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Grundy County History
Geography
Grundy County contains only 432 square miles, so it is small compared to many other counties, but it is one of Illinois' most important, commercial and agricultural counties. The Illinois River along with other streams gives Grundy County about 45 miles of waterways. The Illinois and Michigan canal flows through the county seat of Morris, adjacent to the Illinois River.
| Population |
| 1996 |
35,886 |
2000 projected |
37,305 |
| 1998 |
36,475 |
2005 projected |
39,380 |
| Average Climate |
| Temperature |
Winter-31.30F |
Summer-85.20F |
|
| Annual Rainfall |
36.58 Inches |
Annual Snowfall |
38.32 Inches |
The Name Grundy
The father of the bill creating Grundy County was William E. Armstrong and he was an ardent admirer of Felix Grundy, the greatest criminal lawyer Tennessee ever had. Through Mr. Armstrong's influence the new county was named Grundy although it is doubtful the famous lawyer ever set foot inside its boundaries.
Morris the County Seat
The first permanent settlers arrived in Morris in 1831. The town is named after Isaac Newton Morris, who was a commissioner of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Morris was incorporated April 12, 1842.
Abraham Lincoln visited the Morris home of William T. Hopkins prior to his departure for Ottawa, Illinois for the Lincoln-Douglas debate. The site currently hosts the Lincoln Nursing Home.
The Illinois & Michigan Canal flows through Morris, adjacent to the Illinois River. The sesquicentennial celebration of the I&M Canal will take place throughout 1999.
Do you have history you can share with Grundy County?
If you have historic pictures or stories about Grundy County that you would like to share, please email
webmaster@grundyco.com
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