Finding Your Roots In 

Hancock County, Illinois

Scenic Hancock County’s western border follows the banks of the Mississippi River. Directly across the river on the northwest border is Iowa, and across the river along the south west border is Missouri. The earliest settlers took advantage of the natural waterways for their livelihood, transportation and in the earliest days, safety.

Evidence of forts exists to the south at Warsaw where a memorial has been erected at or near the site of Fort Edwards (once the name for Warsaw) and an earlier one named Fort Johnson. To the north, along the river was a fort at Pontoosuc. Inland you will find many treasures such as the beautiful Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage and to the north along the river, historic Commerce, later named Nauvoo, home of the Mormons and later, the French Icarians.

Hancock County was also home to many historic figures and their relatives such as the Lincolns and Roosevelts.

These are just a few of the discoveries to be made as one explores Hancock County and the rich fertile land that contributes to the bread basket of the world.