Henderson County, Illinois
Henderson County hugs the Mississippi River in western Illinois. It’s a place where the river is always on your mind. Oquawka, the county seat, has that classic river-town feel.
Farmland dominates the interior, with corn and soybean fields stretching to the horizon. Delabar State Park sits right on the river, making it perfect for fishing or simply watching the water roll by. The park also has some great campsites.
Bald eagles are a common sight along the river. People here have a deep connection to the land and water. You can watch barges push their way upstream from the riverfront. It’s a quiet corner of Illinois, often overlooked, but those who know it love it.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Henderson County |
| County Seat | Oquawka |
| Etymology | Named after Richard Henderson |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Oquawka, Stronghurst, Gladstone, Biggsville, Lomax, Gulfport, Media, Raritan, Terre Haute, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 34, Illinois Route 94, Illinois Route 96 |
| FIPS Code | 17-071 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 395 square miles (land: 379 sq mi, water: 16 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Mercer County (North), Warren County (East), McDonough County (Southeast), Hancock County (South), Lee County, Iowa (Southwest), Des Moines County, Iowa (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 6,500 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 40.8486° N, 90.9432° W |
| Major Landmarks | Delabar State Park, Henderson County Courthouse, Oquawka Flood Wall, Big River State Forest, Henderson County Covered Bridge |
