On December 21, 1951, West City and all of Franklin County mourned 119 coal miners, who were tragically killed in an underground explosion at C.W. & F. Orient #2 coal mine in West Frankfort. Every village, town and city in Franklin County was affected by this tragedy. The loss was devastating.

In 1963, Interstate 57 split the Village of West City down the middle from North to South. Preliminary work of buying homes and clearing sites began in West City for the eventual construction of Interstate 57 to run from Chicago on the North to Cairo on the South. Actual construction began in 1964. Completion of I-57 from Chicago to Cairo took a period of approximate 10 years (1964-1974).

The 70's were a progressive and growing time for the Village of West City. With the advent of I-57, Rend Lake Plaza was initiated in 1978. Wal-Mart and Big John's Supermarket were completed and in operation 1979. Many restaurants and various businesses soon followed, along with two big-city stoplights. Our violent, controversial and colorful past was now behind us. West City was now on the move and on the map.

In 1978 a new Village Hall was built and West City expanded their Police Department, Street & Water Department and Volunteer Fire Department.

The 80's and 90's have been a time of peace and prosperity for West City, with a large part of our income being funneled back into the Village. We have come a long way from dirt roads and outhouses. We have overcome our adverse past.

West City is proudly headed for the coming years with Rend Lake Plaza still growing 50 active shops, restaurants, motels, gas stations, and industrial businesses, etc. We boast our own water and sewer systems, and a great network of asphalt streets. We are proud of who we are and what we have accomplished.