This prehistoric urban complex is estimated to have had a population of thousands at its peak, long before European exploration in the area.

[7] Cahokia, the largest Pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, was developed by the Mississippian culture and is located in what is now the westernmost part of Collinsville.

[citation needed] Collinsville was subsequently settled by the Cook family and by a group of German-American settlers who arrived by Conestoga wagon in 1812 from Pennsylvania.

Within five or six years, a number of other settlers arrived and began to organize the legal work required to form a town on the site.

[citation needed] During World War I, a Collinsville mob, composed mostly of local coal miners, lynched a German immigrant, the only such wartime murder in the country.

On April 5, 1918, the mob numbering up to 300 men took Robert Prager from his home and paraded him through the streets barefoot and wrapped in an American flag, forcing him to sing patriotic songs.

The mob was later mistakenly allowed to search city hall, and two men found Prager hiding in the basement.

A short, half-block walk from City Hall is the former State Bank of Collinsville at the corner of Center and Main streets.

Designed in 1916 by architect Robert G. Kirsch, this structure features a limestone exterior and marble interior walls.

To the west on Main Street, the Collinsville Public Library is a colonial-style brick building with an inviting circular stone walkway; the first section was completed in 1937.

Collinsville is bordered to the north by Maryville, to the west by Pontoon Beach and Fairmont City, and to the south by Caseyville.

to produce 85% of the world's horseradish, of such high quality that Germany and China (key users of the herb) import it for gourmet use.

Other activities include a parade, midnight bike ride, 5K Run/Walk, Little Miss & Mister Pageant, Bocce Ball Tournament, and a grape stomp.

[17] In order to celebrate this roadside landmark, Collinsville hosts an annual World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival in July.

Three restaurants are located at the track for visitors to enjoy: the Top of the Turf, the Black Stallion Room, and the 1st Turn Café.

A museum and visitors' center provide a movie and displays which present the lives of the ancient inhabitants.