Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) System Illinois State Archives

Massac County

Contact Information
Massac County Courthouse
1 Superman Sq.
Metropolis, IL 62960
618-524-5213 – County Clerk
618-524-9359 – Circuit Clerk
618-524-5213 – Recorder

IRAD—c/o Records Management
Morris Library, Mail Code 6808
Southern Illinois University
1835 University Press Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62901-6808
618-453-3040

Established

• February 8 and March 3, 1843 (Laws, 1843, p. 74, 101)

Origin of the name of the county

• Fort Massiac was built by the French in 1757, during the French and Indian War and was originally called "Fort de l’Ascension." The name was changed in 1759, to honor of Claud Louis d'Espinchal, Marquis de Massiac, the French Naval Minister.

Present area, or parts of it, formerly included in

• 1816–1843 – Pope
• 1812–1843 – Johnson
• 1795–1812 – Randolph
• 1790–1801 – Knox, Northwest Territory

County Seats

• 1843–present – Metropolis

History of county governing board

• 1843–1849 – County Commissioners’ Court
• 1849–1873 – County Court
• 1873–present – Board of County Commissioners

Township Government

• Massac County has never adopted township form of government. The county has been divided into precincts.

Precinct Names

• Benton
• Brooklyn
• Georges Creek
• Grant
• Hillerman
• Jackson
• Logan
• Metropolis
• Washington

County Map

Pertinent Databases

• Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database
• Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916–1950
• Illinois Statewide Marriage Index
• Local Governmental Records Database
• Name Index to Illinois Local Governments