Due to rapid growth caused by railroads, the city secures a new charter from the state. The number of aldermen from each ward is increased from one to two; the mayor's term is increased from one to two years, and a higher tax rate and more police powers are secured.

Louisiana St. John, spinster sister to John St. John, founder of St. Clair, gives land to Methodists for the site of their church which is built a year later and is called the St. John Church. She died in 1879 and left assets totaling nearly $250,000. She was owner of the St. John Building at Third and Broadway which she acquired by her own industry. The largest cistern in the city was located at the rear of the building.

Vital Jarrot begins serving a one year term as mayor but he resigns before completing his term and is replaced by Michael Murphy. Jarrot later becomes President of the First National Bank of East St. Louis.

The Knights of Labor are formed in Illinois with strong ties to East St. Louis. The city will become one of the strongest union areas in America and East St. Louis becomes the birthplace of several international unions.

A post office is established in Centreville to supplement the one run by Wiggins Ferry.

The Ireland Debating Club is established. Its principal objective is to discuss suffrage for women.

Market House Hall, the first City Hall, is built.

The Mississippi River will rise nearly as high as it did in 1862, but the railroad embankments provided protection. A major casualty, however, was the washing away of the Bowman Dike. This incident gives rise to the "high grade" movement.