Marshall County, Illinois
Marshall County is a slice of rural Illinois in the north-central part of the state. The Illinois River essentially splits the county into two sections. Lacon, the county seat, sits to the east, while Sparland is on the west.
This is heartland America, with farms dominating the landscape. Patches of woodland and winding creeks break up the farmland. The Illinois River also offers some of the best walleye fishing in the state.
The county’s history is closely tied to the river, which served as a major transportation route in the early days. Hunting and fishing remain big draws, while scenic views along the Illinois River add to the county’s appeal. Marshall County is a quiet place with plenty of natural beauty.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Marshall County |
| County Seat | Lacon |
| Etymology | Named after John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Lacon, Henry, Toluca, Sparland, and several unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 39, U.S. Highway 24, Illinois Route 29, Illinois Route 17 |
| FIPS Code | 17-123 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 380 square miles (land: 377 sq mi, water: 3 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Bureau County (Northwest), Putnam County (North), LaSalle County (East), Woodford County (South), Peoria County (Southwest), Stark County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 12,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41.1750° N, 89.1500° W |
| Major Landmarks | Marshall County Courthouse, the Illinois River, and the historic town of Henry |
