Cities and Towns in Union County, Illinois
Founded in 1818, Union County is one of 102 counties in the state of Illinois. Historically, Union County was formed from Johnson County. The city of Jonesboro is the county seat. With FIPS code of 181, Union County has a population of 16,923 and area of 413 square miles (1,070 km²).
List of all cities in Union County, IL alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alto Pass, IL | 62905 | 618/730 |
| Anna, IL | 62906 | 618/730 |
| Balcom, IL | 62906 | 618/730 |
| Cobden, IL | 62920 | 618/730 |
| Dongola, IL | 62926 | 618/730 |
| Jonesboro, IL | 62952 | 618/730 |
| Millcreek, IL | 62961 | 618/730 |
| Reynoldsville, IL | 62952 | 618/730 |
| Saratoga, IL | 62906 | 618/730 |
| Ware, IL | 62952 | 618/730 |
| Wetaug, IL | 62926 | 618/730 |
| Wolf Lake, IL | 62998 | 618/730 |
Major Cities and Towns in Union County, Illinois
1. Anna
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 3.56 square miles
- Population: Approximately 4,200 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62906
- Latitude: 37.4620° N
- Longitude: 89.2465° W
Location and History
Anna is the largest city in Union County, located in southern Illinois along U.S. Route 51 and Illinois Route 146. The city was founded in 1854 and named after Anna Davie, the wife of the founder, Winstead Davie. It quickly grew as a center for agriculture and commerce, with its early economy tied to farming and the railroad, which facilitated trade and transport. Anna developed alongside its neighboring city, Jonesboro, with which it forms a combined community known as Anna-Jonesboro. In the late 19th century, Anna also became known for its healthcare institutions, including the establishment of the Anna State Mental Hospital, which is still a key part of the local economy. The city’s location near the Shawnee National Forest adds to its appeal as a scenic and recreational hub.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Anna is served by Anna-Jonesboro Community High School District 81, with Anna-Jonesboro High School being the main secondary institution for the area. Landmarks in Anna include the Anna Arts Center, which offers performances and cultural events for residents and visitors. The city is also home to Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds, a historic park where Abraham Lincoln once spoke during his senatorial campaign. Nearby, the Shawnee National Forest offers hiking, camping, and scenic vistas, making Anna an attractive location for outdoor enthusiasts. The Union County Museum, located in neighboring Jonesboro, showcases local history and artifacts from the area’s early settlers.
2. Jonesboro
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.71 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,700 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62952
- Latitude: 37.4534° N
- Longitude: 89.2694° W
Location and History
Jonesboro is the county seat of Union County, located just west of Anna. It was founded in 1818 and named after William Jones, one of the region’s early settlers. Jonesboro holds a significant place in Illinois history as the site of the third Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858, where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas debated key issues of the day. The town grew steadily throughout the 19th century as an agricultural center, and its economy was supported by the surrounding fertile farmland. Like Anna, Jonesboro benefited from its proximity to the railroad and the Shawnee National Forest. Today, it serves as a small but historically rich community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Jonesboro shares its school district with neighboring Anna, with students attending Anna-Jonesboro High School. Key landmarks in Jonesboro include the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds, where the famous Lincoln-Douglas debate took place. The Union County Courthouse, built in 1865, is another important historical site and continues to serve as the seat of county government. Jonesboro is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, including the Shawnee Community Park. The town’s proximity to the Shawnee National Forest makes it a gateway for outdoor activities, while the annual Lincoln-Douglas Debate reenactments keep its historical legacy alive.
3. Cobden
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.07 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,100 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62920
- Latitude: 37.5331° N
- Longitude: 89.2573° W
Location and History
Cobden is a small village located in the northern part of Union County, along Illinois Route 51. It was established in the mid-19th century and named after British politician Richard Cobden, a key figure in the free trade movement. Cobden’s early growth was closely tied to agriculture, particularly fruit farming, and it remains well-known today for its production of apples and peaches. The village gained regional prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its fruit orchards and proximity to the railroad, which allowed for efficient shipping of produce to larger markets. Cobden’s charming, rural character and agricultural heritage continue to define the village.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cobden is served by the Cobden Unit School District 17, with Cobden High School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks in Cobden include the Southern Illinois Fruit Growers, which celebrates the village’s long history of fruit production. The annual Cobden Peach Festival is a major event that attracts visitors from across the region, featuring parades, food, and community entertainment. Cobden’s downtown area retains its historical charm, with local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. The village is also near the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, making it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and tourists exploring southern Illinois.
4. Alto Pass
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.43 square miles
- Population: Approximately 350 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62905
- Latitude: 37.5761° N
- Longitude: 89.3324° W
Location and History
Alto Pass is a small village located in the western part of Union County, nestled within the scenic Shawnee Hills. Founded in the late 19th century, Alto Pass was originally a stop along the Illinois Central Railroad, and its early growth was supported by agriculture, particularly the cultivation of fruit and wine grapes. The village’s location in the heart of the Shawnee Hills region makes it a picturesque spot, surrounded by forests, vineyards, and rolling hills. Alto Pass is known for its contributions to the regional wine industry and is a key stop on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alto Pass is part of the Cobden Unit School District, with students attending schools in nearby Cobden. The village’s major landmarks include Bald Knob Cross of Peace, a 111-foot cross located atop Bald Knob Mountain, which is one of the highest points in southern Illinois and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The cross is a significant religious and tourist site, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Additionally, Alto Vineyards, one of Illinois’ oldest wineries, is located just outside the village and is a key stop on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. The natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest also makes Alto Pass a popular destination for hiking and nature tourism.
5. Dongola
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.12 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 62926
- Latitude: 37.3628° N
- Longitude: 89.1631° W
Location and History
Dongola is a small village located in the southern part of Union County, along U.S. Route 51. The village was founded in the mid-19th century and named after the city of Dongola in Sudan, reflecting the exotic interests of its founders. Like many towns in southern Illinois, Dongola grew as an agricultural community, with farming being the primary industry. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the village’s growth, allowing local farmers to transport their goods to larger markets. Over time, Dongola has remained a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dongola is served by Dongola Unit School District 66, with Dongola High School providing education for local students. Major landmarks in the village include the Dongola Community Park, which offers recreational facilities such as sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. The village is also home to several historic buildings that reflect its 19th-century roots, including the Dongola Baptist Church. Dongola’s proximity to the Cache River State Natural Area, located just east of the village, makes it a popular destination for those interested in hiking, birdwatching, and exploring southern Illinois’ unique wetlands and forests. The village hosts annual events that celebrate its rural traditions and close-knit community spirit.
