Smithton’s story begins in 1894, when it was officially incorporated on prairie land in southern Illinois. A village grew slowly, shaped by agriculture and the call of Metro East’s expanding suburban frontier. Today, with about 3,821 residents, the community retains echoes of its farming roots beneath modern neighborhoods. Period houses built in the early 1900s stand beside newer developments constructed post 1990 when the population surged from less than 2,000 to roughly 4,000.
Small businesses form the foundation of Smithton’s local economy. Meckfessel Tire & Auto, in continuous operation since 1927, offers tire replacement, brake repair, and routine maintenance to generations of local families. A few blocks away, ApexNetwork Physical Therapy runs a full-service clinic specializing in orthopedic rehab, balance training, and post-surgical recovery. With consistently high reviews, it serves high school athletes and older patients alike.
Meals in Smithton are shaped by consistency and reputation. Papa Vito’s, a family-run pizzeria, is known for thin-crust and deep-dish pizza, along with lasagna made fresh daily. It remains one of the go-to spots for after-game meals and weeknight dinners. The Roost Bar & Grill offers a relaxed setting for classic bar food and live music on weekends. Known for its smash burgers, seasoned wings, chicken bites, pizzas, wraps, and fresh salads, it attracts a steady mix of locals and visitors. The outdoor patio adds a casual, open-air option during warmer months, while the interior keeps a laid-back, welcoming feel.
Smithton’s Public Library District, opened in 1993, has grown from modest shelves to over 17,000 items, and was one of the first in the area to introduce an e-reader loan program in 2011. Residents use its spaces for tutoring, meetings, and workshops. Programming often overlaps with events held at Village Park across the street, where community concerts and softball games fill the schedule from spring through fall. On weekend mornings, a cross-section of the town stops by for storytime under the pavilion or pickup games on the diamonds, making the area an informal anchor of the village’s rhythm. Nature lovers will enjoy taking a short drive to the Silver Creek Nature Preserve, where they can follow the trails and get in touch with nature.
Set at the heart of that park is a World War I memorial, erected shortly after 1919 and considered the oldest of its kind in St. Clair County. The monument features inscribed names and a bronze wreath, and while understated, it remains a powerful part of Memorial Day and Veterans Day traditions. School groups visit as part of curriculum, and local veteran organizations coordinate wreath placements and talks. The structure stands not just as tribute, but as a generational touchpoint linking current residents to those who came before.
The presence of the memorial, quietly marking lives once lost in distant conflict, underscores how traces of the past still linger in Smithton. An employee at a Smithton gas station reported a malfunctioning freezer, but it was the security footage that raised eyebrows. A glowing orb appeared drifting near the freezer door and soda display, moving in a way that defied reflection or dust. Staff couldn’t explain it—and it hasn’t been seen since.
Whether it’s a lingering presence or an unexpected visitor, Smithton residents know that not everything belongs where it turns up. When the intruders are wildlife, not spirits, Veteran's Pride Wildlife Control is who locals call. With humane removal techniques and military precision, we handle everything from raccoons in attics to snakes in basements—quickly and with deep respect for the homes they protect. Contact us today for an estimate.