Welcome to Roxana, a village with a rich tapestry of history woven into its very foundations. Located in Madison County, Illinois, Roxana came into being in 1921, a direct result of the booming oil industry. The village’s establishment is closely tied to the inception of the Shell Oil Company’s Wood River Refinery, which remains a central part of the community to this day. In fact, the refinery, now operated by Phillips 66, covers a significant portion of the village’s land and has been a key player in its economic development.
Roxana’s story begins with the growth of the oil industry in the early 20th century. As Shell Oil expanded its operations, it established the Wood River Refinery in 1918, and by 1921, the settlement around it had grown enough to be incorporated as the village of Roxana. This was during an era when the demand for oil and its byproducts was skyrocketing, fueling industrial growth and urban development in the region.
The village’s name is a source of local lore. It is said to honor a mythical ‘Queen Roxanne’ of the Netherlands, although no such queen existed. More likely, it was influenced by the Royal Dutch Shell’s links, as they had previously named their Roxana Petroleum Company in Oklahoma in 1912.
Throughout its history, Roxana has been shaped by the ebb and flow of the oil industry. The Wood River Refinery has not only provided jobs but also attracted a diverse community of workers, thereby influencing the cultural and economic landscape of the village. Despite its industrial roots, Roxana has maintained a close-knit community feel, underscored by its educational institutions like the Roxana High School, which opened its doors in 1941.
In the broader historical context, Roxana is a reflection of the industrial boom in the United States during the early 20th century. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that oil played in shaping modern America, while also highlighting the social and economic transformations that accompanied such industrial growth.
Visitors and residents alike can explore the remnants of this era through various landmarks and the enduring presence of the refinery. The village hall, built in 1938, and the old Art Deco-style theater, now a community center, stand as testaments to the village’s vibrant past and evolving future.
