General Info
Originally home to American Indian tribes, Adams County was first settled in the 1830s as lumbercamps were established throughout the area. It was named in honor of President John Adams and Quincy was selected as the county seat until it was moved by voters to Friendship in 1858. Early residents raised crops, farmed livestock and harvested timber, and the area grew slowly until the development of the railroad. By 1900 its population had reached 9,141 and the area continued to grow. Today Adams County is home to approximately 20,088 residents.