Union County, Illinois

Union County, Illinois
County	Union County
State	Illinois
Founded	1818
Seat	Jonesboro
Largest city	Anna
Area total sq mi	422
Area land sq mi	413
Area water sq mi	9.0
Population as of	2020
Population total	17,244
Population density sq mi	41.7
Time zone	Central
Ex image cap	The Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro
District	12th

Union County, Illinois. Located in the southern region of Illinois, known as Little Egypt, it is part of the Cape Girardeau–Jackson, MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county was established in 1818, the same year Illinois achieved statehood, and was named in commemoration of the Union during the American Civil War. Its county seat is Jonesboro, while its largest city is Anna, a community historically associated with the Illinois Central Railroad.

History

The region was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Illinois Confederation and later the Shawnee. European exploration and settlement increased following the American Revolutionary War, with early pioneers like Daniel Brush establishing communities. The county's organization was formalized by an act of the Illinois General Assembly in 1818. A pivotal event in its early history was the third Lincoln-Douglas debate, held in Jonesboro in 1858 between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. During the American Civil War, the area was a divided border region, with sentiments split between the Union and the Confederate States of America. In the 20th century, the establishment of the Anna State Hospital and the growth of the Shawnee National Forest significantly shaped the county's development.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 422 square miles, of which 413 square miles is land and 9.0 square miles is water. It is situated in the Shawnee Hills region and features a significant portion of the Shawnee National Forest, including natural landmarks like Pound Gap Hollow and Bell Smith Springs. The eastern border is partially defined by the Ohio River, while the Mississippi River lies to the west. Major geographical features include the Clear Creek drainage and the LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area, known for its unique swamp and limestone bluffs. The county contains several protected areas managed by the United States Forest Service.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 17,244. The Census Bureau reported a population density of 41.7 inhabitants per square mile. Racially, the population was predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income was below the state average, and a notable portion of the population lived below the federal poverty line. Major ancestry groups include German, Irish, English, and American. The largest population centers are Anna and Jonesboro.

Government

Union County operates under a commission form of government, with elected officials including a County Board Chairman, Clerk, and Sheriff. It is part of the 12th Congressional District, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Mike Bost. At the state level, the county is within the 58th Senate District and the 115th House District. The Union County Courthouse, a historic structure in Jonesboro, houses the circuit and county courts for the First Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois. Law enforcement is provided by the Union County Sheriff's Office and local police departments.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on agriculture, with major crops including soybeans, corn, and wheat. Coal mining was a significant industry in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the economic base includes healthcare, with the Anna State Hospital and Union County Hospital being major employers, retail, and manufacturing. The Shawnee National Forest supports a growing tourism sector, centered on outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, and hunting. Other notable employers include Tyson Foods and several agricultural cooperatives. The county is part of the Southern Illinois economic region.

Education

Primary and secondary education is provided by several public school districts, including Anna-Jonesboro Community High School District 81, Anna School District 37, and Jonesboro School District 43. These districts feed into Anna-Jonesboro Community High School. The county is also served by the Shawnee Community College district, with a campus in nearby Ullin. There are no four-year universities within the county, but students have access to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Southeast Missouri State University. The Anna Public Library and Jonesboro Public Library serve as community educational resources.

Communities

*Cities: Anna (largest city), Jonesboro (county seat) *Villages: Alto Pass, Cobden, Dongola, Mill Creek *Unincorporated communities: Balcom, Dykersburg, Pine Hills, Saratoga, Ware, Wolf Lake *Townships: Alto Pass, Anna, Balcom, Cobden, Dongola, Jonesboro, Lick Creek, Mill Creek, Preston, Stark, Union

Category:Union County, Illinois Category:Illinois counties Category:1818 establishments in Illinois