Marshall County, Illinois: Government Services, GIS, Property Taxes & Local Guide

Welcome to your go-to guide for Marshall County, Illinois. Skip the bureaucratic runaround and find everything you need right here. Whether you are looking up GIS mapping, checking property tax search records, contacting the Sheriff’s office or jail, reaching out to the county clerk or circuit clerk, visiting the courthouse in Lacon, or exploring local education and health resources, this directory breaks it all down. Use the Table of Contents below to jump straight to the exact department or service you need

History, Population & Geography

Looking to explore local heritage, historical roots, or regional demographics in Marshall County, Illinois? Here is a quick breakdown of the area

County Creation & Heritage: Formed in January 1839 from parts of Putnam County and named in honor of John Marshall, the region offers a rich historical background tied to early Illinois River settlement.

Population Demographics: The county maintains a recorded population of 11,742 residents according to the 2020 Decennial Census, with recent U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts estimates noting approximately 11,473 residents.

County Seat in Lacon: Centered around the historic riverfront city of Lacon along the east bank of the Illinois River, serving as the primary civic hub for the region.

Core Municipalities & Geography: Spans a total area of 399 square miles (387 square miles of land and 12 square miles of water), encompassing tight-knit local communities distributed across Henry, Toluca, Varna, and Wenona.

For comprehensive details on public offices, administrative services, and municipal contacts, check out our complete guide to Pulaski County, Illinois.

Courthouse, Court Clerk & Circuit Clerk

Residents navigating the local legal system in Marshall County, Illinois utilize the primary county legal facilities located in Lacon. Here are the key details regarding the building, official office functions, and public services available.

Physical Courthouse Location: The county judicial facilities are situated at 122 North Prairie Street, Lacon, IL 61540, housing the Tenth Judicial Circuit courtrooms and administrative services. You can view more official administrative facility details on the Marshall County Courthouse Directory.

Office Contact Number: The primary court clerk administrative office can be reached directly at (309) 246-6435.

Standard Operating Hours: The courthouse is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (closed for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM). Further operational oversight is coordinated through the Peoria County Tenth JCC Official Website.

Core Public Services & Facilities

Court Records & Filings: Maintains public files for civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases. You can access online filings and electronic resources through the Marshall County Circuit Clerk Portal.

Financial Transactions: Handles the collection and processing of court costs, traffic fines, and mandated legal fees.

Jury Administration: Managing juror qualifications, summons, and scheduling for local trials.

Public Self-Help Stations: Features dedicated electronic filing (e-filing) stations, public access computer kiosks, and a local law library located inside the courthouse

Marshall County GIS Technology & Interactive Maps

Property owners, buyers, and local researchers utilize these spatial tools for mapping and property research in Marshall County

Geographic Information Systems (GIS Technology): The underlying spatial database infrastructure and software system used by the county to capture, store, and manage land data.

Interactive GIS Maps: The visual digital output allowing residents to inspect parcel boundaries and aerial imagery directly through the Marshall County GIS Mapping Portal.

Zoning & Land Use Directory: Review official township zoning districts and municipal maps. For direct inquiries, contact the mapping department at the Marshall County Courthouse (122 N. Prairie St, Lacon, IL 61540), call 309-246-6401, or visit the Marshall County Zoning and Mapping Directory.

Marshall County Property Assessments & Tax Payments

Property owners managing financial obligations, valuations, and payments navigate these key administrative offices

Supervisor of Assessments: Responsible for property valuation data, assessment updates, and exemption filings. Located at the Marshall County Courthouse (122 N. Prairie St, P.O. Box 328, Lacon, IL 61540), reachable at 309-246-2350, or online through the Marshall County Supervisor of Assessments Official Page.

Treasurer’s Office: Handles real estate tax collections, payment schedules, and billing records. Located at 122 N. Prairie St, Lacon, IL 61540, reachable by phone at 309-246-6085, or via the Marshall County Treasurer’s Office Directory.

For a complete breakdown of public offices, courts, and local services, explore our official Hamilton County Public Directory.

Marshall County Clerk & Deed Records

Property buyers, title researchers, and legal professionals utilize these official recording offices for historical deeds, titles, and public documentation in Marshall County IL

County Clerk & Recorder’s Office: Responsible for recording and retaining all legal land records, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, easements, plats, and property transfers. Located at the Marshall County Courthouse (122 North Prairie St, P.O. Box 328, Lacon, IL 61540), reachable by phone at 309-246-6325, or online through the Marshall County Clerk & Recorder Directory.

Marshall County Sheriff Department, County Jail & Public Safety

Residents, law enforcement agencies, and community members relying on local law enforcement, public safety services, and correctional facilities utilize these divisions. Please note: The address (520 6th St, Lacon, IL 61540) and phone number (309-246-2115) shared below apply commonly to all three departments (Sheriff’s Office, County Jail, and Animal Control)

Sheriff’s Office & Administration: Responsible for maintaining public peace, local law enforcement patrols, civil process services, and emergency responses across the county. You can access official updates through the

County Jail & Detention Facility: The secure county correctional facility operated under the Sheriff’s jurisdiction, featuring a capacity to house 16 inmates with 24/7 detention staff supervision. Directions: Located at Rt. 17 & 26. Take I-39 to Rt. 17 and go west 18 miles on Rt. 17 to Lacon.

Animal Control & Public Services: Handles local animal control services, safety complaints, and animal welfare investigations within the county framework.

Marshall County Highway & Public Works Department

Residents, contractors, and local developers managing county road permits, access requirements, and infrastructure logistics utilize this department

Highway Department & Office: Responsible for maintaining county roads, issuing right-of-way permits, utility permits, and managing overweight or oversized load logistics. Located at 552 State Route 26, Lacon, Illinois 61540, reachable by phone at 309-246-6401 (Fax: 309-246-3446), or online through the Marshall County Highway Department Official Page.

Marshall-Putnam Fair & County Fairgrounds

Families, local agricultural producers, and community visitors looking for annual entertainment, livestock exhibitions, and event facility rentals utilize these resources in Marshall County

Marshall-Putnam Fair: The premier annual county fair serving Marshall County, Illinois. It features traditional agricultural events, 4-H livestock shows, tractor pulls, live music performances, and family entertainment. You can check upcoming seasonal schedules and event details through the Marshall-Putnam Fair Official Website.

Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds Facility: The dedicated multi-acre fairgrounds host community gatherings, livestock expositions, trade shows, and private functions year-round. For rental inquiries, event hosting details, and grounds location information, visit the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds Portal.

Library, High Schools & Public Education

Students, researchers, parents, and community members seeking educational resources, public libraries, and school district administration utilize these local institutions

Lacon Public Library District: Serves the informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of district residents, providing books, digital archives, public computers, and free WiFi. Located at 205 Sixth Street, Lacon, IL 61540, reachable by phone at 309-246-2855, or online through the Lacon Public Library District Portal.

Local School Districts & High Schools: Served by regional public school units—such as Midland Community Unit School District No. 7 and Henry-Senachwine Community Unit School District No. 20—providing primary, secondary, and high school education, athletics, and academic administration. You can explore district calendars and registration portals through the Illinois State Board of Education Directory.

Health Department & Medical Services

Residents, families, and community members looking for public health resources, clinical programs, and wellness services utilize these local departments

Marshall County Health Department: Works to protect and improve public health through community health programs, clinical services, and educational resources. Located at 319 6th St, Lacon, IL 61540, reachable by phone at 309-246-8074, or through the Bureau, Putnam, & Marshall County Health Departments Website.

Parks, Recreation & Historical Landmarks

Visitors, history enthusiasts, and local families seeking outdoor recreation, heritage education, and community heritage sites utilize these destinations in and around Marshall County

Marshall County Illinois Museum: Dedicated to preserving the local heritage of the region, this historical society museum offers educational exhibits on county history. Located at 314 5th St, Lacon, IL 61540, it is a key stop for learning about the area’s past. For operating hours and tour inquiries, visit the Marshall County Historical Society Website.

Robert Waugh House: A significant local landmark recognized for its historical architecture in Sparland, Illinois. Located at 202 School St, Sparland, IL 61565, it stands as a preserved example of the county’s residential heritage.

Starved Rock State Park: While situated in nearby Oglesby, this premier Illinois landmark is a major destination for residents in the region. It offers extensive hiking trails, canyons, fishing, and boating, serving as a primary outdoor recreation site for those in northern-central Illinois. Visit the Official Starved Rock State Park Page for park maps and safety guidelines.

Why Visit Marshall County History & Nature

Whether you are seeking a peaceful Midwestern escape or local heritage, Marshall County offers scenic beauty and rich historical significance

Underground Railroad History: During the pre-Civil War era, the county served as an active sanctuary for freedom seekers, with a prominent route running through Lawn Ridge.

Presidential Ties: The county seat, Lacon, has deep connections to Abraham Lincoln, who frequently traveled there for his legal career.

Scenic Riverfront: Bisected by the Illinois River, the area features beautiful waterfront views and outdoor recreation like the Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)