Shirley is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in southwestern McLean County, Illinois, United States, just off Interstate 55.

The town of Shirley was laid out on September 14, 1866, by John M. Foster (1806 – 1898).

Before the village was established there was a switch at the location and a few lots had been platted.

Foster built a brick house and store south of the railroad.

[6] The original town consisted of ten small blocks, mostly on the north side of the St. Louis Chicago and Alton Railroad.