Cities and Towns in Pike County, Illinois

Founded in 1821, Pike County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Pike County was formed from Madison, Bond, and Clark County. The city of Pittsfield is the county seat. With FIPS code of 149, Pike County has a population of 14,618 and area of 831 square miles (2,152 km²).

Major Cities and Towns in Pike County, Illinois

Pike County, Illinois is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and small-town charm. The county seat is Pittsfield, and it is home to a variety of small cities and towns, each with its own unique character. Below is a comprehensive overview of the major cities and towns in Pike County, including their area, population, ZIP codes, geographic coordinates, and historical background.


Pittsfield

Area, Population, ZIP Codes, and Coordinates

  • Area: 5.02 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 4,300
  • ZIP Code: 62363
  • Latitude: 39.6072° N
  • Longitude: 90.8054° W

Location and History

Pittsfield, the county seat of Pike County, is located in the western part of Illinois, approximately 70 miles west of Springfield and 25 miles east of the Mississippi River. The town was established in 1833 and named after Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Pittsfield played a key role in the development of Pike County, especially during the early years of westward expansion. Abraham Lincoln frequently visited the town during his time as a circuit lawyer, and it has retained much of its historical charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pittsfield is home to several notable schools, including Pittsfield High School and South Elementary School. The town also features the historic Pike County Courthouse, built in 1894, which is a key landmark. Another significant site is the John Shastid House, a well-preserved historic home linked to Lincoln’s visits. Pittsfield hosts the annual Pike County Fall Festival, celebrating local history and culture.


Griggsville

Area, Population, ZIP Codes, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.17 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,100
  • ZIP Code: 62340
  • Latitude: 39.7081° N
  • Longitude: 90.7226° W

Location and History

Griggsville is a small town located in the central part of Pike County, about 10 miles northeast of Pittsfield. Founded in 1832, it was named after an early settler, George W. Griggs. The town’s growth was largely driven by agriculture, with corn and soybeans being the dominant crops. Griggsville is famously known as the “Purple Martin Capital of the Nation” due to the large number of purple martin birdhouses that dot the landscape, a tradition started to control local insect populations.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Griggsville houses the Griggsville-Perry High School and Griggsville Elementary School, which serve as the town’s primary educational institutions. A notable landmark is the Griggsville Landing, an old river port that played a vital role in the town’s early development. The Purple Martin birdhouses, along with the city’s connection to agricultural heritage, make Griggsville a unique destination in Pike County. The nearby Siloam Springs State Park is another natural landmark popular for camping and outdoor activities.


Barry

Area, Population, ZIP Codes, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.04 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,300
  • ZIP Code: 62312
  • Latitude: 39.7014° N
  • Longitude: 91.0420° W

Location and History

Barry is situated in the western part of Pike County, near the Illinois-Missouri state line and about 15 miles west of Pittsfield. The town was settled in 1836 by Col. William Ross, who named it after his hometown of Barry, Massachusetts. It became a hub for travelers heading west and later thrived as an agricultural community. The construction of the railroad in the 19th century further bolstered Barry’s importance as a commercial center in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Barry has a consolidated school district, with Barry Elementary and Western High School serving the local students. Key landmarks in the town include the Barry United Methodist Church, which dates back to the 1800s, and the Old Barry Depot, a restored train station that serves as a museum showcasing the town’s railroad history. The nearby Great River Road offers scenic views and draws visitors interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Mississippi River region.


Pleasant Hill

Area, Population, ZIP Codes, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.84 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,000
  • ZIP Code: 62366
  • Latitude: 39.4447° N
  • Longitude: 90.9038° W

Location and History

Pleasant Hill is located in the southwestern part of Pike County, close to the Mississippi River, about 20 miles south of Pittsfield. The town was settled in the mid-19th century, with its location near the river making it an important trade point during the steamboat era. Pleasant Hill grew as a farming community and retained its agricultural roots, focusing on livestock and grain production.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pleasant Hill is home to Pleasant Hill High School and Pleasant Hill Elementary, which serve the town and surrounding areas. The town’s notable landmarks include the Old Rock Church, built in the 1800s, and the Mississippi River overlook, which provides panoramic views of the river valley. The town also hosts an annual Pleasant Hill Fall Festival, celebrating local agriculture and community spirit.


Nebo

Area, Population, ZIP Codes, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.42 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 340
  • ZIP Code: 62355
  • Latitude: 39.4384° N
  • Longitude: 90.7821° W

Location and History

Nebo is a small village in southern Pike County, about 15 miles southwest of Pittsfield. It was founded in 1835 and named after Mount Nebo from the Bible. The village initially grew as a trade center for the surrounding farming communities. While its population has remained small, Nebo has a rich history tied to the early settlers of Pike County, who used the area as a rest stop while traveling west.

Major Schools and Landmarks

The village is served by the Western CUSD 12 School District, with students attending schools in nearby Barry and Pittsfield. Landmarks in Nebo include the Old Methodist Church, which has stood since the 19th century, and the Nebo Pioneer Cemetery, where many of the town’s founders are buried. The Nebo 4th of July celebration is a key community event, attracting visitors from across Pike County.