Williamson County, Illinois
Williamson County sits in southern Illinois, about as far from Chicago as you can get and still be in the state. Marion is the county seat and the biggest town around here.
The county has seen its share of ups and downs, but today it’s a mix of small industry, healthcare, and retail. The landscape is pretty diverse, with flat farmland alongside hills and lakes.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a major draw, with plenty of folks coming to hunt and fish. The Illinois Star Centre Mall used to be popular, but it’s now permanently closed. That’s kind of a metaphor for the whole county—except the closed part.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Williamson County |
| County Seat | Marion |
| Etymology | Named after Williamson County, Tennessee, which was named for Hugh Williamson |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Marion, Carterville, Johnston City, Herrin, and several smaller towns and unincorporated communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 57, U.S. Route 45, U.S. Route 64, Illinois Route 13, Illinois Route 148 |
| FIPS Code | 17-199 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 420 square miles (land: 418 sq mi, water: 2 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Franklin County (North), Saline County (East), Pope County (Southeast), Johnson County (South), Union County (Southwest), Jackson County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| Population | Approximately 67,000 |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 37.7415° N, 88.9110° W |
| Major Landmarks | Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Marion Carnegie Library, and Southern Illinois Miners Baseball Club |
