Hardin County

Hardin County is an administrative division in southern Illinois bordered by the Ohio River and encompassing the Shawnee National Forest. The county seat of Elizabethtown serves as the main hub for county services and local governance.

The county was established in 1839 when it separated from Pope County, and later received additional land from Gallatin County to define its present boundaries. These territorial changes marked the growing development of southern Illinois during the 1800s.

Local residents gather at Elizabethtown for annual festivals that highlight traditional music, food, and agricultural products from the region.

Illinois Routes 1, 34, and 146 are the main roads connecting different parts of the county and provide access to outdoor areas. These routes help visitors navigate between small communities and natural attractions in the region.

The area contains Hicks Dome, a geological feature created by deep underground volcanic activity and mineral accumulation over time. This unusual formation represents an interesting chapter in the region's natural history.

Location: Illinois

Inception: March 1, 1839

Capital city: Elizabethtown

Shares border with: Gallatin County, Union County, Crittenden County, Livingston County, Pope County, Saline County

Website: https://hardincountyil.org

GPS coordinates: 37.53139,-88.36833

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06