Stephenson County, Illinois
Stephenson County sits in the northwest corner of Illinois, right along the Wisconsin border. Freeport, the county seat, is known as “Pretzel City.” Yep, there’s a long history of pretzel-making here.
These days, manufacturing and agriculture keep the economy going. The county is especially known for dairy farming, and you’ll see more cows than people in some parts. There’s also a strong German heritage, which shows up in the architecture and local festivals.
Winters can bring snowstorms that shut everything down, while summers are hot but generally manageable. The county also has some interesting history—Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held one of their famous debates here.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Stephenson County |
| County Seat | Freeport |
| Etymology | Named after Benjamin Stephenson, a military officer and early settler. |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Freeport, Stockton, Lena, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 20, Illinois Route 26, Illinois Route 75 |
| FIPS Code | 17-177 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 564 square miles (land: 559 sq mi, water: 5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Green County, Wisconsin (North), Winnebago County (East), Ogle County (Southeast), Carroll County (Southwest), Jo Daviess County (West), Lafayette County, Wisconsin (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 40,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 42.2954° N, 89.6216° W |
| Major Landmarks | Lincoln-Douglas Historic Site, Krape Park, and the Stephenson County Historical Museum |
