Cities and Towns in Morgan County, Illinois
Founded in 1823, Morgan County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Morgan County was formed from Sangamon County. The city of Jacksonville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 137, Morgan County has a population of 32,606 and area of 568 square miles (1,471 km²).
List of all cities in Morgan County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alexander, IL | 62601 | 217 |
| Arcadia, IL | 62650 | 217 |
| Arnold, IL | 62650 | 217 |
| Bethel, IL | 62628 | 217 |
| Chapin, IL | 62628 | 217 |
| Clements, IL | 62638 | 217 |
| Concord, IL | 62631 | 217 |
| Franklin, IL | 62638 | 217 |
| Jacksonville, IL | 62650 | 217 |
| 62651 | 217 | |
| Literberry, IL | 62660 | 217 |
| Lynnville, IL | 62650 | 217 |
| Meredosia, IL | 62665 | 217 |
| Merritt, IL | 62650 | 217 |
| Murrayville, IL | 62668 | 217 |
| Naples, IL | 62665 | 217 |
| Nortonville, IL | 62668 | 217 |
| Pisgah, IL | 62650 | 217 |
| Rees, IL | 62638 | 217 |
| Sinclair, IL | 62650 | 217 |
| Sweet Water, IL | 62665 | 217 |
| Waverly, IL | 62692 | 217 |
| Woodson, IL | 62695 | 217 |
Major Cities and Towns in Morgan County, Illinois
Jacksonville, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 10.76 square miles
- Population: Approximately 18,906 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62650, 62651
- Latitude: 39.7331° N
- Longitude: 90.2290° W
Location and History
Jacksonville is the county seat of Morgan County, located in west-central Illinois, about 30 miles west of Springfield, the state capital. The city was founded in 1825 and named after General Andrew Jackson, who later became the seventh president of the United States. Jacksonville quickly developed as an educational and cultural center, earning a reputation for its colleges and progressive institutions, including Illinois College, the first college in the state to grant a degree. The city’s location near the Illinois River and fertile prairie land contributed to its growth as an agricultural hub. Jacksonville also played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with many local abolitionists aiding runaway slaves before the Civil War.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Jacksonville is home to Illinois College, MacMurray College (now closed but still historically significant), and the Illinois School for the Deaf. The city’s landmarks include the Governor Duncan Mansion, the home of Illinois’ fifth governor, and the Woodlawn Farm, a historic site linked to the Underground Railroad. Community Park, with its beautiful lake and recreational amenities, serves as a hub for outdoor activities. Downtown Jacksonville boasts historic architecture, including the Morgan County Courthouse, and offers a vibrant cultural scene with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
South Jacksonville, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.79 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 62650
- Latitude: 39.7050° N
- Longitude: 90.2304° W
Location and History
South Jacksonville is a village located just south of the city of Jacksonville and is considered a suburb of the larger city. It was incorporated in 1913 as a separate municipality, and its growth has been closely linked to the development of Jacksonville itself. The village offers a quieter, more residential alternative to its larger neighbor, with an emphasis on local government and community-driven development. Its proximity to Jacksonville allows residents to enjoy small-town life while having easy access to Jacksonville’s larger amenities, including education and healthcare services.
Major Schools and Landmarks
While South Jacksonville relies on Jacksonville for most of its educational institutions, including Jacksonville School District 117, the village maintains its own sense of community with events and local governance. Nichols Park, located near South Jacksonville, is one of the area’s major landmarks, offering residents recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and picnicking. The village also hosts the annual “South Jacksonville Celebration,” a family-oriented event featuring a parade, carnival rides, and live entertainment, strengthening community ties and celebrating local heritage.
Waverly, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.89 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 62692
- Latitude: 39.5923° N
- Longitude: 89.9523° W
Location and History
Waverly is located in the southeastern corner of Morgan County, about 25 miles southwest of Springfield. Founded in 1836, the town was named after the Waverley novels by Sir Walter Scott, reflecting the influence of literature on the early settlers. Waverly grew as a small agricultural community, with its economy largely based on farming and related industries. The town has retained much of its rural charm and small-town atmosphere, providing a peaceful setting for residents while maintaining close ties to the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Waverly Community Unit School District 6 serves the town, with Waverly High School being a central institution for local education. Major landmarks in Waverly include the Waverly Public Library, a hub of community activity, and the town’s historic downtown area, which features classic architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each year, Waverly hosts the Waverly Holiday Tournament, one of the oldest high school basketball tournaments in Illinois, drawing participants and spectators from across the region. The town’s peaceful surroundings and historic charm make it a quaint but vibrant part of Morgan County.
Franklin, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.39 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 62638
- Latitude: 39.6225° N
- Longitude: 90.0464° W
Location and History
Franklin is a small village in southeastern Morgan County, about 20 miles from Jacksonville and 30 miles from Springfield. The village was established in the early 1830s and named after Benjamin Franklin, reflecting the early settlers’ admiration for American history and values. Franklin developed as a farming community, and its economy has remained tied to agriculture over the years, with corn, soybeans, and livestock being the primary outputs. The village’s growth has been modest, and it retains its small-town character and tight-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Franklin Community Unit School District 1 serves the village, with Franklin Junior-Senior High School playing a key role in the town’s educational system. Landmarks in Franklin include the village’s historic churches and the Franklin Public Library, which serves as a gathering place for residents. The village also celebrates its agricultural roots with the annual Franklin Burgoo Festival, featuring traditional food, games, and activities that draw visitors from neighboring towns. The festival is a testament to the village’s enduring connection to its history and agricultural heritage.
Meredosia, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 1.04 square miles
- Population: Approximately 940 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 62665
- Latitude: 39.8344° N
- Longitude: 90.5623° W
Location and History
Meredosia is located in the northwestern part of Morgan County, along the banks of the Illinois River. The town was established in the early 19th century, with its name derived from the Native American term for “Great Prairie” or “Big Lake.” Meredosia’s location on the river made it a key point for transportation and trade, particularly during the steamboat era. The town became an important port for river traffic and played a role in the development of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Today, Meredosia remains a small river town with deep historical roots in the region’s transportation history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Meredosia-Chambersburg School District serves the educational needs of the village, with Meredosia-Chambersburg High School being a key institution. Landmarks in the town include the Meredosia Lock and Dam, part of the Illinois River’s navigation system, and the Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge, which provides habitat for migratory birds and offers outdoor recreation opportunities such as birdwatching and hiking. The town’s annual River Fest celebrates Meredosia’s connection to the Illinois River, featuring music, food, and activities that bring together the local community and visitors from the surrounding areas.
Murrayville, Illinois
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 0.21 square miles
- Population: Approximately 540 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 62668
- Latitude: 39.5926° N
- Longitude: 90.2332° W
Location and History
Murrayville is a small village located in southern Morgan County, about 15 miles south of Jacksonville. Founded in the 1830s, the village developed primarily as an agricultural community, with its economy closely tied to the surrounding farmland. Murrayville’s early growth was driven by its location on important transportation routes, including early stagecoach lines and later the railroad. Over the years, the village has remained small, retaining its agricultural roots and offering a quiet, rural lifestyle for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Murrayville is served by the Jacksonville School District, with Murrayville-Woodson Elementary School being a key educational institution for younger students. The village’s landmarks include the historic Murrayville Baptist Church and the community park, which provides recreational facilities for local families. Each year, Murrayville hosts the Murrayville Fall Festival, a local celebration that includes a parade, games, and food, drawing together the community for a weekend of festivities. The village’s rural setting and community spirit make it a peaceful place to live and work in Morgan County.
