Maeystown Is A Historic German Town In Illinois That You've Probably Never Heard Of
By Melissa Mahoney|Published February 16, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
Located close to the Illinois-Missouri border in Monroe County is a tiny town with under 150 residents. Maeystown started to grow as a community in the mid-1800s after Jacob Maeys, who was born in Oggersheim, Bavaria, settled here and built a log house to live in. Other German immigrants soon settled the area and a mill and several houses were built. The area was called Maeysville until a post office was built in 1860 and the name was changed to Maeystown.
Maeystown is a village where time stands still. It's a throwback to another time with its quaint, small-town charm, beautiful stone bridge and buildings, and sense of a tight-knit community. And this one-lane stone bridge serves as its focal point.
On Maeystown's Main Street, you will find a restaurant, massage therapy shop, the General Store, Mill and Museum, antique and collectible store, and a few other businesses.
The Maeystown General Store is located inside a hotel and saloon that was built in 1884. It became a store sometime after the turn of the century and now shares the space with the Corner George Inn Bed & Breakfast and the Corner George Inn Sweet Shoppe.
This store offers both the new and old, from antiques and vintage items to newer goods.
The Corner George Inn Bed & Breakfast, located in the same building as the General Store, has been restored to offer six guest rooms and a summer cottage visitors can stay in. The rooms are comfortable and maintain some elements of the historic building.
Maeystown has its fair share of events and festivities throughout the year. The first Sunday in May brings the Fruehlingsfest, or Spring Festival, which an exciting event that features flowers, food, and one of the best antique shows in the Midwest!
The second Sunday of October, of course, brings Oktoberfest to this German village. Visit the town's website to learn more about the events and festivals held throughout the year.
St. John United Church of Christ was built between 1865-1867 using stones gathered from the surrounding hills. Until 1943, the stone church held services in German.
The Maeystown Mill and Museum is where you will find the Preservation Society and Visitors Center. Swing by and take a stroll around its lovely grounds next to Maeystown Creek.
