Carthage, IL

united states

Carthage is the county seat of Hancock County in western Illinois, located about 45 miles from Quincy along US Route 136. The town sits in rolling farmland near the Mississippi River valley. Route 136 provides the main east-west connection through downtown, while Illinois Route 9 runs north-south. Most visitors arrive via Route 136 from Macomb to the east or continue west toward the river towns. The historic courthouse downtown features a distinctive 1908 clock tower that still keeps time for the community.