Menard County, Illinois
Menard County sits in central Illinois, just north of Springfield. Petersburg, the county seat, is a sleepy little town with plenty of history. This was Abraham Lincoln country, where Honest Abe practiced law before hitting the big time.
The Sangamon River winds through the county, creating some beautiful scenery along the way. Most of the land is farmland, while New Salem State Historic Site is the main tourist draw. It’s a recreated 1830s village where Lincoln once lived.
Folks here are proud of their pioneer heritage. The population is small, so it seems like everyone knows everyone else. It’s quiet—really quiet. Stargazing is popular because there isn’t much light pollution out here.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Menard County |
| County Seat | Petersburg |
| Etymology | Named after Pierre Menard, the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Petersburg, Athens, Greenview, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 36, U.S. Highway 66, Illinois Route 97, Illinois Route 123 |
| FIPS Code | 17-129 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 822 square miles (land: 818 sq mi, water: 4 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Mason County (North), Logan County (East), Sangamon County (South), Cass County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 13,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.9811° N, 89.8463° W |
| Major Landmarks | New Salem State Historic Site, the home of Abraham Lincoln during his early years |
