Pulaski County, Illinois
Pulaski County sits at the southern tip of Illinois, near where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi. Mound City serves as the county seat and is a tiny community with a surprisingly rich history.
This area was once home to the “Mound Builders.” These days, it’s mostly farmland and small communities. The county is flat and low-lying, making flooding a constant concern.
The Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is, in my opinion, one of the most underappreciated natural areas in the state. Hardwood forests and wetland wildlife create an almost otherworldly landscape. For better or worse, Pulaski County feels a world away from Chicago.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Pulaski County |
| County Seat | Mound City |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-American Revolutionary War hero |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Mound City, Pulaski, and several unincorporated communities including Karnak and Tamms |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 51, Illinois Route 37 |
| FIPS Code | 17-153 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 203 square miles (land: 174 sq mi, water: 29 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Union County (North), Johnson County (Northeast), Massac County (East), Ballard County, Kentucky (Southeast), Alexander County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 6,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 37.2376° N, 89.1696° W |
| Major Landmarks | Cache River State Natural Area, Mound City National Cemetery, and the Illinois & Mississippi Canal |
