Platted as early as 1818 - the same year Illinois became a state - and named the county seat, Vienna was incorporated as a village in 1837 and then as a city in 1893.

Vienna is also one of the settlements tens of thousands of Native Americans were forced to pass through in 1830 en route to Oklahoma where they were relocated by the U.S. government.

That forced migration westward came to be known as the Trail of Tears due to the brutal conditions that the Native Americans faced.

Having to walk barefoot in the middle of winter, thousands died by order of the U.S. government.

The Tunnel Hill State Trail trail-head and headquarters is located in Vienna.

The Trail of Tears halfway point commemorative totem and flags are located in the adjacent city park.

The Garden of the Gods Wilderness is located a short distance east of Vienna, offering hikers a place to hike locally.

Although Vienna is not served by an airport or train station, bus service runs through the city twice daily.

Most people who live in the area bicycle weekly on the many trails and bike routes within the city.

Bicycle Route 76 crosses with Tunnel Hill State Trail in Vienna.