St. Clair and Randolph counties were the original and first counties of Illinois Territory, established simultaneously in 1809. There wasn't a single "first" county, but rather two that laid the foundational governmental structure for the newly re-established territory.
The Genesis of Illinois Counties
When the Illinois Territory was re-established in 1809, it was initially organized into two primary counties: St. Clair County and Randolph County. These two counties, located in the southwestern part of what is now Illinois, served as the administrative and population centers of the early territory. Their establishment marked the formal governmental division of the region, providing a framework for governance and settlement.
Early Territorial Expansion
Following the initial formation, the growing population and westward expansion necessitated further division and organization. Just a few years later, on September 12, 1812, Governor Ninian Edwards proclaimed the creation of three additional counties:
- Madison County
- Gallatin County
- Johnson County
These new counties significantly expanded the administrative reach of the Illinois Territory, reflecting the rapid development and settlement patterns of the time. The formation of these early counties was crucial for managing land claims, establishing legal systems, and providing local government services to the increasing number of residents.
Key Early Counties of Illinois Territory
To better visualize the initial territorial divisions, here's a summary of the first counties and their establishment dates:
| County Name | Establishment Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| St. Clair | 1809 | Original/First |
| Randolph | 1809 | Original/First |
| Madison | September 12, 1812 | Created by Proclamation |
| Gallatin | September 12, 1812 | Created by Proclamation |
| Johnson | September 12, 1812 | Created by Proclamation |
Understanding the formation of these early counties provides insight into the historical development and administrative evolution of Illinois, from its territorial origins to its eventual statehood. For more information on the history of Illinois counties, you can refer to resources from the Illinois Secretary of State.
