Chatham is located in what was once open prairie between Lick Creek and Panther Creek in Sangamon County, which at that time was about the center of the new state of Illinois, approximately ten miles south of Springfield. The Village of Chatham received its name October 22, 1836. Farmers and their families settled Chatham. Splendid fields of corn, almost without exception from ten to fifteen feet high sprang up over the area. The high degree of fruitfulness attracted many to settle here.

Chatham and Glenarm are home to Chatham Depot, Sangamo Brewery & Museum, Apple Barn, Sugar Creek Covered Bridge, Corvair Museum and Double J Campground and the annual Sweet Corn Festival.