One of the first counties in IllinoisFormed 31 Jan 1821. Originally encompassed all of the state north of the Illinois River. By 1825 area transferred to other counties resulted in the current boundaries of Pike County. Named for Zebulon M. PikeZebulon Montgomery Pike [1779-1813] was a General in the War of 1812 and an early explorer of the Louisiana Purchase. [Pike's Peak in Colorado is also named in his honor]. Part of the Military TractLand granted to veterans of the War of 1812. [More about the Military Tract] |