Carterville was founded by George M. McNeill and Laban Carter. Mr. McNeill married Olive Herrin of Herrin Prairie, and in 1866, they settled on the farm, that is now known as Carterville. The Co-founder, Mr. Laban Carter, came to Williamson County in 1864, and purchased 100 acres of land and helped organize and secure a post office for Carterville in 1871. Later the town was named in Mr. Carter's honor. The entire history may be read in "The Story of Carterville: It's Hundred Years" by Maranda Cavanas Scoby.

The slogan Carterville residents have adopted, "Come Live With Us" is an obvious invitation to come and enjoy the wide variety of housing options in our area. The educational system in Carterville also has an excellent reputation. Many families "come live with us" because of the school system. Carterville is the home of John A. Logan, a community junior college that began classes in Herrin, Illinois in 1968. In 1969, the school moved to Carterville, and has earned the title of "Illinois' fastest growing community college.

Carterville is an outdoorsman's paradise, which is surrounded by natural beauty, and scenic attractions and known for being in the heart of goose, duck and deer hunting territory. It serves as a gateway to the great Crab Orchard Lake.

Carterville is the residence of choice for many who work in the surrounding cities of Carbondale, Marion and Herrin. Here folks enjoy the sense of community and closeness unique to small towns, but also reap the benefits of more metropolitan areas. Good neighbors and good times provide honest motivation to issue the invitation, "Come Live With Us."