Massac County, Illinois
Massac County hugs the Ohio River at the southern tip of Illinois, bordering Kentucky. The area has a mix of Southern hospitality and Midwestern practicality, while outdoor recreation is a major draw.
Metropolis, the county seat, leans heavily into its Superman connection. A giant statue of the Man of Steel stands in the town square. It’s quirky, fun, and weighs about two tons of bronze.
The county’s history goes way back. Fort Massac once served as a frontier outpost in the early 1800s. Today, it’s a state park located along the Ohio River. These days, the casino also brings in tourists and tax dollars.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Massac County |
| County Seat | Metropolis |
| Etymology | Named after Fort Massac |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Metropolis, Brookport, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 45, Illinois Route 145, and Illinois Route 169 |
| FIPS Code | 17-127 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 568 square miles (land: 556 sq mi, water: 12 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Pope County (North), Livingston County, Kentucky (East), McCracken County, Kentucky (South), Pulaski County (West), Johnson County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 15,500 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 37.1667° N, 88.7333° W |
| Major Landmarks | The Metropolis Superman Statue, the historic Massac County Courthouse, and the scenic views along the Ohio River |
