Named for the State of New Jersey, which derived its name from the Isle of Jersey in Great Britain.
As the area soon began to flourish, a county government was established and a courthouse built in Jerseyville, the county seat. The present courthouse is an magnificent architectural structure that was built in 1894.
Macoupin County FYI
The name Macoupin is of Indian extract, being shortened version of the Indian word "Macoupiana," which meant "white potato." The Indians used this name for the wild artichoke which grew in abundance along the waterways in the county. Long before the county was established, the main stream running through the county was named Macoupin Creek.
The Macoupin County Courthouse is a grand and huge structure for such a small county, 47,000 population. In the 1860's, the price of a courthouse costing over a million dollars sounds unthinkable but it was built and still stands off the square in Carlinville as the largest courthouse of its time.
Macoupin County
Carlinville, County Seat
Courthouse contact information:
Macoupin County Courthouse
210 E. Main Street
Carlinville, IL 62626
Named for Daniel Morgan, a General of the Revolution, who, as commander of the "Rifle Brigade," served with distinction at Quebec, Saratoga, the Cowpens, and other important engagements.
The first settlers began arriving in Morgan County around 1818 but it was not until 1823 that the county was formally organized. Jacksonville was laid out on a 40 acre tract in 1825 and was chosen as the Morgan County seat. Named for General Andrew Jackson, the city was incorporated in 1867.
Sangamon County FYI
Named after the Sangamon River, which derived its name from the Pottawatomie Indian word Sain-guee-mon or Sangamon (pronounced sang gä mun), meaning literally "where there is plenty to eat" or what we would call the "land of milk and honey."
Sangamon County, located in the heart of Illinois, was founded in 1821 and originally was about 4,000 square miles. A commission of three first governed the area and their first act was to select the county seat. A stake driven in a field near Spring Creek was christened as Springfield.
Sangamon County
Springfield, County Seat
Courthouse contact information:
Sangamon County Complex
200 South 9th Street
Springfield, IL 62701-1629
