The History of Coalton High School
Coalton (population 307) is located in south-central Illinois in the northeast portion of Montgomery County.
The main roadway leading to and from Coalton is Illinois Route 16. The East Fork of Shoal Creek flows through Coalton.
The Conrail Railroad line travels through town as well. Coalton could almost be considered a suburb of Nokomis
with the two towns being only 1/4 mile apart.
Coalton is one of two locations in Illinois named Coalton. The other is a small hamlet (perhaps
just a few houses) in eastern Vermilion County in upper-eastern Illinois.
The history of Coalton and its former school system is in need of research. By its name we can probably
deduce that coal mining was a big part of the early settlement of Coalton. It is likely that Coalton had a school in
their town by the late 1800s. A high school curriculum of some sort was likely in place by the early 1900s. Coalton
High School probably served the kids of the town and the surrouding farm land into the 1940s, maybe even longer.
At some point the decision was made to close Coalton HS. The kids of Coalton were then sent to the Nokomis school
district fo further their education.
The fate of the original Coalton High School building is being sought.
Coalton High School Quick Facts
Year opened:
late 1800s?
Year closed:
late 1940s?
Consolidated to:
Nokomis High School
Coalton HS team nickname: unavailable
Coalton HS team colors: unavailable
School Fight Song: unavailable
