Cities and Towns in Piatt County, Illinois
Founded in 1841, Piatt County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Piatt County was formed from DeWitt and Macon County. The city of Monticello is the county seat. With FIPS code of 147, Piatt County has a population of 16,753 and area of 439 square miles (1,137 km²).
List of all cities in Piatt County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bement, IL | 61813 | 217 |
| Cerro Gordo, IL | 61818 | 217 |
| Cisco, IL | 61830 | 217 |
| De Land, IL | 61839 | 217 |
| Hammond, IL | 61929 | 217 |
| La Place, IL | 61936 | 217 |
| Lodge, IL | 61856 | 217 |
| Mansfield, IL | 61854 | 217 |
| Milmine, IL | 61855 | 217 |
| Monticello, IL | 61856 | 217 |
| Pierson Station, IL | 61929 | 217 |
| White Heath, IL | 61884 | 217 |
Major Cities and Towns in Piatt County, Illinois
Monticello
Overview
Monticello, the county seat of Piatt County, was founded in 1837 and named after Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia estate. Located in the heart of central Illinois, Monticello grew as an agricultural and railroad hub due to its proximity to the Illinois Central Railroad. The town’s development in the 19th century was driven by agriculture, with corn and soybean production playing a central role. Monticello has evolved into a charming, small city known for its historic downtown area, tree-lined streets, and vibrant community events. Its location between the cities of Champaign and Decatur makes it a desirable place for commuters seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle.
City Details
- Area: 3.83 square miles
- Population: 5,575 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61856
- Latitude: 40.0281° N
- Longitude: 88.5737° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Monticello is served by the Monticello Community Unit School District 25, which includes Monticello High School, Monticello Middle School, and Lincoln Elementary School. Key landmarks include the Allerton Park and Retreat Center, a sprawling estate with beautiful gardens, sculptures, and trails. The Monticello Railway Museum is another popular destination, offering historic train rides and exhibits on the region’s railroad history. The town hosts several community events, such as the Monticello Freedom Fest and the Monticello Farmers Market, celebrating local culture and agriculture.
Bement
Overview
Bement is a small village in the southern part of Piatt County, founded in 1854. The village was named after Samuel Bement, a businessman from Massachusetts who played a key role in the establishment of the town. Bement developed as an agricultural community and became known for its grain production and farming-related businesses. The town’s historical significance is highlighted by its role in the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, as it was here in 1858 that Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas met at the Bryant Cottage to discuss the terms of their debates, which later shaped the course of U.S. history.
City Details
- Area: 0.58 square miles
- Population: 1,673 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61813
- Latitude: 39.9228° N
- Longitude: 88.5722° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bement is served by the Bement Community Unit School District 5, which includes Bement High School and Bement Elementary School. The village’s most notable landmark is the Bryant Cottage State Historic Site, where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas met before their famous debates. The cottage has been preserved and offers visitors a glimpse into Illinois’ political history. The surrounding village reflects its agricultural heritage, with nearby farms and grain elevators serving as a reminder of Bement’s deep ties to farming. The annual Bement Fall Festival celebrates the community’s history and rural culture with parades, crafts, and local food.
Cerro Gordo
Overview
Cerro Gordo is a village in eastern Piatt County, founded in 1855. The village’s name, meaning “Fat Hill” in Spanish, commemorates the Battle of Cerro Gordo during the Mexican-American War. Like many towns in the region, Cerro Gordo developed as an agricultural community, with its economy centered around farming and grain production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped the village grow by providing a vital transportation link for local farmers. Today, Cerro Gordo remains a close-knit rural community, known for its quiet streets and strong ties to agriculture.
City Details
- Area: 1.21 square miles
- Population: 1,347 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61818
- Latitude: 39.8912° N
- Longitude: 88.7320° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cerro Gordo is part of the Cerro Gordo Community Unit School District 100, which includes Cerro Gordo High School and Cerro Gordo Elementary School. The village’s key landmarks include the Cerro Gordo Veterans Memorial, honoring the service of local veterans, and the Cerro Gordo Community Park, a gathering spot for local events and recreation. The village hosts an annual Fourth of July celebration that draws visitors from surrounding areas with fireworks, a parade, and family-friendly activities. The nearby Friends Creek Conservation Area offers outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.
Mansfield
Overview
Mansfield is a small village located in the northern part of Piatt County. Founded in 1871, the village grew as a railroad town, with agriculture playing a key role in its economy. The town’s location along the Illinois Central Railroad facilitated the shipment of grain and livestock to larger markets, allowing Mansfield to develop into a small but thriving agricultural hub. Though small in size, Mansfield retains its rural charm, with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. The village is known for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to larger cities such as Champaign and Decatur.
City Details
- Area: 0.66 square miles
- Population: 934 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61854
- Latitude: 40.2112° N
- Longitude: 88.5056° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mansfield is part of the Blue Ridge Community Unit School District 18, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as Bellflower and Farmer City. The village’s major landmarks include the Mansfield Community Park, which offers a variety of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. The historic Mansfield Depot, a reminder of the village’s railroad past, is a popular local site. The village also hosts an annual fall festival, bringing residents together for live entertainment, food vendors, and a parade, showcasing the community spirit and rural heritage of Mansfield.
Atwood
Overview
Atwood, located in the southern part of Piatt County, was founded in 1873 as a railroad town. Originally named “Pierson Station,” it was later renamed Atwood in honor of one of its founders. The village developed as a center for agricultural trade, with the railroad playing a vital role in transporting grain and livestock. Atwood’s history is deeply connected to farming, and it remains a close-knit rural community. Its location near both Champaign and Decatur has allowed it to maintain its agricultural roots while providing residents with access to urban amenities.
City Details
- Area: 0.61 square miles
- Population: 1,116 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61913
- Latitude: 39.7970° N
- Longitude: 88.4589° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Atwood is part of the Arthur Community Unit School District 305, with local students attending Atwood-Hammond Elementary School and Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond High School. Key landmarks in the village include the Atwood Community Park, which serves as a gathering place for local events and outdoor activities. Atwood hosts an annual Apple Dumpling Festival, celebrating local culture with parades, music, and food. The nearby Kaskaskia River offers opportunities for fishing and boating, adding to Atwood’s rural charm. The village’s agricultural heritage and strong community spirit make it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Hammond
Overview
Hammond is a small village located in the southeastern corner of Piatt County. Established in the late 19th century, the village developed as an agricultural community, with its economy centered around farming and grain production. Named after its founder, John Hammond, the village grew steadily with the arrival of the railroad, which connected it to larger markets in Illinois. Today, Hammond remains a quiet rural village, with a focus on farming and community life. Its proximity to larger cities such as Decatur allows residents to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while accessing nearby amenities.
City Details
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: 475 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 61929
- Latitude: 39.7976° N
- Longitude: 88.5829° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hammond is served by the Arthur Community Unit School District 305, with students attending nearby schools in Atwood and Arthur. The village’s key landmarks include the Hammond Civic Center, which hosts local events and provides a venue for community activities. The Hammond Community Park offers recreational facilities for residents, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. The village’s annual community picnic is a popular event, celebrating Hammond’s agricultural heritage and bringing together residents for food, games, and entertainment.
