Formation
Saline County, Illinois was established in 1847 from Gallatin County. The county is named after the Saline River and the salt deposits found in the area. Saline County was the 99th county to be formed in Illinois. The first county seat was Raleigh, but Harrisburg is now the county seat. The county was formed from parts of Gallatin, Johnson, Randolph, and Knox counties.
Early History
Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Piankashaw, Quapaw, and Caddo, inhabited the area before European settlement. The Indians made salt from the springs in the area. The United States government leased the salt works to individuals for a royalty.
Economy
Coal mining was the chief industry in Harrisburg. The economy also includes agriculture and manufacturing.
Notable people and places
The Saline County Genealogical Society meets in Harrisburg.
The Saline County Area Historical Museum is located in Harrisburg.
The Garden of the Gods Wilderness area is located in Shawnee National Forest, which is headquartered in Harrisburg.