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On December 3, 1818, Illinois was admitted as the twenty-first state of the Union.
Clark County was formed in 1819 out of Crawford County. At the time of its formation, Clark County included about a third
of Illinois, and extended as far north as the present state of Wisconsin. In 1821 the northern part of Clark County became
part of the newly created Pike County on January 31, and the newly created Fayette County took the western part of Clark County
on February 14. Edgar County was created from the northern part of Clark County on January 3, 1823.
The creation of Coles County occupied additional land from western Clark County, effective December 25, 1830.
The boundaries of Clark County have been unchanged since.
Clark County was named for George Rogers Clark (older brother of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition),
an officer of the army of Virginia that captured the Northwest Territory from the British during the Revolutionary War.
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Jamie Poorman, County Coordinator |