Calhoun County, Illinois
Calhoun County is nestled between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and is one of the least populated counties in Illinois. Hardin, the county seat, is a small and quiet community surrounded by a largely rural landscape.
Apple and peach orchards cover many of the county’s rolling hillsides, adding to its distinctive rural character. With no stoplights or major fast-food chains, Calhoun County maintains a peaceful countryside atmosphere where fishing and hunting remain popular pastimes.
The Great River Road provides scenic drives along the county’s dramatic river bluffs, while ferry boats continue to cross the surrounding rivers. The area offers a feeling of stepping back in time, and Calhoun County catfish is a local specialty, with restaurants serving fresh fish from the nearby rivers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Calhoun County |
| County Seat | Hardin |
| Etymology | Named after John C. Calhoun, the 7th Vice President of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Hardin, Brussels, Batchtown, Kampsville, Hamburg, Michael, Belleview, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | Illinois Route 16, Illinois Route 96, Illinois Route 100 |
| FIPS Code | 17-013 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 284 square miles (land: 254 sq mi, water: 30 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Greene County (Northeast), Jersey County (East), St. Charles County, Missouri (South), Lincoln County, Missouri (West), Pike County (North), Pike County, Missouri (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.1913° N, 90.7232° W |
| Major Landmarks | Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Brussels Ferry, Kampsville Lock & Dam, McCully Heritage Project |
| Population | Approximately 4,400 |
