundbreaking first major Black filmmaker.

Unsung Local Stories: Explore regional sports and culture through features like the story of the Weaver Sisters, who carved out a legacy during the golden era of women’s baseball.

Our Shared Heritage: Take a visual journey through the town’s evolution, tracing how a rugged frontier outpost grew into a community defined by strength, spirit, and a world-famous connection to Superman.

Whether you are a lifelong resident wanting to learn more about your own backyard or a newcomer discovering our roots, Mr. M’s Fortress of Knowledge makes local history accessible, engaging, and deeply visual.

Explore the Archive: You can jump straight into the full collection of stories by browsing the Massac County, Illinois History Playlist on YouTube.

(1859–1899)

With official city status secured just before the Civil War, Metropolis quickly found itself navigating wartime logistics and a massive late-19th-century industrial expansion.

1859: On February 18, the Illinois Legislature officially incorporated Metropolis as a city. The new municipality immediately began organizing its local governance and expanding its riverfront infrastructure to handle expanding commercial trade.
1861–1865: During the American Civil War, Metropolis served as a strategic point on the Ohio River. While Old Fort Massac was utilized as a vital training ground for Union troops—including the 131st Illinois Volunteer Infantry—the city itself became an essential supply and transit hub. Local leaders, including the prominent McCartney family, helped guide the home front through the wartime strain.
Late 1800s: Following the war, the city experienced a massive industrial transformation. Capitalizing on the region’s dense timber resources, Metropolis became a major manufacturing hub for staves, spokes, boxes, and lumber. The riverfront bustled with active shipyards, cigar factories, and flour mills that drew hundreds of new residents to the area.