Establsihed-January 17, 1829

Origin of the name of the County: Named for Macoupin Creek, which flows through the county and is derived from the Indian word for the water lillies that grew along the creek. The tubers for the water lillies were a food source for the Indians.

Presnt Area, or parts of it, formerly included in :

Greene-1821-1829

Madison- 1812-1821
                  1825-1829

St. Clair-1790-1812

County Seat:

1829-??   Carlinville

History of the County Governing Board:

1829-1849     County Commissioner's Court
1849-1871      County Clerk
1871-?? County Board of Supervisors

Township Government:
adopted  November 1, 1870
 

Township Names:

Barr, Bird, Brighton, Brushy Mound, Bunker Hill, Cahokia, Carlinville, Chesterfield, Dorchester, Gillespie, Girard(Formed from Virden, date unknown, before 1921), Hillyard, Honey Point, Mt. Olive(formed from Staunton, date unknown, before 1921), Nilwood, North Otter, North Palmyra, Polk, Scottville, Shaws Point, Shipman, South Otter, South Palmyra(Name changed from Palmyra, date unknown), Staunton, Virden, Western Mound.
 
 
 

IRAD Depository
LIB 144
University of Illinois at Springfield
P.O. Box 19243
Springfield, Il 62794-9243
217-206-6520