Cities and Towns in Carroll County, Illinois
Founded in 1839, Carroll County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Carroll County was formed from Jo Daviess. The city of Mount Carroll is the county seat. With FIPS code of 15, Carroll County has a population of 15,698 and area of 445 square miles (1,153 km²).
List of all cities in Carroll County, IL alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Chadwick, IL | 61014 | 815/779 |
Lake Carroll, IL | 61046 | 815/779 |
Lanark, IL | 61046 | 815/779 |
Milledgeville, IL | 61051 | 815/779 |
Mount Carroll, IL | 61053 | 815/779 |
Savanna, IL | 61074 | 815/779 |
Savanna Army Depot, IL | 61074 | 815/779 |
Shannon, IL | 61078 | 815/779 |
Thompson, IL | 61285 | 815/779 |
Thomson, IL | 61285 | 815/779 |
Major Cities and Towns in Carroll County, Illinois
Mount Carroll
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,600 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61053
- Latitude: 42.0959° N
- Longitude: 89.9785° W
Location and History
Mount Carroll, the county seat of Carroll County, is located in the northwestern part of Illinois, about 20 miles east of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1841, the town was named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The town developed rapidly in the 19th century, with a strong agricultural economy centered around grain and dairy farming. The arrival of the railroad helped fuel its growth, and the establishment of the Mount Carroll Seminary (later Shimer College) in 1853 further added to its cultural and educational prominence. Although Shimer College eventually moved, Mount Carroll remains a charming, historic town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture and a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mount Carroll is part of the West Carroll Community Unit School District 314, with West Carroll High School serving local students. The town’s most notable landmark is the Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies, which offers workshops on building restoration and historical preservation. Additionally, the town’s historic downtown district, with its well-preserved Victorian-era buildings, is a key attraction. The Timber Lake Playhouse, a professional summer theater located nearby, provides cultural enrichment for residents and visitors alike. The picturesque Waukarusa River, which runs through the town, adds to Mount Carroll’s scenic charm and offers outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking.
Savanna
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.71 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,900 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61074
- Latitude: 42.0855° N
- Longitude: 90.1490° W
Location and History
Savanna is located along the Mississippi River in western Carroll County. Founded in 1836, the town quickly became an important river port due to its strategic location on the river, which facilitated the transport of goods and people. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Savanna thrived as a transportation and industrial hub, with the railroad and river traffic playing major roles in its economy. The construction of the Savanna-Sabula Bridge in 1932 further cemented its importance as a gateway to Iowa. Today, Savanna is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, thanks to its location along the Great River Road and proximity to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Savanna is part of the West Carroll Community Unit School District 314, with West Carroll High School providing education for local students. Notable landmarks include the Iron Horse Social Club, a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, and the Mississippi Palisades State Park, known for its stunning views of the river and rock formations, as well as its hiking and birdwatching opportunities. The historic Savanna Train Depot, which once served as a major railroad hub, is another key feature of the town. Savanna also boasts a vibrant downtown with a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, reflecting its rich heritage.
Lanark
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61046
- Latitude: 42.1017° N
- Longitude: 89.8330° W
Location and History
Lanark is a small city located in central Carroll County, about 10 miles southeast of Mount Carroll. Founded in 1861, the town was named after Lanark, Scotland, reflecting the Scottish heritage of many of its early settlers. The town grew as an agricultural center, with grain, livestock, and dairy farming forming the backbone of its economy. The arrival of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad contributed to its development, as it became a key shipping point for local farmers. Lanark retains its rural charm, with many of its historic buildings still standing, offering a glimpse into the town’s past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lanark is also part of the West Carroll Community Unit School District 314, with local students attending West Carroll High School. Major landmarks in the town include the historic Lanark City Hall and the Lanark Heritage Center, which preserves artifacts and stories from the town’s early days. The Lanark Old Settlers Days is an annual event that celebrates the town’s history and agricultural heritage with parades, games, and community gatherings. The nearby Lake Carroll, a large man-made lake, offers recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping, attracting both residents and visitors seeking outdoor activities.
Thomson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61285
- Latitude: 41.9612° N
- Longitude: 90.1051° W
Location and History
Thomson is a small village located along the Mississippi River, just south of Savanna in western Carroll County. Established in 1864, Thomson has historically been an agricultural community known for its fertile farmland, particularly for growing melons. The town gained the nickname “Melon Capital of the World” due to the high quality of the melons grown in the region. Thomson’s location along the river and the construction of a railroad line helped its development as a transportation and agricultural hub. In more recent years, the village has also been home to the Thomson Correctional Center, a large federal prison that has contributed to the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Thomson is served by the West Carroll Community Unit School District 314, with students attending West Carroll High School in Savanna. The village is known for its proximity to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which provides opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Another notable landmark is the Thomson Causeway Recreation Area, a popular spot for camping and picnicking along the river. The town’s annual Melon Days Festival celebrates its agricultural heritage and draws visitors from surrounding areas. Thomson also boasts several historic buildings, including the old Thomson Depot, a reminder of its past as a railroad town.
Milledgeville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.37 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61051
- Latitude: 41.9640° N
- Longitude: 89.7732° W
Location and History
Milledgeville is a small village located in southeastern Carroll County, about 15 miles from Mount Carroll. Founded in 1854, the town was named after Milledgeville, Georgia, by settlers who had connections to that area. Like many other towns in Carroll County, Milledgeville’s economy has been historically based on agriculture, with local farms producing grain, corn, and livestock. The construction of a railroad through the area in the late 19th century further boosted the town’s growth, allowing it to become a local trading center. Today, Milledgeville remains a quiet rural community with a strong agricultural tradition.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Milledgeville is part of the Chadwick-Milledgeville Community Unit School District 399, with Milledgeville High School serving local students. The village’s most notable landmark is the historic Milledgeville Bank building, which dates back to the early 20th century and reflects the town’s early prosperity. The village also hosts the annual Milledgeville Fun Days, a community festival that includes parades, games, and family activities. The nearby Carroll County Prairie Nature Preserve offers hiking trails and a glimpse into the natural beauty of the region, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the local environment.
Chadwick
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.22 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 61014
- Latitude: 42.0131° N
- Longitude: 89.8860° W
Location and History
Chadwick is a small village located in the southeastern part of Carroll County, roughly 10 miles south of Mount Carroll. Founded in 1882, Chadwick developed as a rural agricultural town, with its early economy centered on grain and livestock farming. The arrival of the railroad brought growth to the village, making it a transportation hub for local farmers. Chadwick has always been a close-knit community, and though small, it has a rich history tied to the region’s agricultural development. The village has retained its rural character, with many residents involved in farming and small businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chadwick is part of the Chadwick-Milledgeville Community Unit School District 399, with students attending Chadwick Elementary School and Milledgeville High School. Major landmarks in Chadwick include the historic Chadwick Railroad Depot, a symbol of the village’s early importance as a transportation center. The town also has a number of historic homes that reflect its agricultural heritage. Chadwick Park provides a space for local events, sports, and recreation, serving as a gathering place for the community. The surrounding countryside offers beautiful views of Carroll County’s rolling farmland, making Chadwick a peaceful and picturesque village.