Cities and Towns in Putnam County, Illinois
Founded in 1825, Putnam County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Putnam County was formed from Fulton County. The city of Hennepin is the county seat. With FIPS code of 155, Putnam County has a population of 5,566 and area of 160 square miles (414 km²).
List of all cities in Putnam County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Florid, IL | 61327 | 815/779 |
| Granville, IL | 61326 | 815/779 |
| Hennepin, IL | 61327 | 815/779 |
| Lake Thunderbird, IL | 61560 | 815/779 |
| Lake Wildwood, IL | 61336 | 815/779 |
| Magnolia, IL | 61336 | 815/779 |
| Mark, IL | 61340 | 815/779 |
| McNabb, IL | 61335 | 815/779 |
| Putnam, IL | 61560 | 815/779 |
| Standard, IL | 61363 | 815/779 |
Major Cities and Towns in Putnam County, Illinois
Hennepin
Location and History
Hennepin, the county seat of Putnam County, is situated along the Illinois River in the north-central part of Illinois. Founded in 1831, it was named after Father Louis Hennepin, a French explorer who traveled through the region in the 17th century. As one of the earliest settlements in the area, Hennepin quickly became a regional hub for river trade and agriculture. In the 19th century, it thrived as a port town, thanks to its access to the Illinois River, which facilitated the transportation of goods like grain and timber. Over the years, Hennepin has maintained its small-town charm, and its proximity to the river continues to play a role in local commerce and recreation.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.82 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 61327
- Latitude: 41.2559° N
- Longitude: 89.3398° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hennepin is served by the Putnam County School District, with students attending Putnam County High School located nearby. The town’s most notable landmark is the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, which offers hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities along the historic canal. The Illinois River is also a significant feature, providing scenic views and recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Another important site is the Putnam County Courthouse, which dates back to the 1830s and is one of the oldest continuously operating courthouses in Illinois.
Granville
Location and History
Granville is the largest village in Putnam County, located slightly west of Hennepin. It was founded in the mid-19th century as an agricultural community, with its economy historically centered around farming and local commerce. The village developed as a stopping point along key transportation routes connecting northern and central Illinois. Over time, Granville became known for its strong agricultural roots, as well as its sense of community and local traditions. Today, Granville continues to serve as a hub for surrounding rural areas, providing services, schools, and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.72 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,400 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 61326
- Latitude: 41.2620° N
- Longitude: 89.2298° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Granville is home to Putnam County Junior High School and Putnam County Primary School, both of which serve the local student population. A key landmark in Granville is Hopkins Park, which provides recreational facilities including sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The village also hosts several local festivals and fairs, celebrating its agricultural heritage. The Granville Veterans Memorial honors the service of local veterans, while the surrounding farmland and open spaces offer scenic rural views and outdoor activities.
McNabb
Location and History
McNabb is a small village located in the southern part of Putnam County. Established in 1900, it was named after J.L. McNabb, a prominent local farmer and landowner who played a significant role in its founding. The village was built around the railroad, which spurred its early growth by connecting it to larger markets and facilitating the transportation of agricultural products. Although McNabb has remained small, it has preserved its close-knit community atmosphere and agricultural roots. The village today remains a quiet residential area with a focus on farming and rural living.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 61335
- Latitude: 41.1698° N
- Longitude: 89.2732° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
McNabb is part of the Putnam County School District, with students attending nearby schools in Granville or Hennepin. The village is best known for its proximity to the McNabb Grain Co-op, a local agricultural hub that serves area farmers. Another notable landmark is the Veterans Memorial in McNabb, which honors local servicemen and women. The rural landscape surrounding McNabb offers peaceful countryside views and serves as a reminder of the village’s deep agricultural ties.
Magnolia
Location and History
Magnolia is located in the southeastern part of Putnam County, making it one of the oldest settlements in the county. Established in the early 1830s, the village was originally an agricultural outpost, attracting settlers due to its fertile land and strategic location along early transportation routes. Over the years, Magnolia became known for its contributions to local farming and small-scale industry. Although the village has remained small, it retains its historic character, with many of its buildings and homes reflecting its 19th-century roots. Magnolia is a quiet, residential community with a strong connection to its farming heritage.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.28 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 61336
- Latitude: 41.1125° N
- Longitude: 89.2226° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Magnolia is part of the Putnam County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Granville or Hennepin. The village’s key landmarks include the historic Magnolia Township Cemetery, which dates back to the 19th century and serves as the final resting place for many of the area’s early settlers. The village is also home to several preserved historic homes and buildings, providing a glimpse into its past. The surrounding farmlands offer beautiful rural vistas, and Magnolia’s peaceful atmosphere makes it a tranquil place to visit and live.
Standard
Location and History
Standard is a small village located in the western part of Putnam County. Founded in the early 1900s, Standard developed primarily as a coal mining town, with its growth tied to the discovery of coal deposits in the area. The village attracted miners and their families, quickly establishing itself as a close-knit, working-class community. Although the coal industry declined in the mid-20th century, Standard has remained a small, residential village. Its history as a mining town is still evident in some of its older buildings and infrastructure, which reflect its industrial past.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.21 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 61363
- Latitude: 41.2486° N
- Longitude: 89.1918° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Standard is part of the Putnam County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Granville or Hennepin. The village is primarily residential, but it retains some of its historic charm with buildings dating back to its coal mining days. A small park in the center of the village provides recreational space for residents, and the surrounding rural landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Although small, Standard’s history as a coal town gives it a unique identity within the county.
