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Fort Massac

Massac County, established in 1843, is located south of Johnson County, east of Pulaski County and bordered on the south by the Ohio River. It has an area of 239 square miles and population of  15,161. Metropolis is the county seat and the largest city in the county. It is situated at the site of Fort Massac, which was settled by the French in 1757. The economy in Massac County is strong with an unemployment rate close to the state average. The region's largest concentration of private sector employers is in Massac County. Allied Signal Corporation, Electric Energy Incorporated, Laidlaw Corporation, Lafarge Corporation, Cook Coal Terminal, Mid-south Towing, and Metropolis Ready Mix are all located in the Massac County Enterprise Zone along the Ohio river. The major share of the county’s services industry is based on the location of Harrah's Riverboat Casino located in Metropolis, which encourages complimentary development.

The climate is continental, typical of southern Illinois, with an annual temperature range of about 100'. Maximum summer temperatures may reach 100'F and winter minimums can be zero or below. Annual precipitation averages about 46 inches and is evenly distributed throughout the year. 

Mermet Lake Conservation area is 12 miles west of Metropolis. The lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Fishermen will find many different kinds of fish, such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The area is inhabited by deer, squirrels, rabbits and turkeys and is very popular with birdwatchers. [Top of Page]