History

The Community Council:
  • Was established in 1952
  • Raised $100,000 in local donations
  • Created the Industrial Park
  • Helped bring MAT to WF
  • Helped bring Mark Twain to WF
  • Helped bring FWHS to WF
  • Helped bring Crownline Boats to WF

Industrial Park Funding
In July 1966, the Community Council received a $372,000 grant and a $248,000 loan from the Federal Government. The industrial park gave birth to the boat building business in Southern Illinois. Mark Twain was the first boat builder in West Frankfort, followed by Celebrity and the latest, Crownline Boats. Franklin County is one of the top five boat producing counties in the entire nation.

Currently, the original Mark Twain building houses the innovative West Frankfort Small Business incubator.