McDONOUGH COUNTY
Overview
McDonough County, located in Western Illinois, is rich in history, culture, and community landmarks. With a current population of approximately 29,682 (as of the 2020 Census), the county boasts a unique heritage rooted in its connections to the War of 1812 and a tradition of community pride. McDonough County is a perfect square, with its county seat, Macomb, ideally positioned at the center.
The county was named after Thomas Macdonough, a hero of the War of 1812, and much of the land was originally reserved for war veterans. Its towns and communities have fascinating histories and several prominent figures have left their mark locally and nationally.
Major Cities and Villages
Macomb
-
Population: Approximately 15,000
-
Notable History:
- Named after General Alexander Macomb, another War of 1812 hero.
- Population surged in the 1850s with the Northern Cross Railroad construction.
- Home to Western Illinois University (WIU), established in 1899 as a state normal school.
- Hosted several U.S. presidents before and after their terms, including Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt.
- Served as the training camp for the St. Louis Rams (1996–2004).
-
Key Landmarks:
- Spring Lake Park: A scenic retreat offering boating, fishing, and trails.
- WIU’s historic campus.
-
Famous Figures:
- Michael Boatman (actor, Spin City).
- Lizzie Magie, creator of the precursor to Monopoly.
- C.T. Vivian, civil rights leader and close ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- John Mahoney, actor (Frasier).
- Red Miller, NFL coach who led the Denver Broncos to Super Bowl XII.
Bushnell
- Population: 2,725
- Notable Features:
- Known for the Vaughan & Bushnell hammer factory.
- Kitchen Cooked Potato Chips, a local favorite.
- Hosted the Cornerstone Festival (1991–2012), attracting thousands annually for Christian music.
Colchester
- Population: 1,300
- Notable History:
- Early coal mining hub with a strong Irish immigrant influence.
- Home to Henry “Kelly” Wagle, a Prohibition-era bootlegger linked to Al Capone.
Blandinsville
- Population: 617
- Interesting Facts:
- Named after Joseph Blandin, an early store owner.
Other Communities
- Prairie City (Population: 395): Known for the Decker Press, a prominent poetry publisher in the 1940s.
- Good Hope (Population: 331).
- Tennessee (Population: 106): Named after the state.
- Sciota (Population: 55): Once the county’s largest grain producer in the late 19th century.
Fun Facts
- McDonough County’s square design is a rarity in U.S. counties.
- Several presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, visited before their presidencies.
- The county played a significant role in coal mining during the late 19th century.
The Forgottonia Project 
One Reply to “”