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Madison County, Illinois

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Article Genealogy
Parent: St. Louis, Missouri Hop 4
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Madison County, Illinois
CountyMadison County
StateIllinois
FoundedSeptember 14, 1812
Named forJames Madison
SeatEdwardsville
Largest cityGranite City
Area total sq mi741
Area land sq mi716
Area water sq mi25
Area percentage3.4%
Census estimate yr2023
Pop262,966
Density sq mi367
Time zoneCentral
Webwww.co.madison.il.us
District12th
District213th

Madison County, Illinois is a populous county located in the Metro East region of Southern Illinois, directly across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Established in 1812 and named for President James Madison, it is part of the St. Louis metropolitan area and serves as a major economic and transportation hub. The county seat is Edwardsville, home to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, while its largest city is the industrial center of Granite City.

History

The area's history is deeply tied to the Mississippi River and early American expansion, with significant pre-Columbian settlements by the Mississippian culture, evidenced by the Cahokia Mounds just to the southwest. Following European exploration, it became part of the Illinois Territory and was officially organized in 1812, with its first county seat at Milton. Early development was spurred by the American Bottom's fertile land and the arrival of the National Road and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The 19th century saw rapid industrialization, particularly with the founding of Granite City by the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company family and the growth of steel production, aligning the county's fortunes with the rise of St. Louis and the Industrial Revolution in the Midwestern United States.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 741 square miles, of which 716 square miles is land and 25 square miles is water. Its geography is defined by the Mississippi River forming its western border, the American Bottom floodplain, and the bluffs of the Illinois Ozarks to the east. Major waterways include the Wood River, Cahokia Creek, and Silver Creek. The county contains parts of the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site and is adjacent to the Confluence Tower at the meeting of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Its climate is classified as humid continental, influenced by its river valley location.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 265,859, making it the eighth-most populous county in Illinois. The racial makeup was approximately 80.2% White, 12.8% Black or African American, and 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. The largest ancestry groups reported were German, Irish, and English. Population centers are concentrated in the western river communities like Granite City, Alton, and Wood River, with more recent growth in eastern suburbs such as Edwardsville and Troy.

Economy

Historically dominated by manufacturing, the economy has diversified while retaining a strong industrial base anchored by the Granite City Steel works, now part of United States Steel Corporation. Major employers include the Olin Corporation in East Alton, the BP refinery in Wood River, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The county is a national logistics center due to its strategic position within the St. Louis metropolitan area, with extensive rail infrastructure from the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway and interstate access via Interstate 55, Interstate 70, and Interstate 255. Healthcare, led by Anderson Hospital and OSF HealthCare, and retail are also significant sectors.

Government and politics

Madison County operates under a board-commission form of government, with an elected County Board and separate elected officials including a County Executive and State's Attorney. It is part of the 12th and 13th congressional districts, represented by Mike Bost and Nikki Budzinski, respectively. Politically, it has transitioned from a Democratic stronghold tied to organized labor to a more competitive swing county in recent statewide and national elections, such as the 2016 and 2020 presidential contests.

Education

Primary and secondary education is provided by numerous public school districts, including the Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7, Alton Community Unit School District 11, and Granite City Community Unit School District 9. Higher education is anchored by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a comprehensive public university with notable programs in nursing, engineering, and business. The county is also served by Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey and Southwestern Illinois College with a campus in Granite City. The Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities in Edwardsville is a notable cultural and educational institution.

Transportation

The county is a critical transportation nexus for the St. Louis metropolitan area. Major highways include Interstate 55, Interstate 70, Interstate 255, Interstate 270, and U.S. Route 67. It is served by the St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto and has significant freight rail operations. Public transit is provided by Madison County Transit with an extensive bus and bikeway network, connecting to the St. Louis MetroLink light rail system via stations in East St. Louis. Key river crossings include the Clark Bridge, McKinley Bridge, and Chain of Rocks Bridge, facilitating connectivity to Missouri.

Category:Madison County, Illinois Category:Illinois counties Category:1812 establishments in Illinois Territory Category:Metro East