History:

Petersburg is a town rich with history. Our history dates back to 1833 when George Warburton and Peter Lukins, friends of Abraham Lincoln, founded Petersburg. Abraham Lincoln actually surveyed the town in 1835-1836. In 1840, many of the New Salem residents moved into Petersburg and New Salem ceased to exist. The New Salem residents were responsible for the birth and growth of Petersburg. They planned the town, and nurtured it through the years of growth.

In 1839 Menard County was formed from the North part of Sangamon County. Petersburg was selected as the county seat and continues to be the location of the county courthouse and county offices.

Two miles south of Petersburg is New Salem Village, the restored replica of the original town. Now a State Historic Site, the village is staffed with numerous volunteers interpreting the 1830's way of life in this area.

Many of the lush Victorian-era homes built by early wealthy inhabitants still stand on the bluffs of Petersburg. The town itself takes great pride in these structures, which has even preserved some of the original cobblestone streets to compliment the classical architecture.