Located in northwestern Illinois on the banks of the Mississippi River, Carroll county was formed in 1839. Its final boundaries were established in 1850.
It is named for Charles Carroll of Carrolltown, MD, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Over 30 National Historic District sites adorn the county seat of Mt. Carroll. These sites include the Timber Lake Playhouse, the oldest, continuously running summer-stock theater in the state and Raven's Grin Inn, a "haunted" establisment of some repute. The area has been dubbed the "New England of the Midwest" as many settlers have strong ties to that section of the U.S.
The population on July 1, 1999, was 16,691, a decrease of 114 over the 1990 census.
For information on county government, contact the National Association of Counties Web site.
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