Macoupin County, Illinois
Macoupin County is a part of rural Illinois, sitting between St. Louis and Springfield. Carlinville is the county seat, with a massive courthouse that looks like it belongs in a much bigger city.
The county has some interesting history. Ever heard of the “Million Dollar Courthouse” scandal? It’s quite a story. Bunker Hill has a festival every fall that draws a decent crowd, while Gillespie has some old coal mining history if you’re into that sort of thing.
It’s mostly farmland here, but there are more hills than you might expect in Illinois, making for some pretty drives in the fall. Macoupin County is a blend of history and rural life in the heart of Illinois.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Macoupin County |
| County Seat | Carlinville |
| Etymology | Named after the Native American word macoupin, meaning “lotus” |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Carlinville, Gillespie, Staunton, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 4, U.S. Highway 67, Illinois Route 4, Illinois Route 16 |
| FIPS Code | 17-117 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,122 square miles (land: 1,110 sq mi, water: 12 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Sangamon County (Northeast), Montgomery County (East), Madison County (South), Greene County (West), Jersey County (West), Morgan County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 44,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.2962° N, 89.5100° W |
| Major Landmarks | The Macoupin County Courthouse, the Macoupin County Historical Society Museum, and the historic town of Carlinville |
