Cities and Towns in Cass County, Illinois
Founded in 1837, Cass County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Cass County was formed from Morgan County. The city of Virginia is the county seat. With FIPS code of 17, Cass County has a population of 12,773 and area of 375 square miles (971 km²).
List of all cities in Cass County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arenzville, IL | 62611 | 217 |
| Ashland, IL | 62612 | 217 |
| Beardstown, IL | 62618 | 217 |
| Bluff Springs, IL | 62622 | 217 |
| Chandlerville, IL | 62627 | 217 |
| Little Indian, IL | 62691 | 217 |
| Newmansville, IL | 62612 | 217 |
| Panther Creek, IL | 62627 | 217 |
| Prentice, IL | 62612 | 217 |
| Virginia, IL | 62691 | 217 |
| Yatesville, IL | 62612 | 217 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cass County, Illinois
Virginia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.01 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62691
- Latitude: 39.9500° N
- Longitude: 90.2118° W
Location and History
Virginia, the county seat of Cass County, is located in the western part of Illinois, roughly 35 miles west of Springfield. Founded in 1836, the city was named after Virginia, the home state of many early settlers. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century boosted its growth as a regional agricultural hub. Virginia flourished due to its proximity to the fertile farmlands of the Illinois River Valley, with local farmers producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Over the years, the city has retained much of its small-town charm while remaining the center of local government and commerce in Cass County.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Virginia is part of the Virginia Community Unit School District 64, which includes Virginia High School and Virginia Elementary School. These schools serve as the primary educational institutions for the area, with a focus on both academics and extracurricular activities. The Cass County Courthouse, located in the heart of Virginia, is one of the most prominent landmarks, reflecting the town’s historical significance as the county seat. Another key site is Shick School, a local museum housed in a historic school building. Virginia also hosts the annual Virginia Bar-B-Que, a long-standing community event that brings together residents and visitors for food and festivities.
Beardstown
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.62 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,800 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62618
- Latitude: 40.0062° N
- Longitude: 90.4315° W
Location and History
Beardstown is the largest city in Cass County, located along the Illinois River in the western part of the state. Founded in 1819 by Thomas Beard, Beardstown quickly became an important river port, facilitating the transport of goods like grain, livestock, and timber. Its position along the river helped it thrive during the 19th century as steamboat traffic brought economic prosperity. Beardstown has a rich historical significance, being one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns along the Illinois River. Abraham Lincoln is said to have practiced law here, and the Beardstown Courthouse is one of the few remaining sites where Lincoln argued cases.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Beardstown is served by the Beardstown Community Unit School District 15, which includes Beardstown High School and Grand Avenue School. The Beardstown Courthouse, where Abraham Lincoln once argued a case, is a key historical landmark and now operates as a museum. Another major landmark is the Beardstown Riverfront Park, which provides recreational opportunities and scenic views of the Illinois River. The annual Beardstown Fall Fun Festival celebrates the city’s history and culture with parades, games, and local foods, attracting visitors from across the region. Beardstown’s rich history and connection to Lincoln make it an important cultural and historical center in Cass County.
Chandlerville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.37 square miles
- Population: Approximately 550 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62627
- Latitude: 40.0489° N
- Longitude: 90.1478° W
Location and History
Chandlerville is a small village in the northeastern part of Cass County, located along the Sangamon River. Founded in 1832 by Dr. Charles Chandler, the village grew steadily as an agricultural and trading center, thanks to its fertile land and proximity to the river. Early settlers were drawn by the rich soil and access to water, which made farming highly productive. Over the years, Chandlerville has maintained its identity as a close-knit rural community, with much of its economy still based on agriculture. The village is also known for its historic buildings, many of which date back to the 19th century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chandlerville is part of the A-C Central Community Unit School District 262, with students attending schools in nearby towns. One of the key landmarks in Chandlerville is the Chandlerville Historic District, which features several well-preserved 19th-century homes and commercial buildings. The village is also close to Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts offering hiking, fishing, and camping. The annual Chandlerville Homecoming Festival is another local highlight, bringing the community together for a weekend of fun, including parades, food stands, and live entertainment.
Ashland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.79 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62612
- Latitude: 39.8842° N
- Longitude: 90.0098° W
Location and History
Ashland is a village located in the southeastern part of Cass County, about 20 miles northwest of Springfield. It was founded in 1857 and named after Henry Clay’s estate in Kentucky. The village developed around the railroad, which played a vital role in transporting local agricultural products such as corn and soybeans to larger markets. Throughout its history, Ashland has remained a largely agricultural community, though it has also benefited from its proximity to Springfield, the state capital. Ashland has retained much of its rural character, with a focus on community life and local traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ashland is served by the A-C Central Community Unit School District 262, with Ashland Elementary School and A-C Central High School providing education to local students. One of the most notable landmarks in the village is the historic Ashland Depot, which reflects the town’s long history as a railroad stop. The town also boasts several parks, including Ashland Community Park, which offers playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas for residents. Ashland’s annual Summer Days Festival is a key event in the community, featuring parades, live music, and games, bringing the village together to celebrate its heritage.
Arenzville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 400 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62611
- Latitude: 39.8792° N
- Longitude: 90.3629° W
Location and History
Arenzville is a small village located in the western part of Cass County. It was founded in 1839 by Francis Arenz, a German immigrant who established the town as a center for German settlers in the region. Arenzville quickly grew into a farming community, with the surrounding fertile land proving ideal for crops such as corn and wheat. The village’s German heritage is still evident in its local traditions and community life. Though small, Arenzville has a rich history tied to the early settlement of the region and the development of agriculture in central Illinois.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Arenzville is part of the Triopia Community Unit School District 27, with students attending nearby Triopia Junior-Senior High School. The village is home to several historic buildings, including the Francis Arenz House, which reflects the town’s early history and German heritage. The annual Arenzville Burgoo is one of the most popular events in the area, celebrating the village’s unique history with a traditional stew made in large iron kettles, a tradition that dates back over a century. Arenzville’s strong sense of community and its preservation of historical customs make it a distinctive town in Cass County.
Bluff Springs
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.32 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 62622
- Latitude: 39.9444° N
- Longitude: 90.2443° W
Location and History
Bluff Springs is a small, unincorporated community in central Cass County, located near the Illinois River. The town was established in the mid-19th century, taking its name from the natural springs that flowed from the nearby bluffs. Its early development was tied to agriculture, with local farms producing grain and livestock. Though Bluff Springs never grew into a large town, it has remained a quiet, rural community with deep roots in the county’s agricultural traditions. The town’s scenic location near the bluffs and river adds to its rustic charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bluff Springs is served by the Beardstown Community Unit School District 15, with students attending schools in nearby Beardstown. The town is known for its proximity to the Illinois River and the surrounding natural beauty, making it a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. While Bluff Springs is a small community, it retains its rural character and close connection to the land, reflecting the agricultural history of Cass County. The town’s historic springs, which once attracted settlers to the area, remain a natural landmark and a symbol of the town’s heritage.