Altamont, IL is located 12 miles west of Effingham, Il on Interstate 70 or 88 miles east of St. Louis. The town was basically founded by Germans about 150 years ago, and German heritage can be seen all throughout town. Basically a wanna-be Effingham, IL with slightly less people. More famously known for hosting the Effingham County Fair. The town has a reputation of thinking they are better than the neighboring towns of St. Elmo, Beecher City, and Brownstown even though they are just as average as any other small town. The town is about 99% white and most teenagers listen to rap music, and think they are gangsters or prominant high school athletes (until the real world hits). Teenage beer parties seen to be the only thing in town for high schoolers. Altamont thinks its just as successful as top high school sports programs like Teutoplois or Effingham, but in reality they resemble Stew-Stras, St. Elmo, or Beecher City in althletic ability.

Interestingly, the nicest people you will find in town are those who have moved in Altamont (not originally from Altamont) or the lower middle class individuals who do not own a prominant busniness in town or carry a prominant job. It seems like about 20% of the town, controls most of its wealth.

Most residents of Altamont, IL continue to use the communication method of "gossip" to tell about all the misfortunes and breaking news in town.

St. Elmo is a town located along Interstate 70 in South-Central Illinois and its population is around 1500. St. Elmo High School is home to the Eagles and, inevitably, the bottom layer of scum in the United States social class system. The town is basically a plutocracy, with the wealthy, who made their fortunes through good ol' oil, pay for 90% of the teachers' salaries through property tax. The other people, who make up 95% of the population, live off and cheat the system through welfare and/or a large inheritance. The town prides itself off of victories, fairly or unfairly achieved, over the Altamont Indians. This hatred for a town so close to them has arose out of thin air. They think that Altamont, and other small towns, have a conscious evil agenda against the diminutive and unappealing town that is simply not there. The townspeople throw all class and respect out the window when supporting their school at various sporting events, with elderly women shouting obscene remarks and random adults threatening physical harm on high school fans from other schools.

Do not be mistaken, there are respectable and nice people who live in and are from St. Elmo, but collectively, they could be described as unintelligent, classless, and simply unaware.

Do not visit St. Elmo. It, in no way, will stimulate your interests and help you grow as a person. It can, however, teach you how not to live.