text:
Peoria Heights, Illinois

Peoria Heights is a village lying in Peoria County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 6,156 at the 2010 census, down from 6,635 in 2000. Peoria Heights is a suburb of Peoria, is sometimes referred to as Uptown, and is surrounded by the city except for its eastern boundary on Peoria Lake, a relatively wider section of the Illinois River. It is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Peoria Heights has a total area of 6.969 sqmi, of which 2.65 sqmi (or 38.03%) is land and 4.319 sqmi (or 61.97%) is water. That most of the village is water is due to the fact that most of Upper Peoria Lake lies within its boundaries; this can be seen on official state maps.

Topographically, the village can be roughly divided into three zones. The Illinois River floodplain, the bluff, and the plateau. While its eastern border is fairly regular with the river's edge, the rest of its municipal border, with Peoria, is quite irregular and convoluted.

According to the Census Bureau records through 2007, Peoria Heights lies in three counties (Peoria, Woodford, and Tazewell). While neither Tazewell nor Woodford counties consider Peoria Heights to be within their jurisdiction, the state of Illinois does show that across Peoria Lake from the rest of the village, a small, uninhabited area exists both within Peoria Heights and Woodford County. However, the Census Bureau claim that Peoria Heights is also within Tazewell County is unsupported by any state, county, or municipal websites.

History
The area was developed by white settlers in 1898, under the name Prospect Heights Land Company. When it was incorporated, it was called Prospect Heights. Three years later, they changed it to Peoria Heights to avoid confusion with the Prospect Heights community near Chicago.

The Prospect Heights Hotel hosted a Hungarian orchestra that played every night as the house band. The hotel burned down in the summer of 1894.

The village celebrated its centennial in 1998.

Landmarks
The village is perhaps most noteworthy for its Grand View Drive, a residential street on top of the bluff overlooking the Illinois River with many elegant homes and a country club. The road also has several panoramic look-outs of the river and beyond into Tazewell and Woodford counties as well as a park with a children's playground, picnic area, and baseball diamond. Teddy Roosevelt purportedly called the street the "World's Most Beautiful Drive" when he visited the Peoria area in October 1910; WMBD, a local radio and TV station, gets its call letters from Roosevelt's expression.

The town is also recognized by its distinct, red water tower. One can ascend the tower in an elevator and survey a sizable portion of Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties from three observational decks. The tower has a 6 ft. wooden woodpecker on the side. The tower forms the nucleus of Peoria Heights Tower Park. Tower Park is a centerpiece of the community which underwent sweeping and controversial renovations in 2002, costing the Village nearly $800,000. The nearby downtown business area includes upscale restaurants and shops. In addition to this water tower there is another modern tower on Toledo Avenue colored white with the Peoria Heights logo; it was formerly painted a distinctive Red, White, and Blue (the school district colors).

A bronze sculpture of Lincoln's head by Gutzon Borglum is near the Village Hall within Tower Park.

On and below the bluff, there are several parks and recreational areas. Forest Park Nature Center is a nature reserve on the bluff containing several miles of trails of varying difficulty and the village's only native prairie restoration site. The Pimiteoui Trail links up Forest Park Nature Center's visitor center with Grandview Drive. Bielfeldt Park is a more traditional park with sports fields, a paved trail, children's playground, and picnic area. The southern terminus of Grandview also sports a park with swings, slide, and pavilion. The Rock Island Greenway has a section through Peoria Heights.

The Duryea Motor Wagon Company once had a production facility nearby (the reason for the aforementioned visit by Teddy Roosevelt). The town was also the site of a brewery for Pabst Blue Ribbon from 1934 to 1982. The closing of the Pabst brewery in 1982 had a severe impact on the local economy and population, from which the community has never completely recovered. The Peoria City mass transit company, CityLink, offers a History Trolley, which starts its tour in the Prospect Commercial Sector.

The Peoria Heights Public Library is located off Glen and is not far from Grandview Drive or Downtown Peoria Heights.

Government and politics
The Village of Peoria Heights is a home rule municipality governed by a Village Board of Trustees form of government. The mayor and the village clerk are each elected at large to a four-year term. The Mayor appoints the Village Treasurer. The Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer of the Village and presides over meetings of the Village Board. With the approval of the Village Board, the Mayor appoints non-elected Village officials. The Village Clerk is the recording officer of the Village, and is responsible for attending all meetings of the Village Board and keeping records of the proceedings. Village Board meetings are the first and third Tuesday of each month.

The Village Board is the legislative body for the village, and consists of six trustees elected for a four-year term. Their terms are staggered, so that half are elected every two years. Members may be elected for an indefinite number of terms. The Village Board formulates policy and enacts local laws, usually in the form of resolutions and ordinances. The Village Board is directly responsible to the citizens of Peoria Heights.

Peoria Heights has a history of non-national political parties. The "Village Party" and the "People's Party" were once prominent in local elections. Today the "Village Party" is defunct and the "People's Party" has lost in the last four elections to Independent candidates.

Emergency Services
Peoria Heights has stand alone Fire and Police Services. The fire department is a volunteer on call service. As of December 2014, EMS services are provided by Advanced Medical Transport.

Schools

 * Peoria Heights Community Unit School District 325
 * Peoria Heights High School

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,635 people, 3,122 households, and 1,657 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,509.0 PD/sqmi. There were 3,331 housing units at an average density of 1,259.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.89% White, 3.45% African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 1.06% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.90% of the population.

There were 3,122 households, out of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.5% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.9% were non-families. 39.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,161, and the median income for a family was $42,545. Males had a median income of $33,408 versus $22,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,999. About 6.7% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
CityLink provides bus service on Routes 2, 12, and 14 connecting Peoria Heights to destinations throughout the Peoria area.

title: Peoria Heights, Illinois


text:
Princeville, Illinois

Princeville is a village in Peoria County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,738 at the 2010 census, up from 1,621 in 2000. It is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Princeville has a total area of 1.66 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,621 people, 659 households, and 452 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,239.4 PD/sqmi. There were 748 housing units at an average density of 571.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.59% White, 0.31% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 1.30% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.71% of the population.

There were 659 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,060, and the median income for a family was $49,118. Males had a median income of $31,957 versus $22,727 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,137. About 6.7% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.2% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Emmett Seery, outfielder for several Major League Baseball teams (1884-1892); born in Princeville
 * Daniel G. Mitchell, Commanding General of the United States Army Sustainment Command, United States Military Academy Graduate

Transportation
SR 90 in Princeville runs East and West through Princeville. SR 91 shares with SR 90 until it reaches Santa Fe Ave in Princeville. Those highways are all two lane highways.

Schools
Princeville is District 326. They have 17 buses for students. It is a district with Princeville Junior/Senior High School, and Princeville Grade School. Princeville is a small community school district.

 * Princeville Elementary School Grades K-5
 * Princeville Junior/Senior High School Grades 6-12

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Princeville, Illinois


text:
Rome, Illinois

Rome is a census-designated place (CDP) in Medina Township, Peoria County, Illinois, United States. The population of the CDP was 1,738 at the 2010 census. Rome is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Rome is located at 40.87619°N, -89.50938°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.9 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 1,776 people, 704 households and 508 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 932.5 PD/sqmi. There were 746 housing units at an average density of 391.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup was 98.20% White, 0.28% African American, 0.34% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.

There were 704 households, of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.95.

23.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.7 males.

The median household income was $40,962 and the median family income was $46,250. Males had a median income of $35,036 and females $25,486. The per capita income was $18,345. About 3.7% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Rome, Illinois


text:
West Peoria, Illinois

West Peoria is a city in Peoria County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,458 at the 2010 census. West Peoria is a suburb of Peoria and is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
West Peoria is located at 40.69722°N, -89.63111°W (40.697104, -89.630998).

According to the 2010 census, West Peoria has a total area of 1.27 sqmi, all land.

West Peoria is home to many geographical landmarks such as Rocky Glen, which is a series of abandoned mines.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,762 people, 1,984 households, and 1,222 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,703.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,128 housing units at an average density of 1,655.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.09% White, 8.53% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.86% Asian, 0.73% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.39% of the population.

There were 1,984 households, out of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,148, and the median income for a family was $51,420. Males had a median income of $36,130 versus $28,519 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,247. About 5.0% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
CityLink provides bus service on Routes 5 and 11 connecting West Peoria to downtown Peoria, Northwoods Mall and other destinations.

title: West Peoria, Illinois


text:
Cutler, Illinois

Cutler is a village in Perry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 441 at the 2010 census.

History
A post office has been in operation at Cutler since 1872. The village's name honors Cutler Dawson, a railroad official.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Cutler has a total area of 0.47 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 543 people, 199 households, and 149 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,146.4 PD/sqmi. There were 207 housing units at an average density of 437.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.26% White, 0.18% African American, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.37% of the population.

There were 199 households, out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.5% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,417, and the median income for a family was $32,292. Males had a median income of $30,938 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,678. About 22.0% of families and 29.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.7% of those under age 18 and 22.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cutler, Illinois


text:
Du Quoin, Illinois

Du Quoin is a city in Perry County, Illinois. It is best known for hosting the annual DuQuoin State Fair and the Street Machine Nationals. The population is estimated at 5,761 in the 2020 census.

History
The area east of Du Quoin is known as Old Du Quoin. In the early 19th century, Du Quoin was near the Lusk's Ferry Road, an important early road that connected Kaskaskia with Lusk's Ferry on the Ohio River. The road ran easterly out of Steeleville to a point southwest of Du Quoin. There it turned to the southeast to cross the Big Muddy River and head for Lusk's Ferry.

Du Quoin had its start at its present location in 1853 when the railroad was extended to that point. The city was named after Chief Jean Baptiste Ducoigne of the Kaskaskia, an Illiniwek people, who were defeated by the Shawnee near here in 1802.

The first mayor of Du Quoin was George Spencer Smith.

Geography
The city of Du Quoin is located in the southeastern portion of Perry County, Illinois.

According to the 2010 census, Du Quoin has a total area of 7.061 sqmi, of which 6.98 sqmi (or 98.85%) is land and 0.081 sqmi (or 1.15%) is water.

Media
Du Quoin is served by a weekly newspaper, the Weekly-Press. Du Quoin is also served by radio stations WDQN AM 1580/FM 97.1 and WDQN-FM 95.9 FM. A former daily newspaper, the Du Quoin Call, was published from 1895 until 2022.

Rail transportation
Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Du Quoin. Amtrak Train 391, the southbound Saluki, is scheduled to depart Du Quoin at 1:17 pm daily with service to Carbondale. Amtrak Train 393, the southbound Illini, is scheduled to depart Du Quoin at 9:07 pm daily serving the same point as the southbound Saluki. Amtrak Train 390, the northbound Saluki, is scheduled to depart Du Quoin at 7:51 am daily with service to Centralia, Effingham, Mattoon, Champaign-Urbana, Rantoul, Gilman, Kankakee, Homewood, and Chicago. Amtrak Train 392, the northbound Illini, is scheduled to depart Du Quoin at 4:36 pm daily serving the same points as the northbound Saluki.

Bus service
Public transit service in Du Quoin is provided by South Central Transit.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,448 people, 2,716 households, and 1,648 families residing in the city. The population density was 939.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,988 housing units at an average density of 435.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.23% White, 7.23% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.32% of the population.

There were 2,716 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.3% were non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,124, and the median income for a family was $37,688. Males had a median income of $33,576 versus $18,958 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,883. About 13.3% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

Medical care
Du Quoin is home to Marshall Browning Hospital, a 25-bed critical access facility, and two nursing homes. The nearest ICU is 25 miles away, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Education
Du Quoin belongs in the Community Unit School District (CUSD) #300 and is composed of: Du Quoin Elementary School, Du Quoin Middle School, and Du Quoin High School. The Elementary and Middle School are in adjoining buildings that do share some common areas.(https://www.duquoinschools.org/)

Events
The DuQuoin State Fair is held in late August and early September since 1923. The DuQuoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack has hosted different types of racing. It hosted a AAA National Championship race from 1948 to 1955, and a USAC National Championship race from 1955 to 1970. It currently hosts a USAC Silver Crown Series race and a ARCA Menards Series race. From 1957 to 1980, Du Quoin was home to the Hambletonian Stakes, one of the most famous events in harness racing, and one of three races comprising the Triple Crown of Harness Racing for Trotters. Du Quoin now is best known for Street Machines Nationals and the Du Quoin State Fair.

Nature and Parks
Du Quoin is known for the large amount of Canada Geese that migrate for winter and to nest in Spring. Clutches between 3-8 goslings are common in April and May.

Notable people

 * Terry Deering, Illinois legislator; born in Du Quoin
 * Ralph A. Dunn, businessman and Illinois state legislator
 * Ruby Berkley Goodwin, writer and actress, born in Du Quoin
 * Frank Hansford, pitcher for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms; born in Du Quoin
 * Gerald Hawkins, Illinois legislator; born in Du Quoin
 * Billie Hayes, actress (Witchiepoo in H.R. Pufnstuf, Mammy Yoakam in Li'l Abner); born in Du Quoin
 * Nick Hill, football quarterback and head coach at Southern Illinois; born in Du Quoin
 * Les Hite, musician and bandleader; born in Du Quoin
 * John Iffert, Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Covington.
 * Bhavesh Patel, theatre and television actor; lived in Du Quoin
 * Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Cup Series driver; lived in Du Quoin
 * Charles Schlueter, retired musician (Trumpet) Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO), Kansas City Symphony (KCS), Minnesota Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra
 * Don Stanhouse, pitcher with the Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers; born in Du Quoin
 * Ken Swofford, actor (Thelma & Louise, Ellery Queen); born in Du Quoin
 * Rudolf Wanderone, billiards player known as "Minnesota Fats"; lived in Du Quoin

title: Du Quoin, Illinois


text:
Pinckneyville, Illinois

Pinckneyville is a city in and the county seat of Perry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,066 at the 2020 census. It is named for Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, an early American diplomat and presidential candidate.

Pinckneyville is the location of the Pinckneyville Power Plant, a combustion turbine generator (CTG)-type power plant run by Ameren.

Geography
Pinckneyville is located on Illinois Route 13 about 60 mi southeast of St. Louis.

According to the 2010 census, Pinckneyville has a total area of 4.315 sqmi, of which 4.04 sqmi (or 93.63%) is land and 0.275 sqmi (or 6.37%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,464 people, 1,504 households, and 920 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,728.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,662 housing units at an average density of 525.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 71.25% White, 24.36% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.77% from other races, and 0.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.47% of the population.

There were 1,504 households, out of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% were non-families. 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 14.0% under the age of 18, 15.0% from 18 to 24, 39.7% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 188.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 209.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,391, and the median income for a family was $41,574. Males had a median income of $23,402 versus $21,848 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,601. About 8.2% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.2% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

History
Perry County was formed on January 29, 1827. It was named for Commodore Oliver H. Perry. When Perry County was established, 80 acres were taken from nearby Jackson and Randolph counties; 20 acres were reserved for the county seat. On May 17, 1857, Pinckneyville (named after Charles Cotesworth Pinckney) was organized and named as the county seat. Before being organized, Pinckneyville consisted as of 1834 of a log courthouse, four stores, a tavern, and a grocery (the first store was opened in 1827); around 20 families lived in the town. 1834 was also the same year that the Perry County jail was constructed; a larger jail, which is now the home of the Perry County jail museum, was built in 1871.

During the American Civil War (1861–1865), southern Illinois was under martial law. In the years after Reconstruction, many laws were established to ensure the second-class status of African Americans. Many actions, however, were de facto laws. From 1890 to 1968, many sundown towns were established throughout the United States, including several in southern Illinois. Pinckneyville, on the other hand, was one amongst thousands of towns that, while established earlier, became a sundown town. Pinckneyville became sundown around 1928; the extant story in Pinckneyville is that a white woman was raped by a black man, so the white leadership of the town loaded the black population of the town on a bus, drove them out of town, and left them in East St. Louis; a black man, probably the alleged rapist, was lynched at the town square. However, the rape explanation is considered to be unreliable because of the vagueness of the story and because it conflicts with accounts offered by others who lived in Pinckneyville at the time. The town continued to be a sundown town; the town had a "hanging tree", though African Americans were hanged in at least three separate places; under the city limits sign, there was a sign saying "No Coloreds After Dark" that came down in the late 1960s or early 1970s. In the town cemetery's black section, there are only two grave markers, yet it is estimated that there are approximately twenty graves.

As of the 2000 United States census, 1,331 of the 5,464 residents were black, however this population total includes the inmates of Pinckneyville Correctional Center, who are mostly African-American.

Today, Pinckneyville is home to the Illinois Rural Heritage museum. In 2010, it was awarded the Governor's Hometown Award.

Education
Elementary schools in Pinckneyville include District #50, CCSD 204, and St. Bruno Catholic School. Tamaroa grade school also feeds into the high school.

Pinckneyville Community High School is the only high school serving the Pinckneyville area. The mascot is the panther. School colors are Columbia, Navy, and White. PCHS has longtime rivalries with DuQuoin High School and Nashville Community High School.

Pinckneyville is known for its boys basketball program, winning over 2,000 games and appearing in the State Finals Tournament 11 times (winning in 1948, 1994 and 2001).

Notable people

 * Roy Alden (1863-1937), newspaper editor and Illinois state senator
 * Albert Brown (1905–2011), oldest survivor of the Bataan Death March, moved to the town in 1998 to live with his daughter
 * John Dunn, former president of Western Michigan University and current Interim chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale
 * Ralph A. Dunn, businessman and Illinois state legislator
 * Marion Rushing (1936–2013) football player (Chicago Cardinals/St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons and Houston Oilers) and Southern Illinois University Hall of Fame inductee.
 * Hubert Shurtz (1923–2000) football player played for LSU, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers

title: Pinckneyville, Illinois


text:
St. Johns, Illinois

St. Johns (Saint Johns ) is a village in Perry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 218 at the 2000 census.

The village was named in 1856 after St. John's Day.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, St. Johns has a total area of 0.767 sqmi, of which 0.73 sqmi (or 95.18%) is land and 0.037 sqmi (or 4.82%) is water.

Although St Johns is an established village, people who reside in St Johns have a Du Quoin street address.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 218 people, 96 households, and 62 families residing in the village. The population density was 310.0 PD/sqmi. There were 106 housing units at an average density of 150.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.66% White, 2.75% African American, 0.92% Asian, 0.46% from other races, and 3.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.46% of the population.

There were 96 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 118.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,455, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $14,167 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,802. About 9.4% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

title: St. Johns, Illinois


text:
Tamaroa, Illinois

Tamaroa is a village in the Tamaroa Precinct of Perry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 638 at the 2010 census.

History
The village is named after the Tamaroa, an Illiniwek people.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Tamaroa has a total area of 0.96 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 740 people, 300 households, and 201 families residing in the village. The population density was 753.0 PD/sqmi. There were 336 housing units at an average density of 341.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.84% White, 0.14% African American, 1.08% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.54% of the population.

There were 300 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $25,682, and the median income for a family was $36,607. Males had a median income of $31,111 versus $16,944 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,573. About 13.4% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.4% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable persons

 * Roy Alden, Illinois politician and newspaper editor
 * Frank Donnelly, pitcher for the Chicago Colts
 * Charles Wayne Goforth, Illinois politician
 * Logan H. Roots, American politician
 * Logan H. Roots, (1870 - 1945) Episcopal missionary to China and Bishop of Hankow

title: Tamaroa, Illinois


text:
Willisville, Illinois

Willisville is a village in Perry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 633 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Willisville has a total area of 0.39 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 694 people, 270 households, and 194 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,840.4 PD/sqmi. There were 295 housing units at an average density of 782.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.57% White, 0.14% Native American, and 0.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.86% of the population.

There were 270 households, out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.1% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.4% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $31,000, and the median income for a family was $35,667. Males had a median income of $27,386 versus $21,548 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,832. About 15.4% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over. In the early 1990s local coal mines closed resulting in major job loses for the region.

Notable person

 * Vince Castino, catcher for the Chicago White Sox

title: Willisville, Illinois


text:
Bement, Illinois

Bement is a village in Piatt County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 1,484 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Bement has a total area of 0.81 sqmi, all land.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,784 people, 687 households, and 485 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,197.1 PD/sqmi. There were 723 housing units at an average density of 890.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.37% White, 0.90% African American, 0.22% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.34% of the population.

There were 687 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,163, and the median income for a family was $47,652. Males had a median income of $30,641 versus $21,944 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,995. About 3.1% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

Bryant Cottage
Bryant Cottage is located in Bement. Built in 1856 by Francis E. Bryant, it is now preserved as an example of pioneer architecture and as an important historic site. Due to budget cuts, Bryant Cottage was scheduled to close, even though it is an important landmark in Abraham Lincoln's political career. But, because of local efforts, Bryant Cottage will remain open to the public.

title: Bement, Illinois


text:
Cerro Gordo, Illinois

Cerro Gordo, nicknamed Fat Hill, is a town in Piatt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,316 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Cerro Gordo has a total area of 0.77 sqmi, all land.

History
When the Mexican American War began General John S. Williams took command. At the battle of Cerro Gordo (Mexico) he led the troops in a victory over Mexican troops. He took the nickname of "Cerro Gordo" Williams. After the battle, he returned to Illinois and settled in Bement. About the same time (1855) the people of the town of Griswold chose to move the town from the stagecoach line along the river to the path of the Great Western Railroad. The town was platted by Sheridan Wait and Henry Durfee. "Cerro Gordo" Williams was one of the citizens, as they had other citizens that fought in the battle of Cerro Gordo, they selected the name Cerro Gordo. When the Civil War erupted, "Cerro Gordo" Williams returned to Kentucky and became a general in the Army of the Confederacy. On May 31, 1864, his residence was destroyed by fire, with arson being suspected. After the Civil War "Cerro Gordo" Williams having nothing to return to, moved to a farm near Mount Sterling, KY and served in the Kentucky legislature.

Cerro Gordo was the birthplace of Charlie Taylor, an inventor and mechanic who created the engine used in the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,436 people, 560 households, and 417 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,938.0 PD/sqmi. There were 583 housing units at an average density of 786.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.65% White, 0.14% African American, 0.07% Asian, and 0.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.07% of the population.

There were 0 households, out of which 0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,529, and the median income for a family was $45,250. Males had a median income of $34,408 versus $24,219 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,635. About 7.4% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable residents
Fern Coppedge, born in Cerro Gordo, was an American impressionist painter.

David W. Tucker, musician, educator, director of University of California Jazz Ensembles

Charles (Charlie) Edward Taylor, 1st aircraft mechanic.

title: Cerro Gordo, Illinois


text:
Cisco, Illinois

Cisco is a village in Piatt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 264 at the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Cisco has a total area of 0.37 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
There were 109 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.5% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.1% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,625, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $35,625 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,722. About 7.0% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under the age of 18 and 4.2% of those 65 or over.

title: Cisco, Illinois


text:
De Land, Illinois

De Land is a village in Piatt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 446 at the 2010 census. The name of the village is spelled De Land by the census bureau.

History
DeLand was founded in 1873 by Thomas E. Bondurant. who had it laid out as an answer to the needs of the local farmers for a place from which to ship their grain. Before officially being named DeLand, the town was known as "Tom's Town" in honor of Thomas Bondurant. The origination of the name DeLand has disputed sources, most tracing back to either James DeLand, who helped bring the railroad to the area in 1872, or French DeLand, a surveyor who is said to have laid out the town. The village was incorporated in 1899.

In 1912 a Carnegie Library was opened in DeLand with $8,000 provided by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, after a group of citizens including Tom McMillen, a local bank employee, and Lucy Thornton, the president of the Women's Club, raised public support for the project. The original library building was closed in 2009 and all books and materials were moved to a building nearby.

In 2002, the De Land board of trustees acknowledged that it had passed a sundown town ordinance decades earlier.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, De Land has a total area of 0.41 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 446 people, 185 households, and 132 families residing in the village. There were 207 housing units of which 185 were occupied. The racial makeup of the village was 98.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic, 0.9% 2+ races, 0.4% Asian, and 0.2% Black.

There were 185 households, out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.6% were non-families. 30.8% of all households had individuals under 18 years of age and 29.2% had individuals who were 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 20, 4.3% from 20 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. The median age for males was 39.8, and 41.7 for females.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,982, and the median income for a family was $45,156. Males had a median income of $31,429 versus $20,893 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,377. About 4.9% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

Local high school
DeLand-Weldon High School is the school that serves both towns and the surrounding areas. It is the twentieth smallest high school, and fourth smallest public high school in the state, with a total enrollment of 54 students.

title: De Land, Illinois


text:
Hammond, Illinois

Hammond is a village in Piatt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 508 at the 2020 census.

History
Hammond was named for Charles Goodrich Hammond, a railroad official.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Hammond has a total area of 0.761 sqmi, of which 0.76 sqmi (or 99.87%) is land and 0.001 sqmi (or 0.13%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 518 people, 225 households, and 141 families residing in the village. The population density was 679.8 PD/sqmi. There were 244 housing units at an average density of 320.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.26% White, 0.58% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.58% from other races, and 0.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.19% of the population.

There were 225 households, out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,833, and the median income for a family was $51,528. Males had a median income of $33,523 versus $21,667 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,313. About 2.1% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.5% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hammond, Illinois


text:
Mansfield, Illinois

Mansfield is a village in Piatt County, Illinois in the United States. The population was 906 at the 2010 census.

History
Mansfield was originally incorporated around 1870. The village may have been named for John Mansfield, an officer in the Civil War. Other sources suggest Mansfield was named after a number of other unrelated men named Mansfield, including Jared Mansfield, an early American surveyor, or J.L. Mansfield, a local philanthropist. The village may also have been named after the city of Mansfield, Ohio – which was itself named for the surveyor Jared Mansfield.

Geography
Mansfield is located at 40.21278°N, -88.5075°W (40.212795, -88.507416).

According to the 2010 census, Mansfield has a total area of 0.555 sqmi, of which 0.53 sqmi (or 95.5%) is land and 0.025 sqmi (or 4.5%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 949 people, 396 households, and 293 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,856.3 PD/sqmi. There were 424 housing units at an average density of 829.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.95% White, 0.53% Asian, and 0.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.

There were 396 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $43,942, and the median income for a family was $48,393. Males had a median income of $32,042 versus $23,047 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,947. About 1.4% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 1.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Mansfield is home to Blue Ridge Intermediate Junior High School which is part of Blue Ridge Community Unit School District 18. Elementary and High School age students attend Ruth M. Schneider Elementary School and Blue Ridge High School in nearby Farmer City.

title: Mansfield, Illinois


text:
Monticello, Illinois

Monticello is a city and county seat of Piatt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,941 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Monticello has a total area of 3.829 sqmi, of which 3.8 sqmi (or 99.24%) is land and 0.029 sqmi (or 0.76%) is water.

Monticello is located in East Central Illinois between the cities of Decatur and Champaign, Illinois.

Landmarks
Robert Allerton Park, which belongs to the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and includes 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a meadow, a conference and retreat center, formal sculpture gardens, hiking trails, lodging facilities, a summer camp location, and a Georgian style mansion, is located just outside Monticello, to the southwest. The Allerton Natural Area within the park was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970.

Monticello Railway Museum is located on the north side of Monticello. The Monticello Railway Museum is a non-profit operating railroad that offers train rides to the public from May to October.

History

Monticello's first non-native resident was George Hayworth. Hayworth came to the area in 1822 to serve as a U.S. liaison agent to local Native American tribes. Hayworth did not remain, but in 1829, James A. Piatt purchased Hayworth's small log cabin. Soon more settlers arrived.

In 1837, residents decided to form a new town. Abraham Marquiss, William Barnes, James McReynolds, and James A. Piatt Jr. formed a joint stock company and purchased land from James A. Piatt. Upon McReynolds' suggestion, the town was christened Monticello – after the home of Thomas Jefferson. Monticello officially became a town on July 1, 1837. Townsfolk held a celebration on July 4.

The first house in the new town was built by a Mr. Cass who used the building as his home and a grocery store. The second house was a log cabin built by John Tenbrooke. In 1839, Nicholas DeVore built the "Old Fort" which was later used as a hotel. Monticello continued to grow as the population increased over the next decade.

George Patterson and other prominent citizens of the area were unhappy with the travel distance to the county seat to conduct legal business, and petitioned to establish a new county. At the time, Monticello was part of Macon County, whose seat is in Decatur, nearly 30 miles away. The northern part of present-day Piatt County was part of DeWitt County whose seat is at Clinton. The Illinois General Assembly established a new county on January 27, 1841. By coin toss, the county was named Piatt County, in honor of the first permanent settler, James A. Piatt. As Monticello was the only town in the new county at the time, it was named the county seat. The government of the new county began conducting business on April 5, 1841 in the "Old Fort." In 1843, the first courthouse was built on land donated by William H. Piatt. The second courthouse was built in 1856, and the present courthouse was completed in 1904.

Monticello's star resident arrived in 1885. Dr. William B. Caldwell came to practice medicine in Monticello but his homemade mixture of senna and pepsin brought Monticello to a level of national prominence. The Pepsin Syrup Company was founded in 1893, and became the leading employer in the city for decades until its closure in 1985. The building in which it operated has since been demolished. The site is now used as an unofficial soccer practice field.

In 1987 the 150th birthday of the town was celebrated with an open air reenactment and other festivities.

The Potawatomi Trail of Death passed through the town in 1838.

In a 2012 episode of the Comedy Central program The Daily Show, host Jon Stewart used the town in a joke segment, referring to it as Dogshit Bluffs.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,138 people, 2,146 households, and 1,446 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,724.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,226 housing units at an average density of 747.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.01% White, 0.08% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 2,146 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.4% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.91. Also home to Kirby Hospital. In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,754, and the median income for a family was $57,287. Males had a median income of $41,074 versus $24,130 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,257. About 2.3% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Robert Allerton, art collector and philanthropist
 * Robert C. Burke, United States Marine who posthumously received Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in 1968
 * Harry Combes, basketball player and head coach at the University of Illinois
 * Rolla C. McMillen, former U.S. Representative
 * Allen F. Moore, former U.S. Representative
 * James P. Ownby Illinois state representative; lived in Monticello
 * Andrew Peterson, Contemporary Christian music artist
 * Rolland F. Tipsword, Illinois state representative and judge

title: Monticello, Illinois


text:
Barry, Illinois

Barry is a city in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,318 at the 2010 census, down from 1,368 in 2000.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Barry has a total area of 1.41 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,318 people, 545 households, and 341 families living in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,368 people, 552 households, and 363 families living in the city. The population density was 1,198.0 PD/sqmi. There were 623 housing units at an average density of 545.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.42% White, 0.44% Asian, and 0.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 552 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.2% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 23.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,635, and the median income for a family was $37,143. Males had a median income of $26,607 versus $18,050 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,097. About 9.2% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Floyd Dell, novelist, playwright, poet and literary critic; managing editor (The Masses); born in Barry.
 * George Nicol, pitcher and outfielder for the St. Louis Browns, Chicago Colts, Pittsburgh Pirates and Louisville Colonels; born in Barry.
 * Lottie Holman O'Neill, state representative; first female member of the General Assembly.
 * Cliff Padgett (1879-1951), motorboat builder
 * Ernie Triplett, racing driver
 * Scott Wike, politician, U.S. Representative, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury to Grover Cleveland; died in Barry

title: Barry, Illinois


text:
Baylis, Illinois

Baylis is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 200 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Baylis is located at 39.72861°N, -90.90806°W (39.728579, -90.908144).

According to the 2010 census, Baylis has a total area of 0.47 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 265 people, 91 households, and 70 families residing in the village. The population density was 552.8 PD/sqmi. There were 106 housing units at an average density of 221.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.11% White, 0.38% Asian, and 1.51% from two or more races.

There were 91 households, out of which 44.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.0% were non-families. 20.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 33.6% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,344, and the median income for a family was $32,422. Males had a median income of $17,250 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,251. About 16.0% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 3.8% of those 65 or over.

title: Baylis, Illinois


text:
Detroit, Illinois

Detroit, Illinois is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 83 at the 2010 census, a decline from 93 in 2000.

History
Detroit was laid out in 1837, taking its name after Detroit, Michigan. A post office was established at Detroit in 1845, and remained in operation until the 1970s.

Geography
Detroit is located at 39.61981°N, -90.67646°W.

According to the 2010 census, Detroit has a total area of 0.24 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 93 people, 37 households, and 21 families residing in the village. The population density was 388.7 PD/sqmi. There were 46 housing units at an average density of 192.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.92% White, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.45% of the population.

Of a total 37 households, 27.0% included children under the age of 18, 56.8% were married couples living together, and 43.2% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.43.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.2% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $21,875, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $34,063 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,127. There were 15.4% of families and 13.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including 8.6% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Detroit, Illinois


text:
El Dara, Illinois

El Dara is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 78 at the 2010 census, down from 89 in 2000.

Geography
El Dara is located at 39.62222°N, -90.9925°W (39.622207, -90.992452).

According to the 2010 census, El Dara has a total area of 0.97 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 89 people, 32 households, and 24 families residing in the village. The population density was 92.0 PD/sqmi. There were 35 housing units at an average density of 36.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 32 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.0% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 33.7% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 74.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,250, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $30,313 versus $15,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,422. There were 7.7% of families and 9.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including 8.2% of under eighteens and 16.7% of those over 64.

title: El Dara, Illinois


text:
Florence, Illinois

Florence is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17 at the 2020 census, making Florence the second-least populated municipality in Illinois.

Geography
Florence is located at 39.62833°N, -90.61028°W (39.628248, −90.610328).

According to the 2010 census, Florence has a total area of 0.21 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 71 people, 30 households, and 21 families residing in the village. The population density was 350.4 PD/sqmi. There were 45 housing units at an average density of 222.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 30 households, out of which 16.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 16.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.67.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $20,000, and the median income for a family was $22,679. Males had a median income of $19,000 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $9,878. There were 8.0% of families and 15.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 5.0% of those over 64.

title: Florence, Illinois


text:
Griggsville, Illinois

Griggsville is a city in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,226 at the 2010 census.

Geography
The community is in northeast Pike County approximately four miles west of the Illinois River. Pittsfield lies about seven miles to the southwest along Illinois Route 107.

According to the 2010 census, Griggsville has a total area of 1.08 sqmi, all land.

History
Griggsville was named for its founder, Richard Griggs.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,258 people, 500 households, and 360 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,215.0 PD/sqmi. There were 548 housing units at an average density of 529.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.21% White, 0.16% African American, 0.08% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 0.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.24% of the population.

There were 500 households, out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,875, and the median income for a family was $36,071. Males had a median income of $27,454 versus $18,182 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,578. About 10.2% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.3% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

Events
Griggsville hosts the Apple Festival on the third weekend of each September, along with the Western Illinois Fair, traditionally held during the third week of June. The regional Western Illinois Fair servicing seven surrounding counties is the oldest continuously operating local fair in the state of Illinois, held annually since 1888.

Purple martins
Griggsville is located between the Mississippi River and the Illinois River and the hot muggy summers are the perfect habitat for mosquitoes. Amid growing concern over the use of pesticides to control mosquitoes, the town came up with an alternate abatement method. J.L. Wade, a Griggsville resident and owner of a local antenna manufacturing factory realized that Griggsville was right in the migration path of the purple martin, the largest bird in the swallow family, supposedly able to eat 2,000 mosquitoes in a single day. J.L. Wade quickly realized that to get the purple martins to stay, he simply needed to give them a reason to stay, so he converted his antenna factory into a bird house building factory. The mosquito population dwindled, which lead the town to adopt the nickname "The Purple Martin Capital of the Nation", as well as labeling the purple martin "America's Most Wanted Bird." Additionally, Wade's purple martin business, formerly Trio Manufacturing, published a newsletter called The Nature Society News. The purple martin factory has been recently sold to a Chicago businessman. Griggsville has installed over 5,000 birdhouses along the city streets, including a 562-apartment high rise installed in 1962, reaching a height of 70 ft.

Notable person

 * Lew Hitch, basketball player for the Minneapolis Lakers (1951–1957)

Points of interest

 * The Purple Martin High-Rise is located in central Griggsville on Illinois Route 107.
 * Ray Norbut State Fish and Wildlife Area
 * Griggsville Historic District

 * Lighthouse Baptist church, the oldest continuous operating church in Pike County.

title: Griggsville, Illinois


text:
Hull, Illinois

Hull is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 392 at the 2020 census, a decline from 461 in 2010.

Geography
Hull is located at 39.70778°N, -91.205°W (39.707845, -91.205132).

According to the 2010 census, Hull has a total area of 1.851 sqmi, of which 1.84 sqmi (or 99.41%) is land and 0.011 sqmi (or 0.59%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 474 people, 192 households, and 130 families residing in the village. The population density was 258.2 PD/sqmi. There were 213 housing units at an average density of 116.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.16% White, 0.63% Native American, and 0.21% from two or more races.

There were 192 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.8% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $28,281, and the median income for a family was $34,464. Males had a median income of $27,375 versus $18,906 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,821. About 15.6% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.4% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hull, Illinois


text:
Kinderhook, Illinois

Kinderhook is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 216 at the 2010 census, a decline from 249 in 2000.

Geography
Kinderhook is located at 39.70278°N, -91.15194°W (39.702669, -91.152006).

According to the 2010 census, Kinderhook has a total area of 0.88 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 249 people, 101 households, and 73 families residing in the village. The population density was 281.7 PD/sqmi. There were 113 housing units at an average density of 127.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.39% White, 0.40% African American, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.61% of the population.

There were 101 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,438, and the median income for a family was $41,875. Males had a median income of $22,500 versus $16,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,328. About 1.3% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 12.0% of those sixty five or over.

History
In 1843, the Kinderhook Plates were "discovered" near this town.

title: Kinderhook, Illinois


text:
Milton, Illinois

Milton is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 271 at the 2010 census, a decline from 274 in 2000.

History
Charles E. Bolin (1843–1924), Illinois state representative and businessman, lived in Milton.

Geography
Milton is located at 39.56417°N, -90.64889°W (39.564226, -90.648769).

According to the 2010 census, Milton has a total area of 0.38 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 274 people, 107 households, and 77 families residing in the village. The population density was 731.0 PD/sqmi. There were 122 housing units at an average density of 325.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.36% of the population.

There were 107 households, out of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 16.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 74.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $26,591, and the median income for a family was $28,333. Males had a median income of $26,786 versus $18,281 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,847. About 10.8% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 3.2% of those sixty five or over.

title: Milton, Illinois


text:
Nebo, Illinois

Nebo is a village in southern Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 340 at the 2010 census, a decline from 408 in 2000. Nebo has three churches scattered throughout the city limits.

History
The first settlement in this area was by Silas Wilson, in 1832. This settlement was made on a piece of land north of the present day town. The first child was born soon after in 1835. The first post office was established in December 1852. The term "Nebo" is mentioned at various times in the Bible, which may be the namesake. In the late 1860s, a railroad was completed across Illinois and the present day town was constructed around it. Articles of incorporation were signed and presented to the Illinois state legislature in the year 1894. In 1899, a fire destroyed the entire business district on Nebo. The famous Vin Fiz Flyer landed north of the town in 1911. A bank was established in 1946. William J. Thornton (1878-1951), Illinois state representative, businessman, and postmaster, lived in Nebo.

Geography
Nebo is located in Spring Creek Township at 39.44215°N, -90.78738°W.

According to the 2010 census, Nebo has a total area of 0.437 sqmi, of which 0.43 sqmi (or 98.4%) is land and 0.007 sqmi (or 1.6%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 408 people, 159 households, and 109 families residing in the village. The population density was 964.9 PD/sqmi. There were 183 housing units at an average density of 432.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.79% White, 0.74% Native American, and 1.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.96% of the population.

There were 159 households, out of which 37.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.6% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $29,000, and the median income for a family was $31,125. Males had a median income of $30,795 versus $15,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,468. About 20.5% of families and 20.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.6% of those under age 18 and 12.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Nebo is served by Pikeland District 10.

Festivals

 * Nebo celebrates the landing of the Vin Fiz (the first plane to cross North America in 1911) with a festival every August.

title: Nebo, Illinois


text:
New Canton, Illinois

New Canton is an incorporated town in Pleasant Vale Township, Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 359 at the 2010 census, a decline from 417 in 2000.

Geography
New Canton is located about 26 miles southeast of Quincy along Illinois Route 96. The town is on the edge of the Mississippi River floodplain about six miles from the river.

According to the 2010 census, New Canton has a total area of 0.76 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 417 people, 176 households, and 124 families residing in the town. The population density was 535.8 PD/sqmi. There were 206 housing units at an average density of 264.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 100.00% White.

There were 176 households, out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,583, and the median income for a family was $30,893. Males had a median income of $31,094 versus $15,893 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,571. About 17.8% of families and 19.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.2% of those under age 18 and 16.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: New Canton, Illinois


text:
New Salem, Pike County, Illinois

New Salem is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 136 at the 2000 census.

Geography
New Salem is located at 39.70722°N, -90.84639°W (39.707124, -90.846520).

According to the 2010 census, the village has a total area of 1.05 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 136 people, 53 households, and 35 families residing in the village. The population density was 130.4 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 64.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.26% White, 0.74% from other races.

There were 53 households, out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 76.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,917, and the median income for a family was $26,875. Males had a median income of $20,625 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,351. There were 21.6% of families and 24.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including 47.1% of under eighteens and 4.2% of those over 64.

title: New Salem, Pike County, Illinois


text:
Pearl, Illinois

Pearl is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 103 at the 2020 census. The village, settled in the late 19th century, is named after pearl buttons drilled from the large supply of native mussels that once lived in the nearby Illinois River.

Geography
Pearl is located at 39.45861°N, -90.62444°W (39.458611, -90.624433).

According to the 2010 census, Pearl has a total area of 1.594 sqmi, of which 1.51 sqmi (or 94.73%) is land and 0.084 sqmi (or 5.27%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 187 people, 75 households, and 44 families residing in the village. The population density was 124.1 PD/sqmi. There were 96 housing units at an average density of 63.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.47% White and 0.53% Native American.

There were 75 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.3% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.3% were non-families. 37.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.32.

In the village, the age distribution of the population shows 29.4% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $15,500, and the median income for a family was $30,536. Males had a median income of $14,000 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $9,524. About 29.3% of families and 29.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.4% of those under the age of eighteen and 16.1% of those 65 or over.

In late 2014 it was officially declared that the town of Pearl, IL would adopt the Case IH 766 (aka The 7 ) as the official town tractor.

Notable person

 * Dave Altizer, shortstop with the Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds

title: Pearl, Illinois


text:
Perry, Illinois

Perry is a village in Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 397 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Perry is located at 39.7825°N, -90.745°W (39.782493, -90.744990).

According to the 2010 census, Perry has a total area of 0.38 sqmi, all land.

History
Perry was the birthplace of Mary Baird Bryan, wife of William Jennings Bryan, and the earliest known presentation of Bryan's famous 'Cross of Gold' speech was at a church social at the Perry Presbyterian Church. The text of the speech was printed in the local newspaper, now long-defunct.

It is named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 437 people, 198 households, and 120 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,143.5 PD/sqmi. There were 222 housing units at an average density of 580.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.86% White, 0.23% Asian, and 0.92% from two or more races.

There were 198 households, out of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.9% were non-families. 35.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 26.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $26,458, and the median income for a family was $35,750. Males had a median income of $27,083 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,383. About 18.2% of families and 24.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.3% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Perry, Illinois


text:
Pittsfield, Illinois

Pittsfield is a city in and the county seat of Pike County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,576 at the 2010 census, an increase from 4,211 in 2000.

History
Pittsfield was initially settled by settlers from New England. These settlers were of old Yankee stock, descended from the English Puritans who had founded and settled New England in the 1600s. A group of settlers from Pittsfield, Massachusetts headed west and settled this region of Illinois in 1820. When they arrived the area was a virgin wilderness, they constructed farms, roads and government buildings.

As county seat, the town was one of the various places in central Illinois where Abraham Lincoln practiced law as part of the circuit court, working on 34 cases between 1839 and 1852. One local newspaper, now known as the Pike Press, was then owned by another of Lincoln's future secretaries, John Nicolay, and featured an editorial containing one of the first known suggestions of Lincoln as the Republican nominee for the presidency. Pittsfield was also home to John Hay, Lincoln's personal secretary, ambassador to England under President William McKinley, later Secretary of State for Theodore Roosevelt and creator of the Open Door Policy.

Pittsfield is the self-proclaimed "Pork Capital" of the Midwest, owing to the long history of pork production in the region, which fed into the large meat-packing industry of Chicago. Though agriculture in the region is no longer so dependent on pork, the town still hosts a yearly "Pig Days" festival.

The local high school football team, the Saukees, still holds the record for longest winning streak in the state, and the 21st longest in the country. Starting with their season opening 6–0 win over North Greene in 1966, the Pittsfield Saukees reeled off 64 consecutive wins, which included 15 straight shutouts between 1969 and 1971. In 1970, the team outscored their opponents 341-0 and allowed negative rushing yards for the season. The streak extended all the way through to the second game of the 1973 season, when Pittsfield dropped a 12-0 decision to Winchester, Illinois.

Pittsfield's Saukees basketball team won the Illinois State basketball title in 1991 under Coach David T. Bennett, who was later installed into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame. Exactly 20 years later in 2011, the Saukees would return to the Illinois State basketball court and take home the 4th place title under Coach Brad Tomhave.

Pittsfield is the setting for Jamie Gilson's book Hello, My Name is Scrambled Eggs. Singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens wrote a song about Pittsfield on his album The Avalanche.

Landmarks
Pittsfield is home to the most locations in the world that have documented connections to Abraham Lincoln. There are nine homes still in existence in Pittsfield that are connected to Lincoln, including the Shastid House, where Lincoln often stayed while practicing cases in the county. His personally signed documents have been stolen from the courthouse. Many people in the county have seen them and know they exist. The public is alerted to watch for them, should they surface at sales, in museums, or private collections. The dockets listing Lincoln's cases still remain, stored in ancient records in the courthouse basement.

There are many historic landmarks within the city limits, the most notable of which is the Pike County Courthouse. The courthouse was designed by Architect Henry Elliott of Chicago and Jacksonville. Contractors were Yeager and Schultz of Danville, Illinois. The courthouse was to be completed within 400 days after the signing of the contract at a cost of $45,000. Groundbreaking for the courthouse was on May 11, 1894. The cornerstone was laid on July 12, 1894, and the dedication of the new courthouse was on November 16, 1895. Robert Franklin, a master mason from Nebo, Illinois designed and supervised the keystone architecture of the courthouse. It was the third courthouse in Pittsfield and the fifth in Pike County. The building is of octagon shape 96 x 96 feet of Cleveland sandstone veneering, backed by heavy walls of brick; the dimensions over all, is over the steps and porches, is 119 feet by 119 feet. Four entrances, all exactly alike, face the four cardinal points – north, south, east, and west.

The entrances are large, double doors of oak and glass and are overhung with beautiful stone porches. The park in which the building stands is 340 feet square. There are four sidewalks leading up to the doors of the courthouse and a sidewalk circles the building. From the center of the building rise the graceful outlines of the tower and dome to an imposing height of 136 feet. The corridors, which cross under the dome are ten feet in width, with marbled tiled floors, wainscoting and frescoed ceilings. Standing on the lower floor in the center of the corridor under the dome and looking upward, one may observe a beautiful concave of colored lights which spans the vault of the rotunda at a point near the top of the main building. The dome roof is of red slate. Total cost of building and fixtures was $68,520. The Pike County Illinois Courthouse is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful courthouses in the state and the Midwest. The Pike County Illinois courthouse was the fifth courthouse designed by Mr Elliott who also designed the Greene County Courthouse (1891) in Carrollton, Illinois; Edgar County Courthouse (1891) in Paris, Illinois; Jersey County Courthouse (1893) in Jerseyville, Illinois; and DeWitt County Illinois Courthouse (1893) in Clinton, Illinois. The DeWitt County Courthouse was demolished in 1987.

The East Ward School, built between 1861 and 1866, was designed by Architect John M. Van Osdel, who also designed the Palmer House in Chicago, as well as the Governor's Mansion in Springfield. John Houston of Griggsville built the school for the contract price of $35,000, which was financed by bonding. The building is stone (boated from Joliet on the Illinois river) and brick burned in Pittsfield. Both the grade school and high school were located in this building. At the completion of the East School in 1866, it was one of the finest and largest buildings of its kind in the state and "fulfilled the requirements of a modern school plant." Original blackboards were simply black paint on the plastered walls. Generally, they were completely around the room, including between the windows. The original building was heated by hot air piped from furnaces in the basement. There were no inside toilet facilities, but there were outside "privies" located east of the building next to the street. Presently, restrooms are in the basement, through the side doors near the front. Its large clock and bell were donated by Colonel Ross and mounted in the tower. The Clock Tower is one of the few tower clocks in its original state left in the United States. The school closed in 1955 and was unoccupied until 1978 when it was renovated and became the home of the Pike County Historical Society and the Pike County Historic Museum.

The William Watson hotel was built in 1838, and called Mansion House, by William Watson, who was the first settler of Pittsfield. The original hotel is said to have been a frequent stop for Abraham Lincoln and many of his contemporaries.

Geography
Pittsfield is on U.S. Route 54 between the Mississippi River approximately eight miles to the southwest and the Illinois River approximately eight miles to the east. Bay Creek flows past just north and east of the city.

According to the 2010 census, Pittsfield has a total area of 4.968 sqmi, of which 4.58 sqmi (or 92.19%) is land and 0.388 sqmi (or 7.81%) is water.

Pittsfield's drinking water supply is provided by Lake Pittsfield, an artificial reservoir held in by an earth and concrete dam. The 200 acre lake is located within a 680 acre park that has become a prime recreational area offering boating, fishing, RV and primitive camping, hiking, disc golf, and other outdoor activities.

Pittsfield, along with the bulk of Pike County, is located in the land between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers as they move toward convergence in St. Louis. The land is riddled with streams and bottom lands mostly draining through the McGee Creek drainage basin into the Illinois River. Thus, the land around Pittsfield and Pike County is much more hilly and forested than the rest of the plains of central Illinois. This geography, combined with a relative lack of heavy development, make the areas around Pittsfield particularly suited to wildlife. Pittsfield regularly attracts large numbers of out-of-state game hunters, and Pike county consistently leads all other Illinois counties in the number of deer harvested during fall hunting seasons.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,211 people, 1,805 households, and 1,126 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,178.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,985 housing units at an average density of 555.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.43% White, 0.21% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.62% of the population.

There were 1,805 households, out of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.3% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 25.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,129, and the median income for a family was $42,000. Males had a median income of $26,989 versus $18,255 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,628. About 7.9% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * George E. Abbott, Wyoming politician
 * Ryan Carnes, actor
 * Charles Russell Davis, US congressman from Minnesota
 * Woodbridge N. Ferris, 28th governor of Michigan
 * Craig J. Findley, Illinois state representative
 * James E. Flynn, Civil War recipient of the Medal of Honor
 * Jamie Gilson, author of children's books
 * John Hay, statesman, diplomat, journalist, and private secretary, to Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of State under William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt
 * Russell W. Keeney, US congressman
 * Asa C. Matthews, Illinois state representative
 * John George Nicolay, associate of Abraham Lincoln, diplomat, editor of Pittsfield newspaper
 * Terry R. Parke, Illinois state representative
 * Timothy D. Rose Actor, best known for playing Admiral Ackbar in  Star Wars
 * Sid Simpson, US congressman
 * Scott Wike, US congressman
 * William E. Williams, US congressman

title: Pittsfield, Illinois