Piatt County

Piatt County is an administrative division in central Illinois encompassing productive farmland and eight cities and towns. The county administration operates from Monticello, where it handles government services, property taxes, and land-use regulations.

The county was established in 1841 through the division of Macon and DeWitt counties, with its name derived from James A. Piatt following a coin flip. This formation reflected the early expansion of settlements across central Illinois.

The Monticello Railway Museum keeps alive the region's connection to railroads through displays of historic locomotives and equipment. Visitors can explore how trains shaped the area's past development.

The county is best explored by car, as the eight communities are spread across the landscape. County offices and public facilities are centralized in Monticello, offering information about local services and attractions.

Abraham Lincoln practiced law in this county and prepared his famous presidential debates with Stephen Douglas here in 1858. These debates later became a turning point in American political history.

GPS coordinates: 39.96729,-88.60724

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47