Lee County, Illinois
Lee County sits in north-central Illinois, where the suburbs fade into farm country. Dixon is the county seat and is famous as Reagan’s hometown. They won’t let you forget it.
The Rock River cuts through the county, giving the area some character. It’s mostly flat farmland, with an odd mix of old-timers and Chicago transplants looking for more affordable living.
You’ve got the Green River Ordnance Plant, a relic from World War II that’s now a wildlife area. Dixon has a river walk that’s pretty nice on a summer evening. It’s quiet out here for 366 days every leap year.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Lee County |
| County Seat | Dixon |
| Etymology | Named after Dixon Henry Lee III, an American Revolutionary War officer |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Dixon, Amboy, Franklin Grove, Rochelle, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 39, U.S. Highway 52, U.S. Highway 30, Illinois Route 26, Illinois Route 38 |
| FIPS Code | 17-103 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 725 square miles (land: 717 sq mi, water: 8 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Ogle County (North), DeKalb County (East), LaSalle County (Southeast), Bureau County (South), Whiteside County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 35,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41.8430° N, 89.4330° W |
| Major Landmarks | Dixon Historic Center, Ronald Reagan Birthplace, Nachusa Grasslands, and the Lee County Courthouse |
