Cities and Towns in Henderson County, Illinois
Founded in 1841, Henderson County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Henderson County was formed from Warren County. The city of Oquawka is the county seat. With FIPS code of 71, Henderson County has a population of 6,312 and area of 378 square miles (979 km²).
List of all cities in Henderson County, IL alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Biggsville, IL | 61418 | 309 |
Carman, IL | 61425 | 309 |
Carthage Lake, IL | 61425 | 309 |
Decorra, IL | 61480 | 309 |
Gladstone, IL | 61437 | 309 |
Gulfport, IL | 61425 | 309 |
Hopper, IL | 61480 | 309 |
Lomax, IL | 61454 | 217 |
Media, IL | 61460 | 309 |
Olena, IL | 61480 | 309 |
Oquawka, IL | 61469 | 309 |
Raritan, IL | 61471 | 309 |
Shokokon, IL | 61425 | 309 |
Stronghurst, IL | 61480 | 309 |
Major Cities and Towns in Henderson County, Illinois
Oquawka
Overview
Oquawka, the county seat of Henderson County, is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1836, the town’s name comes from a Native American word meaning “yellow banks,” a reference to the color of the riverbank cliffs. Oquawka developed as a river port, taking advantage of its strategic location on the Mississippi to facilitate trade and transport. The town grew throughout the 19th century, benefiting from the river’s importance to regional commerce. Today, Oquawka is a small but vibrant community with a rich historical heritage and a connection to the river.
City Details
- Area: 1.27 square miles
- Population: 1,254 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61469
- Latitude: 40.9337° N
- Longitude: 90.9490° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Oquawka is served by the West Central Community Unit School District, which includes West Central High School, located nearby in Biggsville. Key landmarks include the Oquawka LeClaire Hotel, which reflects the town’s historic connection to riverboat commerce. The city also features Chief Wapello’s Memorial Park, which honors a local Native American leader, and the Henderson County Courthouse, a historic building still in use. The town’s proximity to the Mississippi River makes it a popular spot for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.
Biggsville
Overview
Biggsville is a small village located in the central part of Henderson County, along U.S. Route 34. Founded in the 1850s, Biggsville grew as an agricultural community, with its early economy centered around farming and supporting local farmers. The arrival of the railroad further boosted the town’s growth, allowing for the efficient transport of agricultural products to larger markets. Though the population has remained small, Biggsville continues to serve as a local hub for surrounding farming communities and offers a quiet, rural lifestyle.
City Details
- Area: 0.60 square miles
- Population: 304 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61418
- Latitude: 40.8534° N
- Longitude: 90.8618° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Biggsville is home to West Central High School, which serves students from across the region. The town’s major landmarks include the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church, a historic place of worship that reflects the village’s deep-rooted community spirit. Another local point of interest is the Biggsville Cemetery, which dates back to the 19th century. Nearby Gladstone Lake offers opportunities for fishing and recreation, and Biggsville’s annual community events often celebrate its agricultural heritage.
Gladstone
Overview
Gladstone is a small village located along the Mississippi River in northwestern Henderson County. The village was founded in the late 19th century and grew primarily as a farming and river town. Its location on the river made it a strategic point for transporting agricultural products, particularly grain and livestock. Today, Gladstone remains a quiet rural village, with agriculture continuing to play a central role in its economy. Its proximity to both the Mississippi River and nearby lakes provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
City Details
- Area: 0.39 square miles
- Population: 225 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61437
- Latitude: 40.8669° N
- Longitude: 90.9787° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gladstone students attend schools in the West Central Community Unit School District, with West Central High School and Middle School located nearby in Biggsville. Landmarks in Gladstone include Gladstone Lake and the Gladstone Covered Bridge, a local historic site that offers a glimpse into the village’s past. The Mississippi River provides plenty of recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The village’s peaceful setting and proximity to nature make it a popular destination for visitors looking for a tranquil retreat.
Stronghurst
Overview
Stronghurst, located in southern Henderson County along U.S. Route 94, was founded in 1887 when the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway extended its line through the area. The village quickly grew as a farming and railroad town, with grain elevators and stockyards built to handle the agricultural output of the surrounding farms. Though the railroads are no longer as central to its economy, Stronghurst remains an important agricultural community, with a strong connection to farming and rural life.
City Details
- Area: 0.57 square miles
- Population: 883 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61480
- Latitude: 40.7495° N
- Longitude: 90.9057° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stronghurst is served by the West Central Community Unit School District, which includes West Central Elementary School. Major landmarks include the historic Stronghurst Grain Elevator, a reminder of the village’s agricultural roots. The Stronghurst Park offers residents a place for recreation and community events, while the downtown area features several historic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The village’s annual Stronghurst Fall Festival celebrates its agricultural heritage with parades, exhibits, and family activities.
Media
Overview
Media is a small village located in central Henderson County. Founded in 1887, like many other towns in the region, Media’s growth was spurred by the arrival of the railroad. The village primarily served the surrounding agricultural area, with grain and livestock being shipped from Media’s rail depot to larger markets. Although Media remains a small farming community, it has retained its close-knit, rural character, offering a quiet lifestyle for its residents.
City Details
- Area: 0.32 square miles
- Population: 87 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61460
- Latitude: 40.7723° N
- Longitude: 90.8369° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Media is part of the West Central Community Unit School District, with students attending schools in nearby Biggsville. Landmarks in Media include the Media Community Center, which hosts local events and gatherings, and the Media Depot, a historic railroad station that harkens back to the village’s days as a bustling railroad stop. The surrounding farmland is a vital part of the community, and the village often celebrates its agricultural heritage through local events and festivals. The nearby Henderson County Conservation Area offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
Lomax
Overview
Lomax is a village located in the western part of Henderson County, near the Mississippi River. Founded in the 1880s, the village developed as a result of the expansion of the railroad through the area. Agriculture has always been central to Lomax’s economy, with the village serving as a collection point for grain and livestock that were shipped to market by rail. Today, Lomax remains a small, rural community with deep agricultural roots.
City Details
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: 403 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61454
- Latitude: 40.6890° N
- Longitude: 91.0696° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lomax is part of the West Central Community Unit School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns like Biggsville. Key landmarks include Lomax’s grain elevators, which continue to be a focal point of the village’s economy. The village also boasts several parks and recreational areas, with the Mississippi River offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Lomax’s rural charm and connection to nature make it a peaceful place for residents and visitors alike. The Henderson County Fair, held annually near Lomax, celebrates the area’s agricultural traditions.
Raritan
Overview
Raritan is a small village in the northeastern part of Henderson County. Established in the 1850s, Raritan began as a farming community and has remained so throughout its history. The village was named after the Raritan River in New Jersey, where many of its early settlers originated. Despite its small size, Raritan has maintained a strong agricultural base, with farms producing grain and livestock for the surrounding region. The village offers a quiet, rural lifestyle, centered around community and family life.
City Details
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: 125 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61471
- Latitude: 40.6965° N
- Longitude: 90.8296° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Raritan is served by the West Central Community Unit School District, with schools located in nearby towns. Major landmarks in Raritan include the Raritan Baptist Church, which has been a central institution in the village since its founding. The Raritan Community Park provides a space for local events and recreation, while the surrounding farmland is a testament to the village’s agricultural roots. The quiet rural landscape of Raritan, with its rolling fields and small-town atmosphere, attracts those looking for a peaceful lifestyle in the heart of Illinois farming country.