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Saline County was established in 1847 from Gallatin County. Raleigh served as the first county seat before
Harrisburg became the current seat of government.
Of the 102 counties in Illinois, Saline was the 99th to be formed. Established in 1847 from Gallatin County, Saline got its name from the Saline River. The making of salt from the Salines was a major part of industry for the region. Favorable conditions in Saline County attracted indians to the area. Two
tribes were known inhabitants, the Shawnee and the Piankashaw.
Just when the white man moved into the area is not known for sure. The first land entry was made in 1814 by John Wren and Hankerson Rude. There were four principal settlements which are considered the first farms opened to cultivation. They belonged to Hankerson Rude, Hampton Pankey, William Crawford and Francis Jordan.
Source: Saline County, A Century of History - 1847-1947: SCGS
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