Cities and Towns in Macoupin County, Illinois
Founded in 1829, Macoupin County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Macoupin County was formed from Greene County. The city of Carlinville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 117, Macoupin County has a population of 44,406 and area of 862 square miles (2,233 km²).
List of all cities in Macoupin County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Barr, IL | 62674 | 217 |
| Benld, IL | 62009 | 217 |
| Brighton, IL | 62012 | 618/730 |
| Bunker Hill, IL | 62014 | 618/730 |
| Carlinville, IL | 62626 | 217 |
| Chesterfield, IL | 62630 | 618/730 |
| Comer, IL | 62626 | 217 |
| Dorchester, IL | 62033 | 217 |
| Eagarville, IL | 62023 | 217 |
| East Gillespie, IL | 62033 | 217 |
| Enos, IL | 62626 | 217 |
| Gillespie, IL | 62033 | 217 |
| Girard, IL | 62640 | 217 |
| Hagaman, IL | 62630 | 618/730 |
| Hettick, IL | 62649 | 618/730 |
| Lake Keho, IL | 62069 | 217 |
| McVey, IL | 62640 | 217 |
| Modesto, IL | 62667 | 217 |
| Mount Clare, IL | 62033 | 217 |
| Mount Olive, IL | 62069 | 217 |
| Nilwood, IL | 62672 | 217 |
| Palmyra, IL | 62674 | 217 |
| Piasa, IL | 62079 | 618/730 |
| Plainview, IL | 62685 | 618/730 |
| Royal Lakes, IL | 62685 | 618/730 |
| Sawyerville, IL | 62085 | 217 |
| Scottville, IL | 62683 | 217 |
| Shipman, IL | 62685 | 618/730 |
| Standard City, IL | 62640 | 217 |
| Staunton, IL | 62088 | 618/730 |
| Virden, IL | 62690 | 217 |
| White City, IL | 62069 | 217 |
| Williamson, IL | 62088 | 618/730 |
| Wilsonville, IL | 62093 | 217 |
| Womac, IL | 62626 | 217 |
| Woodburn, IL | 62014 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Macoupin County, Illinois
Carlinville
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 3.05 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,700
- ZIP Codes: 62626
- Latitude/Longitude: 39.2795° N, 89.8815° W
Location and History
Carlinville is located in the central part of Macoupin County and serves as the county seat. Founded in 1837, the city was named after Thomas Carlin, the seventh governor of Illinois. Carlinville’s early growth was driven by agriculture and the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, which transformed the city into a trade and transportation hub. The town is well-known for its historical architecture, particularly the “Million Dollar Courthouse,” constructed in 1870. The town was also home to a Standard Oil employee housing experiment known as “Standard Addition,” a neighborhood consisting of Sears Catalog Homes built in the 1910s. Today, Carlinville remains a center for agricultural trade and local governance, with its historical roots preserved in its downtown district.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Carlinville is served by the Carlinville Community Unit School District 1, which includes Carlinville High School. Major landmarks include the Macoupin County Courthouse, which stands as a symbol of the town’s historical significance, often called one of the most beautiful courthouses in Illinois. Blackburn College, a small private college known for its work-study program, is another key institution in the city. The Standard Addition Historic District and the Macoupin County Historical Society Museum further highlight the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. Lake Carlinville is a recreational spot offering fishing, boating, and camping.
Gillespie
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.50 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,100
- ZIP Codes: 62033
- Latitude/Longitude: 39.1264° N, 89.8185° W
Location and History
Gillespie is located in the southern part of Macoupin County and was founded in the 1850s, developing around the coal mining industry that flourished in the region. Named after Judge Joseph Gillespie, an Illinois politician, the town became an important coal mining center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gillespie’s economy was heavily reliant on coal production until the mines closed in the mid-20th century. Today, the town has shifted towards agriculture, retail, and small-scale manufacturing. Despite its small size, Gillespie retains its close-knit community feel and honors its mining history through local traditions and historic preservation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gillespie Community Unit School District 7 operates the schools in the town, with Gillespie High School as its primary secondary education institution. The town’s landmarks include the Illinois Coal Museum, which showcases Gillespie’s role in the state’s coal mining past. Another important site is the Gillespie Lake, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The town also celebrates its heritage through the Gillespie Italian American Days festival, an annual event that highlights the cultural contributions of Italian immigrants to the town’s development. Gillespie also has several parks and recreation areas that provide outdoor activities for residents and visitors.
Staunton
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.87 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,000
- ZIP Codes: 62088
- Latitude/Longitude: 39.0125° N, 89.7914° W
Location and History
Staunton is located in southeastern Macoupin County, along the historic Route 66. Founded in the mid-1800s, Staunton initially developed as an agricultural community, but by the late 19th century, coal mining became the dominant industry. Immigrants from Germany and Italy played a significant role in the town’s growth during this time, contributing to its cultural fabric. Like many towns in Macoupin County, Staunton’s coal mining economy declined in the mid-20th century, and it transitioned back to agriculture and manufacturing. Today, Staunton enjoys a reputation as a quiet, family-friendly town with deep historical ties to its immigrant and mining past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Staunton Community Unit School District 6 provides educational services, with Staunton High School being the town’s largest school. The Staunton city center is home to several landmarks, including the Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, a quirky Route 66 attraction dedicated to the highway’s history. Another important historical site is the Staunton Public Library, housed in a historic building that serves as a community hub. The town also celebrates its rich heritage with the annual Staunton Homecoming Festival. For outdoor enthusiasts, Firemen’s Park and Staunton Lake offer opportunities for recreation, including fishing, picnicking, and hiking.
Bunker Hill
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.24 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,700
- ZIP Codes: 62014
- Latitude/Longitude: 39.0405° N, 89.9501° W
Location and History
Bunker Hill is located in northeastern Macoupin County, and it was founded in 1836. The town got its name from the famous Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War, reflecting the patriotic spirit of its early settlers. Initially an agricultural community, Bunker Hill grew slowly but steadily. A tornado in 1948 destroyed much of the downtown area, but the town rebuilt, preserving its historical charm while modernizing its infrastructure. Today, Bunker Hill is known for its quiet rural atmosphere and strong sense of community, with agriculture still playing a key role in its local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bunker Hill Unit School District 8 serves the community, with Bunker Hill High School as its primary school. The town’s most significant landmark is the Bunker Hill Historical Society Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits detailing the town’s founding and its recovery from the devastating 1948 tornado. Veterans Memorial Park is another important community feature, honoring local military personnel and serving as a gathering place for civic events. The annual Bunker Hill Fall Festival celebrates the town’s agricultural heritage and brings the community together with parades, live music, and local food vendors.
Virden
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 2.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,300
- ZIP Codes: 62690
- Latitude/Longitude: 39.5003° N, 89.7679° W
Location and History
Virden is located in the northern part of Macoupin County and was established in the mid-1800s, originally as a coal mining town. Its development was closely tied to the coal industry, and the town gained national attention during the Virden Mine Riot of 1898, a labor dispute that resulted in several deaths and became a significant moment in the history of labor rights in the U.S. As the coal industry declined, Virden shifted towards agriculture and local businesses. Today, Virden is a small yet historically significant town with a strong sense of local pride.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Virden is served by North Mac Community Unit School District 34, with North Mac High School being the primary school for older students. The Virden Mine Riot Memorial is one of the town’s key landmarks, commemorating the workers who fought for labor rights during the 1898 strike. Virden’s historic downtown features several preserved buildings from the late 19th century, offering a glimpse into the town’s past. The annual Virden Fall Festival celebrates local culture with parades, crafts, and live entertainment. Additionally, the nearby Virden Lake provides recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping.
