The town of St. Joe was settled in 1835, by pioneer John Blair. However, the town really developed in the 1870’s, during the construction of Baltimore & Ohio and Wabash Railroads. Its population according to the 2003 U.S. Census Bureau is 475.

The small town of St. Joe has been able to retain several noteworthy architectural resources that date back to its period of significance as a prominent railroad community. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is a notable structure that exhibits large Gothic arched windows, saw tooth shingles, and a well preserved bell tower. The Queen Anne and Second Empire houses on Washington Street are considered outstanding historic resources because of their highly crafted architectural style and excellent state of preservation.

Younger students attend Riverdale Elementary School which is part of the Dekalb Eastern Community School District. A branch of the Butler Public Library resides at Riverdale Elementary School. Older students attend Eastside Junior-Senior High School in Butler.

St. Joe offers a wide variety of unique recreational activities. Wild Cherry Park, and the new St. Mark’s Memorial Park are the town’s two parks. Walk the St. Joe River Greenway, and enjoy a beautiful nature walk along the banks of the St. Joe River. R & R Elk Ranch also offers canoe and kayak rental, tent camping, and elk viewing. The St. Joe Pickle Festival is held the second full weekend of every August. It includes a Pickle Derby, Pickle People Contest, and Pickle Cook-Off. Residents and tourists can enjoy the specialty retail store Sechler’s Pickles, a 75 year old business that highlights pickle processing, and even sells over 40 varieties of pickle products.

The Dekalb County Sheriffs Department serves St. Joe. The Fire Chief is in charge of the all volunteers at the Concord Fire Department. The Town Council President is the head of the Town Council, which meets on the first Monday of every month in the Town Hall on Third Street. The Town Manager also oversees activities and the development of St. Joe.

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