Welcome to Lacon!

We are a lovely riverside community with a population of less than two thousand that is situated on the east bank of the Illinois River. As the county seat of Marshall County, we are proud of the historic courthouse that overlooks our downtown area.We support business growth and we’re always ready to help new and existing businesses thrive.

Local Culture

Local residents and visitors enjoy indoor and outdoor recreational activities as well as dining and drinks along with local shopping.

A photogenic continuous truss bridge crosses the Illinois River at a spot where a 19th century ferry once carried visitors from the west to Lacon. The autumn drive along Route 26 from Hennepin to Spring Bay rivals the New England fall colors. 

The Lacon Marina, at the foot of the bridge, provides access to the river for boaters to head out on the water and float down the river. The marina also welcomes fun with playground equipment for the children and picnic areas for family and friends. 

Our History 

This area was first laid out in 1831 as a community called Strawn’s Landing. It was known as Columbia for a short time before it was finally named Lacon.

In 1835, Ira Fenn, who was a successful lawyer and business person in Dayton, Ohio, along with his brothers traveled west in search of new prospects. They loved it here so much they purchased one-half of the townsite and returned to Ohio to help organize the “Lacon Colony” for their journey back to Illinois. In 1836, the Fenn brothers built a general mercantile store, a mill and other business enterprises, and were very active in real estate. Lacon’s first newspaper was issued in December 1837 by Allen Ford. 

By 1855 there were two steam flour mills; a large pork packing operation and a saw mill. Lacon supported a number of dry goods and variety stores, clothing stores, multiple grocery, drug and furniture stores. Additionally there were carriage and wagon shops, farm implement manufacturing, blacksmith shops, shoe makers. Coopering was extensively carried on and a number of carpenters and bricklayers and stonemasons were regularly employed. 

The Illinois River bridge was completed in 1939. From our founding, Lacon has enjoyed the good life as a small river town and a special place for lifelong residents and visitors to visit for dining, drinks, rest or recreation. 

The Annual Old Settlers’ Picnic

In 1870 an Old Settlers’ picnic was held on the Courthouse lawn to honor the pioneers of this region. That custom has grown over the years and is held every summer in late August. The Marshall County Old Settlers event is the oldest ongoing event of its kind in the State of Illinois.