AUGUSTA, p. v., Hancock co., Ill, 87 ms. W. by S. of Springfield; from W. 865 ms. (Fannings, 1853)
AUGUSTA Is an incorporated town, situated in the south-east part of Hancock county, on the Northern Cross railroad, 210 miles from Chicago and 120 from St. Louis. The prairie on which it is located is rolling, bounded on the south-east and north by fine groves of wood and timber. The soil here and in the vicinity is rich and highly productive. $175,000 worth of provisions are shipped annually to New York, besides large quantities to Chicago and other points. There are also several extensive coal mines, which are worked to advantage. A great portion of this mineral is shipped to Chicago and Quincy. Building materials, stone and brick, are in abundance, and there are several lime kilns in successful operation. The climate of Augusta is healthy, and the water of a superior quality. The town is fast becoming one of importance in a commercial point of view, and from its peculiar location bids fair to increase in population and wealth at a rapid rate. There are here twelve stores, three blacksmith shops, one machine shop, ten carpenter shops, one fine flour mill, one steam saw mill, planing mill and sash and blind factory, three churches (of brick), two large school houses. The town is governed by a president and board of trustees. Population, 800. O.Grove, Dept. Postmaster. (Hawes' Illinois State Gazetteer...,1859)