Cass County is located in the west-central region of Illinois, bordered by Schuyler County to the north, Mason County to the east, Morgan County to the south, and Brown County to the west. The county seat is Virginia and its largest city is Beardstown with a population of 6,123. As of 2019, Cass County has an estimated population of 13,635 people.
According to sportingology.com, the area which is now Cass County was first settled in 1818 by pioneers from Kentucky and Tennessee who were drawn to the area because of its rich soil. In 1819, Cass County was officially formed as part of Illinois’s 2nd Congressional District. The county was named after Lewis Cass, a prominent politician who served as Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson.
Cass County is home to a variety of attractions that appeal to both locals and visitors alike. Popular destinations include historic sites like Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site which features several recreated buildings from Abraham Lincoln’s time living in New Salem; outdoor activities such as fishing at Sangchris Lake State Park or exploring the trails at Lincolns Trail State Park; and cultural attractions like the Beardstown Opera House which hosts various live music performances throughout the year.
Famous people from Cass County include General John Starkes who served in both World Wars and earned two Distinguished Service Crosses; Senator Paul Douglas who served for three terms in Congress from 1949-1963; former Governor Richard Ogilvie who served from 1969-1973; actress Susan Lucci who starred on ABC’s All My Children for over 40 years; and country music singer Billy Dean who has had several chart-topping hits over his career.
Cass County has plenty to offer both residents and visitors alike with its unique history, rich culture, scenic natural beauty, and diverse attractions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or cultural experiences there’s something for everyone here.
Climate and weather in Cass County, Illinois
According to liuxers.com, Cass County, Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average high temperature in the summer months of June, July and August is around 85°F (29°C) while the average low temperature in the winter months of December, January and February is around 20°F (-7°C). The area typically receives an average of 40 inches (102 cm) of precipitation annually.
The spring season brings warm temperatures and blooming flowers with an average high temperature of 65°F (18°C). April is usually the rainiest month with around 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) of rainfall. May sees slightly warmer temperatures with an average high temperature near 75°F (24°C).
Summertime in Cass County is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching into the mid-90s °F (32-37 °C). July is usually the warmest month, but also tends to be quite wet due to frequent thunderstorms. August sees slightly cooler temperatures as well as increased humidity levels.
The autumn months bring cooler weather and beautiful foliage to Cass County. The average high temperature in September is 70°F (21 °C), while October sees an average high temperature near 60 °F (15 °C). November is typically the coldest month with an average high temperature near 50 °F (10 °C).
Wintertime in Cass County can be quite cold and snowy. Snowfall averages around 25 inches (64 cm) annually, but can vary greatly from year to year depending on weather patterns. December, January and February are typically very cold months with daily highs only reaching into the mid-30s °F (1-3 °C). However, occasional warm spells can bring some relief from the bitter cold.
Cass County has a wide range of weather patterns throughout each season that bring a variety of conditions for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
Transportation in Cass County, Illinois
Cass County, Illinois is served by a number of transportation options that allow locals and visitors to get around the area. The county is home to several highways and roads that are maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The main highways that run through the county include Interstate 57, US Route 45, and Illinois Route 16. These roads provide access to major cities like Chicago and St. Louis as well as smaller towns in the area.
The county also has a public bus system operated by Cass County Transit which provides service to local towns, as well as connections to other regional transit systems. This system includes regular routes throughout the county as well as special services for seniors and disabled riders.
For those who prefer to drive their own vehicles, there are several car rental companies located in Cass County, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Budget, Hertz, National Car Rental and more. There are also several taxi companies available for hire in the area.
For those who prefer to travel by air there is a small airport located in Beardstown which serves private planes and helicopters only; there are no scheduled commercial flights at this airport. The nearest commercial airports with scheduled flights are located in Springfield (SPI) and St Louis (STL).
Cass County offers a variety of transportation options for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for an efficient way to get around town or need an easy way to connect with other regional transit systems – Cass County has you covered.
Cities and towns in Cass County, Illinois
According to COUNTRYAAH, Cass County, Illinois is home to a number of cities and towns that offer residents and visitors plenty of opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and exploration. The county seat is Virginia, but the largest city in the county is Beardstown. Other cities include Ashland, Chandlerville, Arenzville, Bluff Springs, and La Prairie.
Beardstown is located on the banks of the Illinois River and offers a variety of attractions such as the Lincoln-Douglas Square Historic District, historic homes from the 19th century, and an antique mall. The city also hosts a number of events throughout the year including its annual Beardstown Festival in August.
Chandlerville is located just north of Beardstown and offers visitors a chance to explore its historic downtown area with its Victorian-style buildings. The city is also home to several parks including Fisher Park which features a children’s playground as well as picnic areas and walking trails.
Arenzville is another small town located in Cass County that offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing at Arenzville Lake or exploring its many parks including Camp Butler State Park which features hiking trails as well as camping sites.
Bluff Springs is located just south of Virginia and offers visitors a chance to explore its historic downtown area with its brick-lined streets and old-fashioned storefronts. The town also has several parks that offer scenic views such as Bluff Springs Park which features an observation tower that overlooks the surrounding countryside.
La Prairie is situated near the Sangamon River and features several attractions such as an old-fashioned general store, a local museum dedicated to preserving local history, and an annual craft fair held each fall featuring handmade items from local artisans.
Cass County has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for some outdoor adventure or want to take in some culture – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.