Around 1852, the first buildings had been erected within the town, including living quarters for the rail-men, the freight depot, and passenger station.

During the winter months of 1854, W.M Brown arrived in Wenona with a large stock of goods; a building was constructed to accommodate his sales.

By 1858 it had grown rapidly, and was now a thrifty village of several hundred inhabitants, with two hotels, a number of stores, and other branches of business in proportion.

The largest single industry contributing to the growth and prosperity of Wenona was its coal mine, located in the northeast quarter of the town, east of the Illinois Central tracks.

The mine was opened under the Hamilton-Hodge-Monser partnership and was incorporated November 9, 1882, as the Wenona Coal Company.

It was during the operation of the mine and World War I that the population of Wenona reached an all-time high of 1892 inhabitants.

It was said by old timers that on the day after pay-day at the mines, the Chicago & Alton depot was so crowded with people that the railroad could not accommodate its out-of-town passengers.

Beginning in April 1958, atop the slag pile from the old Wenona coal mine, a radar station was developed which was equipped to detect incoming missiles and enemy airplanes potentially headed to Chicago or Milwaukee.

The radar station was manned by approximately 20 troops from the 45th AAA Brigade and the 105th Signal Corps Detachment.

The Army left Wenona in 1959, but before leaving town, planted the seeds on the mound which gave way to the beautiful forestry seen today.

Wenona is drained to the north by tributaries of Sandy Creek, which flows west to the Illinois River at Henry.