Cities and Towns in Menard County, Illinois
Founded in 1839, Menard County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Menard County was formed from Sangamon County. The city of Petersburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 129, Menard County has a population of 12,164 and area of 314 square miles (813 km²).
List of all cities in Menard County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Athens, IL | 62613 | 217 |
| Atterberry, IL | 62675 | 217 |
| Atterbury, IL | 62675 | 217 |
| Fancy Prairie, IL | 62613 | 217 |
| Greenview, IL | 62642 | 217 |
| Hubly, IL | 62642 | 217 |
| Lincolns New Salem, IL | 62659 | 217 |
| Oakford, IL | 62673 | 217 |
| Petersburg, IL | 62675 | 217 |
| Sweet Water, IL | 62642 | 217 |
| Tallula, IL | 62688 | 217 |
| Tice, IL | 62675 | 217 |
Major Cities and Towns in Menard County, Illinois
Petersburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 1.45 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,200
- Zip Codes: 62675
- Latitude: 40.0103° N
- Longitude: 89.8484° W
Location and History:
Petersburg is the county seat of Menard County and is located along the Sangamon River, roughly 20 miles northwest of Springfield, the state capital of Illinois. The city was founded in 1833, and its early development is closely tied to Abraham Lincoln, who surveyed the area when it was first being laid out. Petersburg grew as an agricultural hub, thanks to its fertile surrounding farmland. The town’s charming 19th-century architecture still reflects its historical roots. In addition to its rich Lincoln heritage, Petersburg is known for its picturesque location along the river, making it a scenic small town that attracts visitors interested in Illinois history and nature.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Petersburg is served by the Porta CUSD 202 school district, which includes PORTA High School and PORTA Junior High School, offering comprehensive education to the city’s youth. Major landmarks include Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, which recreates the pioneer village where Abraham Lincoln lived in his early adulthood. The Menard County Courthouse, another historic site, adds to the town’s historical significance. The Sangamon River offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and boating, making it a focal point for outdoor enthusiasts.
Athens
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 1.31 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- Zip Codes: 62613
- Latitude: 39.9623° N
- Longitude: 89.7251° W
Location and History:
Athens is located in the southeastern part of Menard County, around 15 miles north of Springfield. Founded in 1831, Athens developed as a small rural community. Like many other towns in the region, its early history is intertwined with Abraham Lincoln’s presence. The town grew as a trading center for local farmers and became an important stop along the route between Springfield and Petersburg. Despite its small size, Athens has managed to maintain a close-knit community and a rural charm that continues to define it today. Its proximity to Springfield makes it part of the broader metropolitan area while still preserving its small-town atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Athens is served by the Athens Community Unit School District 213, which includes Athens Senior High School and Athens Junior High School, offering K-12 education. The town’s key landmark is the Long Nine Museum, which commemorates the political group, including Lincoln, who helped relocate the state capital to Springfield. The Athens City Park provides green space for residents to enjoy, and the town’s historic downtown area adds to its charm with several well-preserved 19th-century buildings.
Greenview
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.88 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800
- Zip Codes: 62642
- Latitude: 40.0845° N
- Longitude: 89.7401° W
Location and History:
Greenview is a small village in the northern part of Menard County, about 25 miles northwest of Springfield. Established in the 1850s, Greenview grew primarily as a railroad town, benefiting from its location along the Chicago and Alton Railroad line. The village is surrounded by rich agricultural land, and much of its economy has traditionally been based on farming. Greenview’s quiet, rural setting provides a peaceful living environment, and its compact size makes it a close-knit community. Over the years, it has retained its small-town charm, even as modern infrastructure and amenities have developed.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Greenview is served by the Greenview Community Unit School District 200, which operates Greenview High School and Greenview Junior High School. The town is home to historic buildings, such as the Greenview Depot, which highlights its railroad history. Nearby attractions include the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking, hunting, and fishing. The town also has a historical society that works to preserve and promote its heritage, with exhibits on the town’s early settlers and its development as a railroad stop.
Oakford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.35 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 62673
- Latitude: 40.1023° N
- Longitude: 89.9685° W
Location and History:
Oakford is a small village in the western part of Menard County, located about 30 miles northwest of Springfield. The village was platted in 1872 and grew slowly, primarily serving the local farming community. Its name is thought to have been inspired by the many oak trees in the surrounding area. Oakford’s rural landscape and quiet setting make it a peaceful place to live, with agriculture continuing to play a key role in the local economy. The town’s history is largely tied to its early settlers and the agricultural traditions that have been preserved over the years.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Oakford is part of the Porta CUSD 202 school district, which means local students attend schools in nearby Petersburg. While the village itself is small, it offers proximity to outdoor recreational areas, including the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, which is known for its extensive trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Oakford Masonic Lodge is one of the town’s few historic landmarks, reflecting the early community organizations that helped shape the village’s civic life. The nearby Sangamon River also offers additional opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities.
Tallula
Area, Population, Zip Codes, and Coordinates:
- Area: 0.45 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500
- Zip Codes: 62688
- Latitude: 39.9484° N
- Longitude: 89.8640° W
Location and History:
Tallula is located in the southwestern part of Menard County, roughly 25 miles northwest of Springfield. The village was founded in the mid-19th century and its name is believed to be derived from a Native American word meaning “dropping water.” It developed as a small agricultural town, serving the surrounding farmland and becoming known for its grain production. Over the years, Tallula has retained its rural roots, with farming continuing to be a significant part of the local economy. The town is small but offers a tranquil, friendly environment, characteristic of many of Illinois’ rural communities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Tallula is also part of the Porta CUSD 202 school district, with students attending schools in Petersburg. The village is home to the historic Tallula Grain Elevator, which has been in operation for over a century and represents the town’s agricultural heritage. The nearby Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area provides opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing. The town’s community park offers a green space for residents to gather, and its small downtown area retains several buildings that reflect its 19th-century origins.
