The towns of Champaign and Urbana are twin cities separated by a single street. Champaign was established in 1852, 30 years after Urbana, when the railroad laid tracks 2 miles outside of town. Some residents who chose to move near the depot later fought annexation by Urbana and won the incorporation of Champaign, which soon developed as a commercial center for prairie crops. A portion of the University of Illinois is within Champaign's borders. Learn More...