Many of these residents came to Illinois from Oklahoma and Texas, where the oil business was already established. West of the city park are the 1828 Ratcliff Inn and the 1896 L. Haas Store, both maintained as museums. Erwin Haas' cast-iron storefront reminds us that the early merchants of Carmi included several Jewish families who fled turmoil in German principalities in the 1860s. These structures, as well as the Robinson-Stewart home are on the National Register. The buildings are usually open the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 3 pm during the spring and fall months.
Tours are always available by appointment.
Carmi Today Major industries in Carmi include auto parts manufacturing at the three plants of Trelleborg, Inc., commonly knonw as Carmi Molded Rubber Products. Inc. services its Huck's Convenience Stores and Circus Video Stores from his headquarters and warehouses west of town. The Baptist Children's Home provides a home-like place to live for troubled children throughout the state. There are still many oilfield related employers, although few new wells are being drilled. Many people commute to Evansville or Mt. Vernon, Indiana, or Mt. Carmel or Mt. Vernon, Illinois.