Anna, Illinois

Anna, Illinois
Name	Anna
Settlement type	City
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Illinois
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Union
Established title	Founded
Established date	1854
Government type	Mayor–Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Steve Hartline
Area total km2	8.37
Area total sq mi	3.23
Area land km2	8.37
Area land sq mi	3.23
Area water km2	0.00
Area water sq mi	0.00
Population as of	2020
Population total	4140
Population density km2	494.62
Population density sq mi	1281.11
Timezone	CST
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	CDT
Utc offset DST	-5
Coordinates	37, 27, 40, N...
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	62906
Area code	618
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	17-01562
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	2393968
Website	http://www.annail.org/

Anna, Illinois. A city in Union County, it serves as the county seat and is situated in the Southern Illinois region. Founded in the mid-19th century, its development has been significantly shaped by state institutions and its position within the Shawnee National Forest. The city is perhaps most widely known for the historical presence of the Anna State Hospital and a related sociological phenomenon.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Illinois Confederation. European-American settlement accelerated after the region became part of the United States following the American Revolutionary War. The city was formally platted in 1854, coinciding with the arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad, which connected the community to Cairo and Chicago. A pivotal moment in its history was the establishment in 1869 of the Southern Illinois Asylum for the Insane, later known as Anna State Hospital; this facility became a major employer and influenced the local economy for over a century. The city was designated the county seat of Union County in 1873, moving the function from Jonesboro.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.23 square miles, all land. It lies within the Shawnee Hills region, part of the larger Interior Low Plateaus physiographic province. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and proximity to the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. Major nearby geographic features include the Shawnee National Forest and Horseshoe Lake. The city's location along historic Illinois Route 146 provides connectivity to Carbondale and the Cape Girardeau, Missouri metropolitan area.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 4,140. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density was approximately 1,281 people per square mile. The median household income has historically been below the state average, a trend influenced by the closure of major institutions like the Anna State Hospital and broader economic shifts in Southern Illinois.

Economy

The economy has traditionally been anchored by public sector employment, notably through the former Anna State Hospital and the Illinois Department of Corrections, which operates the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center nearby. Healthcare, retail, and education are significant sectors, with major employers including the Southern Illinois Healthcare system and the Anna School District. The city serves as a commercial and service hub for the surrounding agricultural communities in Union County. Proximity to the Shawnee National Forest also supports a modest tourism industry related to outdoor recreation.

Culture and recreation

The city is home to the Union County Museum which archives local history. Annual events include a summer festival. The surrounding Shawnee National Forest offers extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, and sightseeing at sites like the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. The former grounds of the Anna State Hospital have been partially repurposed, with some buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city's name is informally associated with the term "Annas", a reference to a sociological study on community stigma.

Government

Anna operates under a Mayor–Council system. The mayor and six aldermen, elected from three wards, constitute the City Council. The city provides standard municipal services including police protection through the Anna Police Department, public works, and parks management. As the county seat, it houses the Union County courthouse and related judicial offices. The city is part of Illinois's 12th congressional district and is represented in the Illinois General Assembly within the 59th Senate and 115th House districts.

Category:Cities in Illinois Category:Union County, Illinois Category:County seats in Illinois