Illinois County, Virginia facts for kids

Illinois County, Virginia, was a special area of land that Virginia claimed during the American Revolutionary War. It was officially created by the state of Virginia in 1778. This happened after George Rogers Clark and his soldiers from the Virginia Militia took control of the area.

Even though it was part of the British Province of Quebec, Virginia claimed it on July 4, 1778. Other states like Connecticut and Massachusetts also wanted parts of this land.

The main town, or county seat, for Illinois County was Kaskaskia. This was an old French village in the Illinois Country. John Todd was chosen by Governor Patrick Henry to lead the county's government.

Illinois County stopped existing in January 1782. Virginia then gave the land to the new United States government in 1784. This area later became known as the Northwest Territory in 1787.

What Was Illinois County?

Illinois County was a large region of land in North America. It was created by the state of Virginia during the American Revolutionary War. This was a time when the American colonies were fighting for their freedom from Great Britain.

The county was formed to help Virginia control the land it had claimed. It had its own official borders and a government structure. This meant it was a real part of Virginia, even though it was far away.

How Was Illinois County Formed?

The story of Illinois County begins with a brave soldier named George Rogers Clark. He led a group of Virginia soldiers called the Virginia Militia. In 1778, Clark led a surprise attack known as the Illinois Campaign.

During this campaign, Clark and his men captured several important French settlements. These included towns like Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Vincennes. After these victories, Virginia officially claimed the land.

Governor Patrick Henry of Virginia then appointed John Todd to be the leader of this new county. Todd's job was to set up a government and manage the area.

Where Was Illinois County Located?

Illinois County was a very large area of land. It stretched across what is now the central United States. Its borders were defined by important rivers and lakes.

• To the southeast, the county was bordered by the Ohio River.
• To the west, it was bordered by the mighty Mississippi River.
• To the north, the county reached up to the Great Lakes.

This huge area included much of what was once called the eastern Illinois Country and the Ohio Country. These were lands that had been settled by the French.

Important Towns in Illinois County

Even though Illinois County covered a vast area, Virginia's control was mainly in a few key towns. These were old French settlements that George Rogers Clark had captured.

• Kaskaskia: This town was the most important. It was chosen as the county seat, which means it was the main government center.
• Cahokia: Another important French settlement located along the Mississippi River.
• Vincennes: A key town further east, also captured during the Illinois Campaign.

These towns were vital for trade and communication in the region. They helped Virginia keep a foothold in the western lands.

The End of Illinois County

Illinois County did not last for very long. It existed for only a few years during and after the Revolutionary War.

In January 1782, Virginia decided to abolish the county. This meant it no longer existed as a separate county. Two years later, in 1784, Virginia made another big decision. It ceded, or gave up, the land to the new United States government.

This was an important step for the young United States. It helped create a common area of land that all states could share. This land later became the Northwest Territory in 1787. The Northwest Territory was a large organized area that would eventually become several new states.