Cities and Towns in Pulaski County, Illinois
Founded in 1843, Pulaski County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Pulaski County was formed from Alexander and Johnson County. The city of Mound City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 153, Pulaski County has a population of 5,065 and area of 199 square miles (515 km²).
List of all cities in Pulaski County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| America, IL | 62996 | 618/730 |
| Boaz, IL | 62956 | 618/730 |
| Grand Chain, IL | 62941 | 618/730 |
| Hillerman, IL | 62941 | 618/730 |
| Karnak, IL | 62956 | 618/730 |
| Meridian Heights, IL | 62964 | 618/730 |
| Mound City, IL | 62963 | 618/730 |
| Mounds, IL | 62964 | 618/730 |
| North Mounds, IL | 62964 | 618/730 |
| Olmsted, IL | 62970 | 618/730 |
| Perks, IL | 62973 | 618/730 |
| Pulaski, IL | 62976 | 618/730 |
| Spencer Heights, IL | 62964 | 618/730 |
| Ullin, IL | 62992 | 618/730 |
| Villa Ridge, IL | 62996 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pulaski County, Illinois
Mound City
Location and History
Mound City, the county seat of Pulaski County, is located along the Ohio River in the southwestern part of Illinois. The city was founded in the mid-19th century, with its history deeply tied to riverboat transportation and shipbuilding. During the Civil War, Mound City gained prominence as a shipyard for the Union Navy, and its location made it a strategic site for military hospitals and supply depots. The Mound City National Cemetery, established in 1864, is a key landmark that holds the graves of many Civil War soldiers. Mound City continues to honor its rich history through historical preservation and memorials, while serving as a small, close-knit community.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.83 square miles
- Population: Approximately 520 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62963
- Latitude: 37.0856° N
- Longitude: 89.1639° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mound City is served by the Century School District, which includes Century High School in nearby Ullin. The most notable landmark is the Mound City National Cemetery, a historic Civil War-era cemetery that attracts history enthusiasts and tourists. The city is also close to the Ohio River, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of the riverfront. Mound City maintains several historic buildings from its shipbuilding days, including the old courthouse and other preserved structures from the 19th century.
Mounds
Location and History
Mounds is located just south of Mound City, near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in Pulaski County. Founded in the late 19th century, the town was named for the prehistoric Native American burial mounds located nearby, which are significant archaeological sites. Mounds developed as a railroad town, with its location making it a crucial transportation hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. The city’s population peaked in the early 20th century, but it has since become a smaller, rural community focused on agriculture and historical preservation. The influence of the nearby rail lines remains a key part of the town’s identity.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.22 square miles
- Population: Approximately 590 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62964
- Latitude: 37.1095° N
- Longitude: 89.2029° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mounds is part of the Meridian Community Unit School District, with Meridian High School serving local students. The city’s proximity to the Illinois Central Railroad is still visible in its infrastructure, and the nearby Native American burial mounds serve as both historical landmarks and attractions for archaeologists. The Cairo Public Library and other historical sites offer insight into the region’s rich past, including its connection to early Native American culture and its importance as a transportation hub.
Ullin
Location and History
Ullin is located in the northeastern part of Pulaski County, positioned near the Cache River and Shawnee National Forest. It was established in the 19th century as a railroad town, with the Illinois Central Railroad playing a key role in its growth. Like many small towns in southern Illinois, Ullin has a rich agricultural history, serving as a hub for local farmers and timber industries. The town has experienced population shifts over the years but remains an important local center for transportation and agriculture. Its location near the Cache River Wetlands, a unique ecosystem in Illinois, adds to its appeal as a destination for nature lovers.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.13 square miles
- Population: Approximately 450 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62992
- Latitude: 37.2767° N
- Longitude: 89.1767° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ullin is home to Shawnee Community College, one of the most significant educational institutions in the region. The college serves students from across southern Illinois, offering both academic and vocational programs. Additionally, Ullin is close to the Cache River State Natural Area, a major landmark known for its ancient cypress trees, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. Visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the unique ecosystems of the wetlands, making Ullin a key gateway to outdoor adventure in southern Illinois.
Pulaski
Location and History
Pulaski is a small village located in the southern part of Pulaski County, just west of Mound City. Established in the 1850s, the village was named after the county, which in turn was named in honor of Casimir Pulaski, a Polish military commander who fought in the American Revolutionary War. Pulaski grew as an agricultural community, with its economy primarily based on farming and small-scale trade. Though it has remained a small village, Pulaski has a strong sense of community and retains much of its historical charm through local landmarks and preserved buildings.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62976
- Latitude: 37.2167° N
- Longitude: 89.2095° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pulaski is served by the Century Community Unit School District, with students attending schools in nearby Ullin. The village’s major landmarks include historic churches and homes that reflect the area’s rural 19th-century origins. Additionally, Pulaski’s location near the Ohio River floodplain makes it an interesting site for agricultural research and historical farming methods. The village’s quiet, scenic surroundings offer a peaceful glimpse into rural life in southern Illinois, where farming and community remain central.
New Grand Chain
Location and History
New Grand Chain, also known as Grand Chain, is a small village located in the northern part of Pulaski County, near the Ohio River. The village was founded in the mid-19th century as a stop along the river, where early settlers took advantage of the fertile land for farming. Its name comes from the natural “chain” of rocks and rapids in the Ohio River, which historically posed challenges to river traffic but also served as a unique geographical feature. Over time, New Grand Chain became known for its agricultural output, as well as its connections to river commerce and transportation.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.71 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 62941
- Latitude: 37.2483° N
- Longitude: 89.0333° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Grand Chain is served by the Egyptian Community Unit School District, with Egyptian High School located nearby. The village’s key landmarks include the Ohio River, where visitors can engage in fishing and boating, and the historic riverfront areas that harken back to its early days as a river stop. The village is also near the Grand Chain Locks and Dam, which helps regulate river traffic and is an important part of the region’s infrastructure. The peaceful rural environment and proximity to the river make New Grand Chain a quiet, scenic place to live and visit.
