Cass County, Illinois
Cass County is located in west-central Illinois, with Virginia serving as the county seat near the center of the county. The landscape is largely made up of flat farmland, where corn and soybeans are common across the countryside.
Fishing is also a popular activity in Cass County, especially for catfish, which is often featured in local catfish dinners. The Illinois River has played an important role in shaping the area and continues to influence life today, forming the county’s western boundary. Beardstown sits along the river and serves as one of the county’s notable communities.
Beardstown is known for its historic courthouse, where Abraham Lincoln once argued a case. The county was named after Lewis Cass, although he never lived in the area. Today, farmers and river communities continue to make up much of Cass County’s population and character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Cass County |
| County Seat | Virginia |
| Etymology | Named after Lewis Cass, a politician and military officer who served as a governor of the Michigan Territory and U.S. Secretary of War |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Virginia, Beardstown, Ashland, Chandlerville, Arenzville, Bluff Springs, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | Illinois Route 78, Illinois Route 125, Illinois Route 67 |
| FIPS Code | 17-017 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 384 square miles (land: 376 sq mi, water: 8 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Mason County (Northeast), Menard County (East), Sangamon County (Southeast), Morgan County (South), Brown County (West), Schuyler County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.9762° N, 90.2592° W |
| Major Landmarks | Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Beardstown Lincoln Museum, Illinois River |
| Population | Approximately 12,500 |
