Menard county was formed in 1839 as a spinoff from Sangamon County and is located in central Illinois just northwest of Springfield, the state capital.
The county is named after Col. Pierre Menard, a Frenchman born in Quebec. He was esteemed for his forthrightness in his dealings with both Native Americans and the influx of white settlers such that he was elevated to the post of Lt. Governor of the newly formed state in 1818.
Abraham Lincoln grew up and began his legal career in the county seat of Petersburg.
The county population on July 1, 1999, was 12,724, an increase of 1,560 over the 1990 census.
Natural features and attractions include Lincoln's New Salem State Park which has the Sangamon River flowing through it providing a beautiful recreation area.
For information on county government, contact the National Association of Counties Web site.
Additional information is available at these pages:
