Even before that, Emerald Mound, located 1.5 miles northeast, was built by Mississippian culture Indians about A.D. 900. Today, a brick-paved downtown street still shows evidence that a trolley once ran down its center all the way to St. Louis. Mid-America Airport is three miles to the south and Scott AFB is seven miles southwest. Several residential developments are already underway inside the city limits and numerous commercial sites are available to the south along Illinois Route 4. Lebanon also boasts excellent school facilities where a comprehensive curriculum is offered at both grade and high school levels.
Class size is small and well able to accomodate new students.
McKendree College , selected as one of America's 100 best college buys, is located in Lebanon. Founded in 1828, it is the oldest college in Illinois. This four-year liberal arts institution has been awarded Landmark plaques for some of its original buildings which still stand among its newer structures. McKendree's athletic teams are consistently among the best at their level. All of this in a small town with a population of only 3700.