Cities and Towns in Logan County, Illinois
Founded in 1839, Logan County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Logan County was formed from Sangamon County. The city of Lincoln is the county seat. With FIPS code of 107, Logan County has a population of 27,992 and area of 618 square miles (1,601 km²).
List of all cities in Logan County, IL alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Atlanta, IL | 61723 | 217 |
Beason, IL | 62512 | 217 |
Broadwell, IL | 62634 | 217 |
Chestnut, IL | 62518 | 217 |
Cornland, IL | 62519 | 217 |
Elkhart, IL | 62634 | 217 |
Emden, IL | 62635 | 217 |
Hartsburg, IL | 62643 | 217 |
Lake Fork, IL | 62541 | 217 |
Latham, IL | 62543 | 217 |
Lawndale, IL | 61751 | 217 |
Lincoln, IL | 62656 | 217 |
Middletown, IL | 62666 | 217 |
Mount Pulaski, IL | 62548 | 217 |
New Holland, IL | 62671 | 217 |
Major Cities and Towns in Logan County, Illinois
Lincoln
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 6.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 13,900
- ZIP Codes: 62656
- Latitude/Longitude: 40.1484° N, 89.3645° W
Location and History
Lincoln, the county seat of Logan County, is located in the heart of central Illinois. It holds the distinction of being the only town named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president. Founded in 1853, Lincoln grew rapidly due to its strategic location along the railroad, which made it a transportation hub for the surrounding agricultural areas. Lincoln also served as an early center for education, with several schools and colleges contributing to its growth, including Lincoln College, founded in 1865. The city’s economy has historically revolved around agriculture, manufacturing, and education, but in recent years, it has diversified into healthcare and retail sectors.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lincoln is served by Lincoln Community High School and Lincoln College, which was a significant educational institution until its closure in 2022. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Lincoln Heritage Museum, which houses artifacts from Abraham Lincoln’s life and offers educational programs on his legacy. The Postville Courthouse is another historical site, replicating the original courthouse where Lincoln practiced law. Additionally, the Railsplitter Covered Wagon, the world’s largest covered wagon, is a quirky roadside attraction celebrating Lincoln’s frontier legacy. The annual Logan County Fair also draws visitors for livestock shows, carnival rides, and entertainment.
Atlanta
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,600
- ZIP Codes: 61723
- Latitude/Longitude: 40.2600° N, 89.2325° W
Location and History
Atlanta is located in the northeastern part of Logan County, just off historic Route 66. The town was established in the mid-19th century and quickly became a key stop for travelers along the Chicago and Alton Railroad. As a small farming community, Atlanta prospered from its role in agricultural trade and transportation. The town’s proximity to Route 66 brought additional economic opportunities in the 20th century, as tourists and travelers passed through on the way to larger cities. Today, Atlanta retains its small-town charm while preserving its rich historical connection to Route 66, making it a popular stop for those exploring the famous highway.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Atlanta is part of the Olympia Community Unit School District, with students attending Olympia High School located nearby in Stanford. The town’s most notable landmark is the Bunyon Giant, a towering fiberglass statue holding a hot dog, which is a classic example of “Muffler Man” advertising along Route 66. Other important sites include the J. H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum, a restored 1904 grain elevator that offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history. Atlanta’s downtown features preserved 19th-century buildings, and visitors can take a walking tour to explore its history. The Route 66 Arcade Museum and vintage diner are also popular attractions for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
Mount Pulaski
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500
- ZIP Codes: 62548
- Latitude/Longitude: 40.0098° N, 89.2883° W
Location and History
Mount Pulaski is located in southeastern Logan County and was founded in 1836. Named after Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, the town was built on a hill that offered a strategic vantage point for early settlers. Mount Pulaski became the county seat of Logan County for a brief period between 1848 and 1855, during which time the Mount Pulaski Courthouse was constructed. The town grew as an agricultural center, with local farms producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Though the town’s growth slowed in the 20th century, Mount Pulaski has remained a strong farming community with a deep sense of local history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mount Pulaski is served by Mount Pulaski Community Unit School District 23, which includes Mount Pulaski High School. The most prominent landmark in town is the Mount Pulaski Courthouse, a state historic site where Abraham Lincoln once practiced law as part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The courthouse is preserved as a museum, showcasing 19th-century legal history. The town also celebrates its agricultural roots through the annual Mount Pulaski Fall Festival, which features parades, craft fairs, and live entertainment. Mount Pulaski’s historic downtown square remains a centerpiece for community events and local businesses, contributing to the town’s charm.
Elkhart
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.0 square mile
- Population: Approximately 400
- ZIP Codes: 62634
- Latitude/Longitude: 40.0162° N, 89.4820° W
Location and History
Elkhart is a small village located in the northwestern part of Logan County, just off Interstate 55. Established in the 1850s, Elkhart is named after nearby Elkhart Hill, which is the highest point in Logan County and was a significant landmark for early settlers. The village grew as a farming community, benefiting from its location near the railroad. Elkhart has maintained its small-town charm over the years, with much of its early history preserved in its buildings and local traditions. Despite its size, Elkhart has a rich history tied to the region’s agricultural development and the legacy of its early pioneers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Elkhart is served by the Williamsville-Sherman Community Unit School District for educational services, with students attending schools in nearby towns. A major local landmark is the Elkhart Cemetery, where several notable Illinoisans, including Governor Richard J. Oglesby, are buried. The Elkhart Hill Nature Preserve offers scenic hiking trails and views of the surrounding farmland, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Elkhart’s historic downtown features quaint shops and eateries, and the Wild Hare Café is a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. The town also hosts the Elkhart Historical Society’s walking tours, highlighting the village’s past and its connection to Illinois history.
San Jose
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600
- ZIP Codes: 62682
- Latitude/Longitude: 40.3151° N, 89.6017° W
Location and History
San Jose is located on the western edge of Logan County, bordering Mason County. The village was established in 1858 along the Peoria and Springfield Railroad, and its name was chosen to honor Saint Joseph. Like many small towns in central Illinois, San Jose grew as an agricultural community, with local farmers producing corn, soybeans, and wheat. The town’s population has remained small over the years, but it has retained its role as a local center for farming and small businesses. San Jose has a close-knit community that values its rural lifestyle and agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
San Jose is part of the Illini Central Community Unit School District, with Illini Central High School located in nearby Mason City. The town’s most prominent landmark is the San Jose United Methodist Church, which has been a fixture of the community for over a century. San Jose also has a local park offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields, providing recreational opportunities for residents. Each year, the village celebrates its history and community spirit with the San Jose Annual Town Picnic, an event featuring food, games, and entertainment. The surrounding farmland offers scenic views and a peaceful rural atmosphere, making San Jose a quintessential small Illinois town.