Cities and Towns in Lawrence County, Illinois

Founded in 1821, Lawrence County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Lawrence County was formed from Crawford and Edwards County. The city of Lawrenceville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 101, Lawrence County has a population of 15,152 and area of 372 square miles (963 km²).

List of all cities in Lawrence County, IL alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Allison, IL 62439 618/730
Billet, IL 62439 618/730
Bond, IL 62439 618/730
Bridgeport, IL 62417 618/730
Chauncey, IL 62466 618/730
Denison, IL 62460 618/730
Helena, IL 62466 618/730
Lawrence, IL 62439 618/730
Lawrenceville, IL 62439 618/730
Lukin, IL 62417 618/730
Petrolia, IL 62417 618/730
Pinkstaff, IL 62439 618/730
Russelville, IL 62439 618/730
Saint Francisville, IL 62460 618/730
Sand Barrens, IL 62460 618/730
Sumner, IL 62466 618/730
Westport, IL 62439 618/730

Major Cities and Towns in Lawrence County, Illinois

Lawrenceville

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 2.30 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 4,300
  • Zip Codes: 62439
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.7295° N, 87.6817° W

Location and History

Lawrenceville is the county seat of Lawrence County, located in southeastern Illinois, near the Wabash River and the Indiana state line. It was established in 1821 and named after Captain James Lawrence, a naval hero from the War of 1812. Due to its strategic location near the river, Lawrenceville became an important hub for trade and transportation in the early 19th century. The city experienced growth with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s, which further boosted its economy by connecting it to larger markets. Today, Lawrenceville maintains its historical charm while serving as a regional center for commerce and industry, blending agriculture with small manufacturing.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lawrenceville is home to the Lawrenceville Community Unit School District, which includes Lawrenceville High School, Parkside Elementary, and Parkview Junior High. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Lawrence County Courthouse, a historic building that has served the county since 1889. Other notable attractions include Red Hill State Park, offering outdoor recreational activities, and the historic Lanterman Park, a community gathering space. The Lawrenceville Drive-In, one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in Illinois, is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, providing a nostalgic glimpse into mid-20th century American entertainment.


Bridgeport

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 1.45 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,800
  • Zip Codes: 62417
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.7095° N, 87.7626° W

Location and History

Bridgeport is located in southwestern Lawrence County, about 5 miles west of Lawrenceville. The town was established in the mid-19th century and named for its proximity to a key bridge crossing the Embarras River. Bridgeport’s early economy revolved around agriculture and local trades, and it grew with the expansion of the railroads. The town’s rural charm is complemented by its role as a support community for the oil and gas industries, which were historically significant in the area. Today, Bridgeport retains its small-town character, offering a peaceful living environment with easy access to nearby cities and natural attractions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bridgeport is part of the Red Hill Community Unit School District, with students attending Red Hill High School and Bridgeport Grade School. One of the town’s primary landmarks is the historic Bridgeport Community Building, which hosts events and serves as a central gathering place for the community. Another notable site is the nearby Chauncey Marsh Nature Preserve, which offers hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities in a protected wetland area. The town also holds annual events, such as the Bridgeport Fall Festival, which celebrates the town’s agricultural roots and brings the community together with food, games, and entertainment.


St. Francisville

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 0.60 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 600
  • Zip Codes: 62460
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.5825° N, 87.6487° W

Location and History

St. Francisville is a small village located in southeastern Lawrence County, on the banks of the Wabash River, directly across from Indiana. The village was founded in the early 1800s and named after Saint Francis Xavier, reflecting the influence of French missionaries in the region. St. Francisville became an important crossing point on the Wabash River, with a ferry service that connected Illinois to Indiana. The town’s early economy was based on agriculture, river trade, and later, oil production, which brought prosperity to the area in the early 20th century. Today, St. Francisville remains a quaint river town with deep historical roots and strong ties to its natural surroundings.

Major Schools and Landmarks

St. Francisville students attend schools within the Lawrence County school districts, including nearby Lawrenceville schools. The village’s most notable landmark is the St. Francisville Bridge, a historic, narrow toll bridge that has spanned the Wabash River since the 1920s, connecting Illinois to Indiana. The village is also known for its annual River Days Festival, which celebrates the town’s history and location along the Wabash River with activities, food, and entertainment. The scenic Riverside Park offers fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.


Sumner

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 1.38 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 3,000
  • Zip Codes: 62466
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.7206° N, 87.8595° W

Location and History

Sumner is located in the northwestern part of Lawrence County, about 10 miles from Lawrenceville. Founded in 1854, the town was named after U.S. Senator Charles Sumner, a leading abolitionist. Sumner’s early economy was based on agriculture, and its growth was closely tied to the development of the railroad, which allowed for the transport of agricultural goods to larger markets. The town also became a center for the local oil industry in the early 20th century, contributing to its economic expansion. Today, Sumner continues to thrive as a small agricultural community with a rich history and a strong sense of local pride.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sumner is part of the Red Hill Community Unit School District, and students attend Red Hill High School and Sumner Attendance Center. The town is known for its historic downtown district, which features several well-preserved 19th-century buildings. The iconic Sumner Water Tower, visible from miles away, is a local landmark. Another significant site is Red Hill State Park, located just outside the town, offering hiking, fishing, and camping. Sumner also hosts the annual Sumner Fall Festival, which celebrates the town’s history and community spirit with parades, local food, and various entertainment.


Russellville

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

  • Area: 0.18 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 90
  • Zip Codes: 62439
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.5625° N, 87.5342° W

Location and History

Russellville is a small village in southeastern Lawrence County, located near the Wabash River. Established in the early 19th century, Russellville was a river settlement that played an important role as a trade post between Illinois and Indiana. The village’s economy historically revolved around river trade, agriculture, and later oil, when the area experienced an oil boom in the early 20th century. Despite its small size, Russellville has a deep historical connection to the development of southeastern Illinois, particularly through its river-based trade. Over time, the village has remained small and rural, offering a quiet, community-focused lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Russellville’s schoolchildren attend schools in nearby Lawrenceville as part of the Lawrence County educational system. One of the village’s main landmarks is the Wabash River, which provides scenic views and opportunities for fishing and boating. Russellville is also known for its proximity to the Russellville Fish and Wildlife Area, a protected natural habitat that offers hiking and wildlife observation. The annual Russellville Days event brings the small community together to celebrate its history with local food, music, and games, reflecting the village’s enduring spirit despite its small population.