Lee County, Illinois
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| Lee County, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| County | Lee County |
| State | Illinois |
| Founded | 1839 |
| Seat | Dixon |
| Largest city | Dixon |
| Area total sq mi | 729 |
| Area land sq mi | 724 |
| Area water sq mi | 4.6 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 34,145 |
| Population density sq mi | 47 |
| Time zone | Central |
| Ex image cap | The Lee County Courthouse in Dixon |
| District | 14th |
| Named for | "Light-Horse Harry" Lee |
Lee County, Illinois. Located in the northern part of the state, it is part of the Dixon-Sterling Micropolitan Statistical Area. The county was formed in 1839 from territory of Ogle County and LaSalle County and is named for Revolutionary War cavalry officer "Light-Horse Harry" Lee. Its county seat and largest city is Dixon, famously the boyhood home of President Ronald Reagan.
History
The region was originally inhabited by the Illinois Confederation and later the Sauk and Meskwaki peoples. Following the Black Hawk War of 1832, the area was opened to American settlement, with John Dixon establishing a ferry service across the Rock River in 1830 at what would become the city of Dixon. The county was officially organized in 1839, with its early development tied to agriculture and its position along the river. A significant event was the 1917 arrest and trial of Eugene V. Debs in Dixon for an anti-war speech, a case that went to the Supreme Court of the United States in Debs v. United States. The county is also noted as the site of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates in the community of Amboy.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 729 square miles, of which 724 square miles is land and 4.6 square miles is water. The primary waterway is the Rock River, which flows southwesterly through the county, with the city of Dixon situated along its banks. Major tributaries include Kyte Creek and Nachusa Creek. The topography consists largely of rolling plains and fertile farmland, with the Green River State Wildlife Area in the northeast providing a significant natural habitat. The county is bordered by Ogle County to the east, DeKalb County to the northeast, Whiteside County to the west, and Bureau County to the south.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population was 34,145. The racial makeup was 86.1% White, 2.8% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.7% Asian, and 5.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.1% of the population. The largest ancestry groups reported were German, Irish, English, and Mexican. The population density was 47 people per square mile. The largest communities are Dixon, Amboy, Franklin Grove, and Paw Paw.
Government
Lee County operates under a commission form of government, with an elected County Board overseeing legislative functions. The county is part of the 14th Congressional District, represented in the U.S. House by Lauren Underwood. At the state level, it lies within the 35th Senate District and the 71st House District. The chief elected officers include a County Clerk, a Sheriff, a State's Attorney, and a Treasurer, all serving four-year terms. The Lee County Courthouse, a historic structure in Dixon, houses the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Economy
The economy has historically been based on agriculture, with corn and soybeans as the predominant crops, and significant hog and cattle production. Major industrial and manufacturing employers include Northwestern Steel and Wire, Simmons Pet Food, and Chemtool Incorporated. Dixon is a regional retail and healthcare hub, with Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital as a leading employer. Tourism is bolstered by sites related to Ronald Reagan, including the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and the Ronald Reagan Trail, as well as natural attractions like the Nachusa Grasslands and the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park.
Education
Primary and secondary education is provided by several public school districts, including Dixon Unit School District 170, Amboy Community Unit School District 272, and Paw Paw Community Unit School District 271. The county is also served by Lee County Special Education Cooperative. Sauk Valley Community College, located in Dixon, is the primary institution of higher education, offering associate degrees and vocational training. Private K-12 options include St. Mary School in Dixon, affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockford.
Transportation
Major highways include Interstate 88 (East-West Tollway), which runs east-west through the northern part of the county, and U.S. Route 52, which runs north-south through Dixon. Other significant routes are Illinois Route 26, Illinois Route 30, and Illinois Route 38. The county is served by the BNSF Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad for freight. Public air transportation is available via the Dixon Municipal Airport, while the Chicago Rockford International Airport provides commercial service to the region.