Macomb, County seat in McDonough County, Illinois, United States
Macomb is the county seat of McDonough County in west central Illinois, situated at 193 meters elevation. The city follows a grid pattern with residential areas surrounding a central business district.
Macomb was founded in 1830 as a settlement on military land and became the administrative center for McDonough County. Over time, it grew into a regional hub for commerce and learning.
Western Illinois University shapes daily life here, drawing students and educators from many places to study and work together. The campus and its presence create spaces where people from different backgrounds meet and interact.
The city is accessible via U.S. Route 67, U.S. Route 136, and Illinois Route 9, with Amtrak service connecting to larger cities including Chicago. The walkable layout makes it easy to explore on foot or by car.
In the 1970s, Macomb became the center of a playful protest movement called Forgottonia that humorously declared itself an independent republic to draw attention to lack of infrastructure funding. The city still remembers this odd chapter as a lighthearted way locals once pushed back against neglect.
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