Union County, Illinois
Union County is in the southern tip of Illinois, along the Mississippi River to the west. It sits next to Missouri, not too far from Jackson. The landscape is hillier here, a far cry from the flat cornfields up north.
Jonesboro is the county seat, and it’s a small town with plenty of history. The area played a role in the Trail of Tears, and you can still visit sites connected to that dark chapter.
The Shawnee National Forest covers a large part of the county, while Anna City Park is another local highlight. Summers are hot and sticky, making it perfect weather for floating down the Cache River.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Union County |
| County Seat | Jonesboro |
| Etymology | Named after the union of the United States of America |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Jonesboro, Anna, Cobden, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 51, Illinois Route 146 |
| FIPS Code | 17-181 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 423 square miles (land: 417 sq mi, water: 6 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Jackson County (North), Williamson County (Northeast), Johnson County (East), Pulaski County (Southeast), Alexander County (South), Cape Girardeau County, Missouri (West), Perry County, Missouri (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 16,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 37.5001° N, 89.2260° W |
| Major Landmarks | Shawnee National Forest, Anna City Park, and the historical town of Jonesboro |
