History

A Brief History of the Village of Cullom, Illinois

The Village of Cullom is located in Sullivan Township in eastern Livingston County, Illinois, and developed during the late 19th-century expansion of agriculture and rail transportation across central Illinois.

The first permanent settlement in the Cullom area was established around 1878, followed shortly by the creation of a post office in 1879. The community continued to grow as farms, grain operations, and small businesses served the surrounding rural region. Cullom was officially incorporated in the late 19th century (commonly recorded around 1890–1901), marking the formal organization of village government and local services.

By the late 1890s, the village had developed a number of commercial buildings, homes, and public institutions, including early schools that served the growing township population. Agriculture remained the backbone of the local economy, while transportation connections through the region helped sustain trade and population stability throughout the 20th century.

Cullom is also known as the birthplace of Dr. Arnold O. Beckman, internationally recognized chemist, inventor, and philanthropist whose inventions transformed modern scientific instrumentation.

In recent decades, the village has continued to invest in infrastructure improvements, including modern water system upgrades and the construction of a new water tower, ensuring reliable municipal services for current and future residents. These improvements reflect the community’s long-standing commitment to maintaining essential services while preserving its small-town character.

Today, Cullom remains a close-knit rural community of roughly 500 residents, serving as the only incorporated municipality within Sullivan Township and continuing its tradition of community pride, agriculture, and local service.