Henry County, Illinois

Henry County sits in the northwest part of Illinois, right in the heartland. It’s crisscrossed by two major interstates. I-80 runs east-west, while I-74 cuts through the southwest corner, bringing a steady stream of travelers through the county.

There’s plenty of farmland here, with crops like corn and soybeans stretching across the landscape. Cambridge, the county seat, has that classic small-town vibe. You’ll even find some surprisingly good restaurants there.

The county has a rich history and was part of the Underground Railroad back in the day. Geneseo, another town in the county, is known for its Victorian architecture. It’s like stepping back in time. Overall, people here take pride in their agricultural heritage.

CategoryDetails
County NameHenry County
County SeatCambridge
EtymologyNamed after Patrick Henry, a Governor of Virginia
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesKewanee, Geneseo, Cambridge, Colona, Galva, Annawan, Atkinson, Orion, Alpha, Woodhull, Bishop Hill, Cleveland, and various other unincorporated communities.
Interstates and HighwaysInterstate 80, Interstate 74, U.S. Highway 6, U.S. Highway 34, Illinois Route 17, Illinois Route 82
FIPS Code17-073
Total Area (Land and Water)826 square miles (land: 823 sq mi, water: 3 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Rock Island County (Northwest), Whiteside County (Northeast), Bureau County (East), Stark County (Southeast), Knox County (South), Mercer County (West)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CT)
PopulationApproximately 48,000
StateIllinois
Coordinates41.3611° N, 90.1492° W
Major LandmarksBishop Hill State Historic Site, Geneseo Historical Museum, Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Kewanee Historical Society Museum, Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park
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