Hamilton County, IL

Hamilton County Courthouse

Formed on February 8, 1821, the county of Hamilton in southeastern Illinois is home to approximately 8,500 people in twelve townships. Farming and coal mines are the major industries but that has not always been the case. A shirt factory and refinery also provided employment for many years. Over 100 one-room schools were built to educate the rural community. Some history of these subjects can be accessed below.

2011 Tornado by David Cantrell
1925 Tornado

On March 18, 1925, a large tornado system moved through the tri-state area. 41 souls lost their lives in Hamilton County.

2018 Google Earth View of McLeansboro Airport
McLeansboro Airport - 3LL8

McLeansboro Airport, 3LL8, is an unmanned airstrap on the south side of town.

Elder Shirt Factory Building
Elder Shirt Factory

The women of Hamilton County and surrounding areas sewed millions of shirts for Elder Manufacturing Company during 58 years of operations in McLeansboro.

Refinery Compressor Building
Hoodville/Dale Refinery

The Texas Company operated a refinery in Hamilton County for over 20 years.

Capitol Theater and Lindell Hotel
Hamilton County Photos

Historical pictures from the Hamilton County area.

Dale Post Office 2011
Hamilton County Post Offices

The Dale Post Office closed in 2011 joining a long list of lost infrastructure that will never be replaced.