Douglas County History

DESCRIPTION

Douglas County is one of the smallest counties in Illinois, with an area of 410 sqare miles. However, it has the distinction of being one of the richest in fertility of while in proportion to population its residents are among the most prosperous. It is bounded on the north by Champaign County, on the east by Edgar, on the south by Coles, and on the west by Moultrie and Piatt.

EARLY HISTORY

Until its formation in 1859, Douglas County was a part of Coles County, and all early history was incorporated into the records of that county's history.

The new county was formed on February 8, 1859, the county being named in honor of Stephen A. Douglas.

Douglas County is watered by the Embarras and Kaskaskia Rivers and their many tributaries. On account of a large proportion of the county being low land, until the installation of the present drainage system, much of it was valueless. The soil now is well adapted for the cultivation of corn, although wheat is also a staple product. Douglas County is essentially an agricultural county.

TUSCOLA

The courthouse was finished in 1868, and is an imposing structure, bulit of brick, with ample accomodations for all the official business. It is in the center of the city of Tuscola, and the land was deeded to the county by the original Town Company. The original cost of the building was $42,000, including the furnishings and interior decorations, and many additions to the furniture have been made since then, while the entire structure has been re-decorated a number of times.

TODAY

Today, Douglas County remains primarily an agricultural county, with few factories located within its boundaries. An Amish community is also located within the county, and have settled in the Arthur/Arcola area.