Shelby County, Illinois
Shelby County sits in central Illinois, about an hour southeast of Springfield. It’s named after Isaac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero. Farming drives the local economy, with plenty of corn and soybeans grown across the county.
Shelbyville, the county seat, has a classic Midwest small-town feel. Lake Shelbyville stretches across more than 11,000 acres, surrounded by the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area. Locals like to joke that there are more boats than people here during the summer.
The Kaskaskia River winds through the county, creating some scenic spots along the way. There’s also a surprising amount of history here. Lincoln practiced law in the old courthouse before going on to bigger things.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Shelby County |
| County Seat | Shelbyville |
| Etymology | Named after Isaac Shelby, a hero of the American Revolution and the first governor of Kentucky. |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Shelbyville, Findlay, Moweaqua, Tower Hill, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 51, Illinois Route 16, Illinois Route 128 |
| FIPS Code | 17-173 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 765 square miles (land: 763 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Macon County (North), Moultrie County (Northeast), Coles County (East), Cumberland County (East), Effingham County (South), Fayette County (South), Montgomery County (Southwest), Christian County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 21,500 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 39.4193° N, 88.7833° W |
| Major Landmarks | Shelbyville Lake, Shelby County Courthouse, and the Illinois Amish Heritage Center |
