According to Countryaah, Bond County is located in the southwestern corner of Illinois and is bordered by Madison, Fayette, Montgomery, Macoupin, Clinton, and Washington Counties. The county seat is Greenville and it covers an area of about 533 square miles. Bond County is a predominantly rural area with rolling hills and fertile farmland. It features several small towns and villages, including Sorento, Donnellson, Mulberry Grove, Pocahontas, and Smithboro.

Bond County has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1817. The county was named after Shadrach Bond, who served as the first governor of Illinois from 1818 to 1822. Over the years, the county has been home to many notable figures including lawyer Abraham Lincoln; author Mark Twain; politician Stephen Douglas; scientist William Greenleaf Eliot; actor John Malkovich; poet Vachel Lindsay; and singer-songwriter John Prine.

Today Bond County is a vibrant community with plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The county is home to several state parks such as Castle Rock State Park and Pere Marquette State Park which offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation including fishing, camping, hiking and more. Additionally there are numerous historic sites throughout the county that offer insight into its past such as Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site which was built during the War of 1812.

Demographics of Bond County, Illinois

Bond County, Illinois is home to a population of 17,637 people according to the 2019 U.S. Census estimates. The median age of the population is 42.1 years old with a gender ratio of 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The racial makeup of the county is 90.7% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% African American, 0.4% Asian and 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native alone or in combination with other races/ethnicities per the most recent census data available from 2019.

The largest city in Bond County is Greenville with a population of 6,941 people followed by Sorento (1,099), Mulberry Grove (799), Pocahontas (541) and Donnellson (465). The county has an average household size of 2.37 persons and a median household income of $46,845 as compared to the state median income of $60,960 for Illinois according to 2019 U.S Census estimates data available from 2019.

The unemployment rate in Bond County is 4%. In terms of education levels among adults aged 25 years and older in Bond County; 9% have less than a high school diploma; 22% have graduated high school or completed GED; 22% have some college but no degree; 20% have an Associate’s degree; 17 % have a Bachelor’s degree and 10 % have obtained a postgraduate degree such as Master’s or Doctorate according to 2019 U.S Census estimates data available from 2019.

Places of Interest in Bond County, Illinois

Bond County in Illinois is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor recreation, historical sites, and a variety of other attractions. The county is home to several state parks including Castle Rock State Park and Pere Marquette State Park which offer plenty of opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking and more. The area is also home to three wineries: Kite Hill Winery, Indian Creek Winery and Harvest View Winery.

The county offers numerous historic sites throughout the county that offer insight into its past such as Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site which was built during the War of 1812. Other historical sites include the Greenville Depot Museum, the Bond County Historical Society Museum and Log Cabin Village. There are also a variety of outdoor activities such as golfing at Greenville Country Club or canoeing on Shoal Creek.

In addition to these attractions, Bond County has a vibrant arts and culture scene with plenty of options for entertainment ranging from live music at VFW Post 1117 to plays at the Greenville Little Theatre or art exhibitions at the Bond County Art Council Gallery. Bond County is also home to two annual festivals; the Bond County Fair in August which features carnival rides, livestock shows and more; and the Mulberry Grove Apple Festival in October with homemade food, crafts and live entertainment.

No matter what your interest may be there are plenty of places to explore in Bond County making it an ideal destination for visitors looking for a unique experience.

Notable People of Bond County, Illinois

Bond County, Illinois has a rich history of notable people who have impacted the county and beyond. One of the most famous is former president Abraham Lincoln who was a young lawyer in the county from 1837 to 1841. During his time in Bond County he argued cases at the local courthouse and it was here that he first developed his passion for law and justice.

The county has also been home to several famous writers throughout its history including Mary Hunter Austin, an American writer of fiction, essays, and poetry who wrote her first novel while living in Bond County. Another notable writer was James Whitcomb Riley, an American poet known for his dialect poetry about rural Indiana life.

In addition to writers, Bond County has been home to many influential politicians such as Ulysses S. Grant who served as a Union Army General during the Civil War before becoming the 18th President of the United States. Other political figures include former Senator Everett Dirksen and former Governor Ogilvie who both lived in Bond County during their early lives.

Bond County has also seen its share of famous athletes such as NFL Hall of Fame member Doug Atkins who played college football at University of Tennessee before going on to play professionally with Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. Notable athletes also include basketball player Dennis Johnson who played for Peoria Central High School before going on to play professionally with Seattle Supersonics and Phoenix Suns among other teams.

As one can see, Bond County has been home to many influential people from all walks of life throughout its history making it an interesting place to visit or live.