Posted on by Forgottonia Project

History of all 16 Counties: #13 Pike County

PIKE COUNTY

Population: 15,661 (2023 estimate)
Pike County’s population reflects the broader trends of rural Illinois, with a decline of about 15% since 2000.

Key Facts

  • Agricultural Roots: Known as the “Whitetail Deer Capital of the World,” Pike County is also home to extensive farmland and hunting preserves.
  • Named For: Zebulon Pike, explorer of the Louisiana Purchase and namesake of Pike’s Peak in Colorado.
  • Historical Importance: A stop for Abraham Lincoln during his circuit-riding lawyer days and a hub of anti-slavery sentiment. Home to the first town founded by a free Black man in the United States (Frank McWorter and New Philadelphia)

Major Communities

Pittsfield (Population: 4,211)

  • Historical Significance: Abraham Lincoln frequented Pittsfield while working as a lawyer.
  • Landmark: The Pike County Courthouse (1894), an architectural gem and local government hub.
  • Fun Fact: Known for the annual “Pike County Fall Color Drive,” celebrating rural heritage with local crafts, food, and history tours.

Barry (Population: 1,318)

  • Attractions: Home to the historic Barry Apple Festival, one of Illinois’ longest-running annual events.
  • Local History: Barry was a station on the Underground Railroad, with local churches serving as safe houses.

Griggsville (Population: 1,101)

  • Nickname: “Purple Martin Capital of the Nation.”
  • Claim to Fame: Hosts an iconic 70-foot-tall purple martin house, celebrating its role in attracting the migratory bird.

Pleasant Hill (Population: 850)

  • Recreation: A gateway to the scenic Mississippi River bluffs and the Great River Road.
  • Local Flavor: Home to the annual Pike County Pig Days festival.

Other Towns

  • Milton (Population: 272), known for its historic one-room schoolhouse.
  • Nebo (Population: 300), a small village with big connections to regional hunting tourism.
  • New Salem (Population: 134), offering a glimpse into Illinois’ frontier history.

Key Landmarks and Attractions

  • New Philadelphia National Historic Site: Founded in 1836 by Frank McWorter, New Philadelphia was the first town established by a free Black man in the U.S. McWorter used land sales to purchase his family’s freedom from slavery. Though abandoned in the 20th century, the town site near Barry is now an archaeological treasure and a National Historic Landmark, recognized as a National Park in 2022.
  • Historic East School (Pittsfield): Once a high school, now a museum showcasing Pike County’s rich history.
  • Siloam Springs State Park: Offers hiking, fishing, and camping amid rolling hills and woodlands.
  • Great River Road Scenic Byway: A stunning route along the Mississippi River.
  • Griggsville Landing: A peaceful spot for birdwatching and enjoying the Mississippi River.

Important Figures

  • Frank McWorter: A trailblazer who founded New Philadelphia and worked tirelessly to purchase his family’s freedom. His legacy lives on as a testament to courage and community.
  • John Nicolay: Lincoln’s private secretary and co-author of an acclaimed biography of the president.
  • William Grimshaw: A Civil War general from Pike County.
  • Shirley Knight: Award-winning actress born in Goessel but raised in Pike County, adding to the area’s cultural legacy.

Resources for Further Learning

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