HENDERSON COUNTY
Population:
- 7,331 (2020 Census)
History & Culture
Henderson County, established in 1841, was named after Richard Henderson, founder of the Transylvania Company, a land acquisition firm instrumental in the early settlement of Kentucky and the Ohio Valley. The county’s location along the Mississippi River has shaped its economy and culture, making it a hub for agriculture and river-based trade.
Key Cities & Towns
- Oquawka
- Population: 1,371
- Significance: The county seat, Oquawka, was initially a fur trading post founded by brothers S.S. and Alexis Phelps. Its name derives from the Native American word for “Yellow Bank,” referencing the Mississippi River’s yellowish bluffs.
- Landmarks:
- Henderson County Courthouse: The second-oldest active courthouse in Illinois.
- Norma Jean’s Grave: A circus elephant tragically struck by lightning in 1972; a local legend and quirky tourist attraction.
- Fun Fact: Oquawka was a key stop for riverboats in the 19th century and hosted several prominent figures, including Abraham Lincoln, who visited the town during his legal career.
- Dallas City
- Population: 945 (split between Hancock and Henderson Counties).
- History: Named for Vice President George Mifflin Dallas, serving under President James K. Polk (1845–1849).
- Landmarks: The town’s historical downtown features remnants of its vibrant 19th-century river commerce.
- Stronghurst
- Population: 833
- Notable History: Named after William Strong and R.D. Hurst, the founders who facilitated the town’s growth through the Santa Fe Railroad. Once dubbed “Magic City” for its rapid expansion.
- Cultural Highlight: Home to annual events celebrating the town’s railway heritage.
- Biggsville
- Population: 304
- Key Features: Known for its historic Horse and Buggy Museum and as the hometown of Todd Hamilton, the 2004 British Open Champion.
- Fun Fact: Once the site of the Hends-Co Hills Country Club, pivotal to the county’s recreational history.
- Gladstone
- Population: 281
- Origins: Originally named Sagetown after founder Gideon Sage but later renamed for British statesman William Ewart Gladstone.
- Landmark: Scenic views of the Mississippi River, a draw for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Gulfport
- Population: 54
- Historical Event: The entire village was submerged in the devastating 2008 Mississippi River flood. The resilient community continues to rebuild, with ongoing restoration efforts.
- Raritan, Media, and Lomax
- Small, closely-knit towns with rich histories tied to agriculture, railway expansion, and the resilience of rural life.
Landmarks & Attractions
- Henderson County Courthouse: A cornerstone of the county’s legal and cultural history.
- Norma Jean’s Grave: A must-see for fans of roadside Americana.
- Mississippi River Views: Henderson County boasts breathtaking river vistas, ideal for boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
The Forgottonia Project 