Randolph County, Illinois
Randolph County stretches along the Mississippi River in southwestern Illinois. Chester, the county seat, is known as the home of Popeye the Sailor Man. Yep, his creator was born here.
The county is a mix of river bluffs and farmland, with agriculture and manufacturing driving the local economy. It’s also pretty scenic. Kaskaskia Island is a geographic quirk, as it’s the only part of Illinois located west of the Mississippi River.
History runs deep here. Fort de Chartres is a rebuilt 18th-century French fort, while the Sparta World Shooting Complex brings in tourists and competitive shooters. There’s also a strong German heritage in parts of the county.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Randolph County |
| County Seat | Chester |
| Etymology | Named after Edmund Randolph, the first Attorney General of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Chester, Red Bud, Ellis Grove, and several other unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 51, Illinois Route 3, Illinois Route 150 |
| FIPS Code | 17-157 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,175 square miles (land: 1,151 sq mi, water: 24 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Monroe County (Northwest), St. Clair County (North), Washington County (Northeast), Perry County (East), Jackson County (Southeast), Perry County, Missouri (South), Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 30,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 38.1937° N, 89.8308° W |
| Major Landmarks | The Chester Mental Health Center, Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, and the Chester Bridge over the Mississippi River |
