Madison County

Madison County is an administrative division in southwestern Illinois covering both developed areas and farmland. The territory spans from the Mississippi River eastward and includes urban centers, smaller towns, and countryside with diverse terrain.

The county was established in 1812 and named after President James Madison. Over the next century, it grew from a frontier region into a center for river commerce and later industrial development.

The region shows layers of settlement from pioneer times through industrial growth, visible in how towns are arranged and how people still work the land today. You can walk through older neighborhoods and see how communities adapted as work shifted from farming to factories and trade.

The county seat in Edwardsville offers basic services and information for visitors exploring the region. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for traveling through the varied landscapes and visiting different communities.

The region contains part of a scenic route along a rare geographical point where three major rivers meet. The convergence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers creates a distinctive landscape that draws attention from travelers interested in river systems.

Location: Illinois

Inception: September 14, 1812

Capital city: Edwardsville

Shares border with: Macoupin County, Clinton County, St. Clair County, Montgomery County, Bond County, St. Louis, Jersey County, St. Louis County, St. Charles County

Website: http://co.madison.il.us

GPS coordinates: 38.83000,-89.91000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:06