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Knoxville, Illinois

Knoxville is a city in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,911 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Description
Knoxville is located just southeast of the City of Galesburg. There is a public square in the center of town with several historic buildings surrounding it including Knox County's first courthouse, city hall, the Ball log cabin, the town gallows, and several other important buildings. The Knox County Fairgrounds is just north of Knoxville on Henderson Road. Knoxville is served with two exits on Interstate 74, at U.S. Highway 150 east of town and at Henderson Road north of town. U.S. Highway 150 runs east and west through Knoxville and serves as the main business thoroughfare. Illinois Route 97 and Knox County Highway 8 also enter the city. The Knoxville Cemetery lies in the northern part of town on Market Street. The Knox County Nursing Home is located in the city. There is a grade school in Knoxville, as well as a Junior High and a High School (KHS). Among the "attractions" in Knoxville are the historic buildings, Walnut Grove Farm and Rattle Toes exhibit, the Knox County Fair held in August, and the annual Knox County Scenic Drive held in October.

History
Knoxville was established on January 15, 1831, and called Henderson until its name was changed to Knoxville on December 22, 1832 when it became the county seat. It was one of the first 10 municipalities incorporated in the state and is the oldest town in Knox County. James Knox was a notable early resident.

Knoxville was the county seat until 1873, when the county seat was moved to Galesburg. The first Knox County Courthouse, completed in 1839, and second Knox County jail, completed in 1845, still stand in Knoxville and are registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The two buildings and Knoxville's first general store, the Sanburn Log Cabin, built in 1832, have been restored and are open to the public. The county's Hall of Records, built in 1854, is used as Knoxville's City Hall.

The log cabin of John G. Sanburn was not discovered until decades after his death, when it was nearly destroyed. In 1832, Sanburn settled in Knoxville to open the first shop, which also served as the first post office. He was the first county clerk, circuit clerk, Indian master, and probate judge, as well as shopkeeper and postmaster. Years later, as the house built around Sanburn's cabin was being demolished, a nosey neighbor spied the underlying log structure and alerted the authorities. At that time the owner of the property, Bernice LaFollette, donated the cabin to the city as a museum.

Typical log cabins like Sanburn's measured about 14' x 14' wide and 7'-8' high with 9" walnut lincoln logs, wooden door hinges, and clapboard shingles. The entire area of Sanburn's cabin and general store served as a kitchen while encased in Johnson's home. A restoration in 1964 insured proper security and insulation that Sanburn did not enjoy in the 1830s, including glass windows and cement sealant to replace clay and hay between logs.

The cabin contains general store memorabilia for display and a picture of an 1852 penny discovered in the foundation when the house was moved from the south to the north side of the square for restoration. The John G Sanburn Log Cabin is maintained by the Knox County Historic Sites. It is open for public view during the first two weekends in October for the Knox County Scenic Drive and from 2-4 p.m. Sundays, May–September.

In 1868, St. Mary's School opened on the site where the Ewing Female University had previously been located.

The Old Knox County Jail was the location of the only legal hanging in Knox County when John Osborne was hanged March 14, 1873, for the murder and sodomy of Adelia M. Mathews, Yates City.

Abraham Lincoln stayed in Knoxville on his way to his debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Knox College in 1858. The hotel that he spent the night in was demolished but a plaque on the building currently at the site commemorates the occasion.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Knoxville has a total area of 2.32 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,183 people, 1,210 households, and 878 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,448.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,260 housing units at an average density of 573.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.59% White, 0.35% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.13% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.57% of the population. There were 1,210 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 24.4% 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 2.45 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 22.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,438, and the median income for a family was $49,688. Males had a median income of $31,442 versus $23,939 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,643. About 1.9% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and 0.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Robert H. "Three-Inch" Birch, a member of the "Banditti of the Prairie," accomplice in the 1845 torture-murder of Colonel George Davenport
 * Charles C. Craig, jurist and politician
 * Justina Ford, physician
 * Armando Ghitalla, trumpet player with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops
 * Justin Hartley, actor known for roles on Passions, Smallville, and This Is Us
 * James Knox, congressman
 * Charles Wesley Leffingwell Episcopal priest, writer, and educator
 * Ernest de Koven Leffingwell, explorer
 * John E. Raker, politician
 * James Knox Taylor, architect
 * Charles R. Walgreen, founder of Walgreens
 * Matt Wilson, world renowned jazz drummer
 * Polly Wolfe, Major League Baseball outfielder

title: Knoxville, Illinois


text:
Maquon, Illinois

Maquon is a village in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 218 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Maquon is located in southern Knox County. Illinois Route 97 passes through the center of the village, leading northwest 16 mi to Galesburg, the county seat, and southeast 1.5 mi to Illinois Route 8.

According to the 2010 census, Maquon has a total area of 0.16 sqmi, all land. The village sits on a low bluff 1 mi north and west of the Spoon River.

Etymology
According to the 1976 book, "History of Maquon and Vicinity" by Ruth Simkins Swearingen, the name derives from the Potawatomi word "Amaquonsippi", literally meaning "mussel river", i.e. "spoon-shaped-shell river", which was simplified to "Maquon", i.e. "spoon".

History
Oral reports by residents referred to a nineteenth century battle between the Potawatomi and "white settlers" at Haw Creek Township, northeast from the center of Maquon. The Potawatomi were forced away from Maquon.

Demographics
At the 2010 census there were 284 people, 139 households, and 82 families in the village. The population density was 1,971.4 PD/sqmi. There were 146 housing units at an average density of 905.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.43% White, 0.63% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.14%.

Of the 139 households 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 38.1% of households were one person and 19.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.93.

The age distribution was 26.4% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.0 males.

The median household income was $32,917 and the median family income was $36,563. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $22,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,199. About 5.1% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2022, Maquon had a population of 202, the median age was 45.5. The per capita income was $25,293. The median household income was $55,250.

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

title: Maquon, Illinois


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Oneida, Illinois

Oneida is a city in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 700 at the 2010 census, down from 750 in 2000. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

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

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 752 people, 303 households, and 226 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,035.9 PD/sqmi. There were 308 housing units at an average density of 424.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.27% White, 0.00% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.66% from other races, and 0.27% from two or more races. 1.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 303 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% 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 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.1% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,712, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $31,974 versus $17,969 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,991. 5.3% of the population and 4.8% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 10.5% of those under the age of 18 and 2.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Notable people

 * A. T. McMaster, Illinois legislator and farmer, was born in Oneida.
 * Kid Mohler, second baseman for the Washington Senators, was born in Oneida.
 * Donald L. Moffitt, member of the Illinois House of Representatives, served as mayor of Oneida from 1972 to 1975.

title: Oneida, Illinois


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Rio, Illinois

Rio is a village in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 220 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Rio is pronounced "Rye-Oh".

Geography
Rio is in the northwest corner of Knox County, 13 mi north of Galesburg, the county seat. The village, like its other rural neighbors, has rich soil ideal for farming corn and soybeans. A few very small creeks run through its outskirts. None of them are formally named. There are a few small hills that coast under the streets of the village, and there are a few sizable dropoffs throughout the land that almost look like shallow or gradual cliffs as some of the local agricultural fields are rolling and steep. The land drains to North Henderson Creek, a west-flowing stream which runs via Henderson Creek to the Mississippi River near Oquawka.

According to the 2010 census, Rio has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 240 people, 94 households, and 72 families residing in the village. The population density was 737.6 PD/sqmi. There were 101 housing units at an average density of 310.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.58% White, 0.42% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 94 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.2% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,750, and the median income for a family was $40,750. Males had a median income of $35,625 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,181. None of the families and 2.0% of the population were living below the poverty line.

Education
ROWVA School District #208 is made up of five major towns: Rio, Oneida, Wataga, Victoria, and Altona. PreK-2nd graders go to ROWVA Central in Oneida, 3rd and 4th graders attend ROWVA West in Wataga, and 5th and 6th graders go to ROWVA East in Altona. The junior high is located in Oneida and is made up of 7th and 8th graders. The high school made up of 9th-12th graders and is also located in Oneida. ROWVA Central, ROWVA Jr. High, and ROWVA High School are all in one basic building, just different sections. ROWVA's school colors are black, gold, and white, with their mascot being a tiger. The school is ending a five-year-long football co-op with AlWood at the end of the 2009 football season, in which they are the A&R Bulldogs (black, silver, and white.) Starting in the 2009 fall season, ROWVA is also part of a sports co-op with Galva where they are the Mid-County Cougars (black, blue, and white.) ROWVA is a part of the Mid-County co-op for golf, cross country, junior high football, and will be adding high school football starting in the 2010 football season.

Rio was previously home to its own elementary school, which most humbly stands in the center of town; near the corner of Grande Avenue and North Main Street. It was opened in 1922. Due to its devastating energy costs, and lack of efficient output of students(36 students at date of closing for grades 1–6), coupled with other reasons, it was shut down for good in 2004. The building was purchased by Mike Gillette, who agreed to let local children utilize the modest and rusty playground equipment (which has since been removed) as a makeshift park. It has not been transformed into any business, and virtually no architectural or exterior changes have been made to it.

The village of Rio owns a baseball diamond and the land plot to its west and have turned it into a park with a public pavilion and concession stand for ballgames as well as a large playground structure that was paid for by the village and constructed during a community build day in July 2012.

title: Rio, Illinois


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St. Augustine, Illinois

St. Augustine or Saint Augustine is a village in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 120 at the 2010 census, down from 152 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
St. Augustine is located in the southwest corner of Knox County. The southern boundary of the village follows the Fulton county line. Illinois Route 41 passes through the center of the village, leading north 6 mi to Abingdon and 17 mi to Galesburg, the county seat. To the south IL 41 leads 14 mi to Bushnell. Illinois Route 116 follows the northern border of the village, leading east 8 mi to London Mills and west 13 mi to Roseville.

According to the 2010 census, St. Augustine has a total area of 0.63 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 152 people, 68 households, and 43 families residing in the village. The population density was 247.2 PD/sqmi. There were 73 housing units at an average density of 118.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 68 households, out of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 18.4% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 25.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $34,375, and the median income for a family was $35,357. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $20,313 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,549. About 4.3% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen or sixty five or over.

title: St. Augustine, Illinois


text:
Victoria, Illinois

Victoria is a village in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 316 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Victoria is located in northeastern Knox Count 17 mi northeast of Galesburg, the county seat. Illinois Route 167 runs east–west through the center of the village.

According to the 2010 census, Victoria has a total area of 0.66 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 323 people, 117 households, and 87 families residing in the village. The population density was 486.9 PD/sqmi. There were 133 housing units at an average density of 200.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.07% White, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31% of the population.

There were 117 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 22.2% 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 2.76 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,000, and the median income for a family was $32,083. Males had a median income of $28,281 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,446. About 3.4% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.7% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
ROWVA School District #208 is made up of five major towns: Rio, Oneida, Wataga, Victoria, and Altona. PreK-12th grade go to ROWVA in Oneida. ROWVA Central, ROWVA Jr. High, and ROWVA High School are all in one basic building, just different sections. ROWVA's school colors are black, gold, and white, with their mascot being a tiger. Rowva and Williamsfield co-op basketball (maroon and gold.) Since 2009 fall season, ROWVA has also been part of a sports co-op with Galva and Williamsfield where they are the Mid-County Cougars (black, blue, and white.) ROWVA is a part of the Mid-County co-op for golf, cross country, and football.

Notable people

 * Bob Swisher, running back for Northwestern and the Chicago Bears

title: Victoria, Illinois


text:
Wataga, Illinois

Wataga is a village in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 843 at the 2010 census, down from 857 in 2000. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Wataga has a total area of 0.86 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 857 people, 336 households, and 256 families residing in the village. The population density was 989.5 PD/sqmi. There were 370 housing units at an average density of 427.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.13% White, 0.35% African American, 0.12% Asian, 0.12% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.28% of the population.

There were 336 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 15.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.4% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $39,205, and the median income for a family was $41,786. Males had a median income of $35,114 versus $20,700 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,553. About 8.8% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Wataga, Illinois


text:
Williamsfield, Illinois

Williamsfield is a village in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 578 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
E.B. Purcell laid out the village in 1888, and a post office was established. The village was reportedly named for a Santa Fe Railroad contractor named Williams.

Geography
Williamsfield is located in eastern Knox County 21 mi east of Galesburg, the county seat. Illinois Route 180 runs through the east side of the village, leading north 18 mi to Galva and south 1.5 mi to U.S. Route 150.

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

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 620 people, 238 households, and 162 families residing in the village. The population density was 487.9 PD/sqmi. There were 255 housing units at an average density of 200.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.68% White, and 0.32% from two or more races.

There were 238 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% 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 3.20.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,854, and the median income for a family was $46,875. Males had a median income of $32,045 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,941. About 4.3% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

There are two churches in Williamsfield. One is Roman Catholic and the other is United Methodist.

title: Williamsfield, Illinois


text:
Yates City, Illinois

Yates City is a village in Knox County, Illinois, United States. The population was 642 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Yates City was named after Yates County, New York.

Clinton L. Ewing (1879–1953), Illinois state legislator, businessman, and farmer; was born in Yates City.

Owen B. West (1869–1948), Illinois state legislator, businessman and farmer; served as mayor of Yates City.

Notable Athlete
Bradley Wrage, a Yates City native, went on to place 4th place in the 2012 State Farm MVC Outdoor Track & Field Championships clocking in at 9:14.31. Yates City hosted a celebration for Bradley's feat with a 1.5 Mile parade of Tractors.

Geography
Yates City is in southeastern Knox County. Illinois Route 8 passes through the center of the village, leading east 2.5 mi to Elmwood and west 7 mi to Illinois Route 97 near Maquon. Galesburg, the Knox county seat, is 25 mi northwest of Yates City.

According to the 2010 census, Yates City has a total area of 0.52 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 725 people, 299 households, and 209 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,235.2 PD/sqmi. There were 322 housing units at an average density of 548.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.90% White, 0.41% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.28% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races.

There were 299 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.2% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% 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 2.95.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,344, and the median income for a family was $42,679. Males had a median income of $33,625 versus $20,956 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,036. About 6.0% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Yates City, Illinois


text:
Cedar Point, Illinois

Cedar Point is a village in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 266 at the 2020 census, down from 277 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. North of town was the Cedar Point Mine, which operated from 1906 to 1924.

History
The LaSalle Carbon Coal Company sunk the Number 5 Mine in 1906. The village was incorporated in 1922. The mine closed in 1924.

Geography
Cedar Point is located at 41.26511°N, -89.12602°W.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Cedar Point has a total area of 1.02 sqmi, of which 1.02 sqmi (or 100.00%) is land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 266 people, 100 households, and 49 families residing in the village. The population density was 260.53 PD/sqmi. There were 127 housing units at an average density of 124.39 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 88.72% White, 1.13% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, and 8.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.89% of the population.

There were 100 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.00% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.00% were non-families. 45.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 2.12.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.3% under the age of 18, 11.3% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 122.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,250, and the median income for a family was $68,125. Males had a median income of $52,250 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,851. About 12.2% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 20.4% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
While there is no fixed-route transit service in Cedar Point, intercity bus service is provided by Burlington Trailways in nearby Peru.

title: Cedar Point, Illinois


text:
Dana, Illinois

Dana is a village in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the village had a total population of 159, down from 171 in 2000. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area, as well as a part of the geographic region known as Streatorland.

History
Dana was originally called Martin. The present name is for Thomas Dana, a railroad official. A post office has been in operation at Dana since 1873.

Geography
Dana is located at 40.95639°N, -88.95°W (40.9564860, -88.9500470).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Dana has a total area of 0.22 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 162 people, 40 households, and 25 families residing in the village. The population density was 736.36 PD/sqmi. There were 64 housing units at an average density of 290.91 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.98% White, 1.23% from other races, and 6.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.23% of the population.

There were 40 households, out of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.00% were married couples living together, 12.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.50% were non-families. 30.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.16 and the average family size was 2.48.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.3% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,500, and the median income for a family was $56,250. Males had a median income of $46,250 versus $14,286 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,816. About 8.0% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Dana, Illinois


text:
Earlville, Illinois

Earlville is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,613 at the 2020 census, down from 1,701 at the 2010 census. The city is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The Earlville Post Office has been in operation since 1844. The city was named after Earlville, New York, the former hometown of an early settler.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Earlville has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,613 people, 886 households, and 542 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,343.05 PD/sqmi. There were 743 housing units at an average density of 618.65 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.82% White, 0.37% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 3.29% from other races, and 4.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.25% of the population.

There were 886 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.21% were married couples living together, 10.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.83% were non-families. 32.84% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.47% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 2.32.

The city's age distribution consisted of 23.2% under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $52,768, and the median income for a family was $70,603. Males had a median income of $40,804 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,334. About 5.5% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

Earlville has a modern library, a K-12 school system, a bank, an ambulance and fire station, a weekly newspaper, a drive-in movie theater, and a number of local businesses. The area surrounding Earlville is strongly agricultural. Earlville lacks major shopping centers and industries.

Many of the inhabitants of Earlville work at blue-collar jobs. Earlville's population has declined somewhat over the past two decades. Several planned residential developments of moderate size were derailed by the nationwide housing crash that began in 2008.

Education
Earlville Community Unit School District #9 (CUSD #9) occupies a campus of school buildings on Union Street, a main thoroughfare and former route of US 34. The school has undergone many changes over the last several years, including the recent implementation of a new air conditioning system and re-doing of one of the gyms for the 2021-2022 school year. The campus includes Earlville Grade School, Earlville Junior High, and Earlville High School. The administrative offices are within buildings on the site, which the Elementary, Junior High, and High School share. On the site is also a cafeteria, 2 gymnasiums, and library. The school Mascot is a Raider, stylized as a Pirate, with the school colors of Red and White. The School is a part of the Little Ten Conference, which includes Earlville, Serena, Newark, Indian Creek (Shabbona/Waterman), DePue, Leland, Somonauk, LaMoille, Kirkland Hiawatha, Hinckley Big Rock, and most recently IMSA. Earlville and Leland merged athletic programs in 2006, but separated again in 2018 after failing to come to an agreement regarding the co-op.

Notable people

 * Steve Behel, MLB player for the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets
 * Herbert O. Crisler, head football coach and athletic director at University of Michigan
 * Frank Haven Hall, inventor of the Hall Braille Writer
 * Bessie S. McColgin, Oklahoma state representative
 * John J. Myers, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Newark, N.J
 * Gary K. Wolf, author of the novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, which became the Movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit

title: Earlville, Illinois


text:
Grand Ridge, Illinois

Grand Ridge is a village in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 515 at the 2020 census, down from 560 in 2010. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
In 1860, Judge John T. and Phebe J. (Finley) Porter moved to Illinois with their son Ebenezer F.(b. 1859 at New Salem, Fayette County, Pennsylvania), and located near Grand Ridge, LaSalle County, where they lived on a farm until 1872. Porter was at first a farmer, and afterward a lumberman and grain dealer. In 1872, he moved into the town of Grand Ridge, and built and operated two grain elevators. In 1882, he moved to Florida and engaged in the lumber business. He founded the town of Grand Ridge, Florida, naming it in honor of his old Illinois home.

In 1868, Nelson Jones (b. May 24, 1819, in Ross County, Ohio) bought two houses, two lots and a shop valued at $800; he was the first blacksmith in Grand Ridge Village. In 1870, the Fox River Division of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad was completed and put in operation. The first business house was built by E. Core the same year.

There are contradicting accounts of the Presbyterian establishment. According to Church Archives of Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in the spring of 1870, Robert Morgan (born August 18, 1838), son of Caleb and Nancy Antram, and Sarah Woodward moved to Grand Ridge, LaSalle County, Illinois with 4-year-old son Caleb Ewing Antram (born February 12, 1865) after their daughter Laura died in March 1868 at just 6 years old. William, Nellie, Mary E., Joseph W., Lewis W. and Ethel May were all born to the couple while living on the Antram homestead from 1869 to 1912.

In 1871, Cumberland Presbyterian was organized in Grand Ridge, Illinois, where Robert M. Antram was an elder ever since. From 1886 to 1891, it was known as Hudson Church. Membership numbered 145 in 1890 and church structure was erected that year. In 1891, the name changed to Grand Ridge by action of Mackinaw Presbytery. R. M. Antram was Clerk of the Session and Post Office until 1907, when the organization became defunct and did not participate in reunion with Presbyterian Church USA.

Another account holds that the Presbyterian church in Grand Ridge was organized June 17, 1865, in the Van Doren school house, by a committee from the Peoria Presbytery, consisting of the Rev. Robert Johnson and Rev. John Marquis. The original members were Wm. McMillan, Jane B. McMillan, Araminta Poundstone, Joseph Boyd, Elvira Boyd, J. T. Van Doren, Sarah C. Van Doren, James H. Boyd and Isabella Boyd. Other founding Families were Sutton, Farnham and Long. The house of worship was erected in 1864, at an expense of $1,800, and soon after, a parsonage, costing $800. The first pastor was Rev. John Moore, who remained some time.

In 1874, the owners of the land on either side of the road, David Crumrine and Joseph Boyd laid off a part of their respective lands adjoining the track, in town lots, after which building was commended on a more extended scale and now it is a very handsome farm village, and is a point from which large amount of grain and product finds its way to market. In the latter part of 1876, Porter sold his elevator to F. McIlvaine. E. Cole conducts another elevator, and it is estimated that in 1877 at least 1,200 car loads of grain we shipped annually. In 1871, F. H. Poundstone erected the second business house. In June 1873, Garrison & Hornick opened a first class dry goods, notion and grocery house, meeting with lucrative return. In 1877, it was estimated that aggregate business of Grand Ridge Village would amount to $75,000 annually. In 1877, there were nine business houses, two physicians and a proportionate number of mechanics in Grand Ridge.

In 1875, The Victor Lodge, No. 578, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) was instituted on June 11 and met every Saturday evening through at least 1877.

In 1903, the First National Bank of Grand Ridge was organized by Thomas Dean Catlin, banker and capitalist residing in Ottawa, Illinois (born in Clinton, New York, on March 12, 1838, son of Marcus and Philena Hunt (Dean) Catlin.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Grand Ridge has a total area of 0.46 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 515 people, 252 households, and 187 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,114.72 PD/sqmi. There were 224 housing units at an average density of 484.85 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.79% White, 0.19% Asian, and 6.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.18% of the population.

There were 252 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.37% were married couples living together, 18.65% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.79% were non-families. 23.81% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.48% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 2.58.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.7% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $58,056, and the median income for a family was $71,750. Males had a median income of $41,964 versus $24,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,429. About 2.1% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Grand Ridge Grade School
Grand Ridge Grade School is governed by Superintendent Ted Sanders and Principal Terry Ahearn. The school's mascot is a Mohawk Indian. School colors are maroon, gold, and white. The 7th grade girls basketball team was 4th in state out of 88 teams in the 2007 season. The academic team took second place at the regional tournament in the 2008 season.

Notable people

 * Scotty Bowers, Hollywood pimp
 * Joseph Robert Buckley, Podcaster
 * Bill Essick, pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds
 * John Huston Finley, Editor in Chief of The New York Times and Commissioner of Education of the State of New York

title: Grand Ridge, Illinois


text:
Kangley, Illinois

Kangley is a village in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 235 at the 2020 census, down from 251 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. It is a part of the geographic region known as Streatorland.

Geography
Kangley occupies a bluff on the west side of the Vermilion River, which flows northwest to the Illinois River at LaSalle. It is 3 mi northwest of the city of Streator.

According to the 2010 census, Kangley has a total area of 0.26 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 235 people, 120 households, and 79 families residing in the village. The population density was 900.38 PD/sqmi. There were 106 housing units at an average density of 406.13 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.06% White, 1.70% African American, 0.43% Asian, 2.98% from other races, and 3.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.38% of the population.

There were 120 households, out of which 15.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.00% were married couples living together, 12.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.17% were non-families. 25.83% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.17% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.03.

The village's age distribution consisted of 12.7% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 12.2% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 36.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $52,857, and the median income for a family was $68,750. Males had a median income of $41,250 versus $27,292 for females. The per capita income for the village was $30,513. About 16.5% of families and 21.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 51.7% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Kangley, Illinois


text:
LaSalle, Illinois

LaSalle or La Salle is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States, located at the intersection of Interstates 39 and 80. It is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. Originally platted in 1837 over 1 sqmi, the city's boundaries have grown to 12 sqmi. City boundaries extend from the Illinois River and Illinois and Michigan Canal to a mile north of Interstate 80 and from the city of Peru on the west to the village of North Utica on the east. Starved Rock State Park is located approximately 5 mi to the east. The population was 9,582 as of the 2020 census, down from 9,609 at the 2010 census. LaSalle and its twin city, Peru, make up the core of the Illinois Valley. Due to their combined dominance of the zinc processing industry in the early 1900s, they were collectively nicknamed "Zinc City."

History
LaSalle was named in honor of the early French explorer Robert de LaSalle.

Canal port (1836–1933)
The Illinois and Michigan Canal was first thought up by French explorer Louis Joliet. Much later, when Illinois became a state, the idea of a canal connecting Lake Michigan to the Illinois River was supported by many, including Abraham Lincoln. The 96 miles long canal was finally constructed between 1836 and 1848. Upon its completion, Chicago became the eastern terminus and LaSalle became the western terminus. LaSalle boomed as a transshipment point from canal boats coming from Chicago to steamboats going to St. Louis and New Orleans. It became a place where Northern and Southern culture met.

It is difficult to imagine the level of frenzied activity that once took place at locks 14 and 15, where the canal boat basin and the steamboat basins were located. Steamboats from New Orleans unloaded molasses, sugar, coffee, and fresh oranges and lemons. Canal boats from Chicago brought lumber, stoves, wagons, and the latest clothing styles from the east. Local farmers hauled corn and wheat to be shipped to Chicago and points east. Passengers hustled to make connections to canal boats bound for Chicago or steamboats headed to St. Louis and beyond. Hotels and other services were available to travelers. Many stores grew catering to canal trade.

Today the story can be told at the La Salle Canal Boat, the Volunteer.

Zinc City (1858–1978)
By the mid 1850s, LaSalle had begun to exploit the coal that lay underneath much of the city. The LaSalle Coal Mining Company completed the first shaft in 1856 and many other companies soon followed. By 1884 there were six shafts in the area, the deepest 452 feet. The history of LaSalle would have been different were it not for the arrival of two immigrants in 1858. Frederick William Matthiessen met German born Edward C. Hegeler at a prestigious mining school, and after graduating in 1856, the two traveled together to the United States. In 1858, attracted by the abundance of coal, coupled with the excellent transportation links provided by the canal and the Illinois Central Railroad, they chose LaSalle as the site for an innovative zinc smelting plant, the first in the United States. Before the plant opened, nearly all of the zinc used in the United States was imported. Zinc is needed to make brass and was a common fire-proofing material. Most significantly, zinc was used to prevent corrosion of iron and steel. With the opening of the first steel production plant in Joliet in the early 1870s, zinc became an important part of the local industrial economy. In a decade the Matthiessen and Hegeler Zinc Works became the largest producer of zinc in the country, and one of the largest in the world.

The Matthiessens, Hegelers and their families were involved in developing the community. They helped found industries such as the LaSalle Machine and Tool Company and the Western Clock Co. that would later become Westclox. Mary Hegeler married Dr. Paul Carus, who founded the Open Court Publishing Company in 1887, whose mission was "establishing ethics and religion upon a scientific basis" and was a key figure in introducing Eastern thought to the United States, making LaSalle "Buddhism's Gateway to the West." Matthiessen was a philanthropist, who served as Mayor of LaSalle from 1886–1895. He gave thousands of dollars to help build the sewer system, the electric light plant and roads and bridges. As the first president of the LaSalle-Peru High School Board, he was a generous donor to the school. In 1914, Matthiessen established the Hygienic Institute to combat epidemics. A public benefactor, Matthiessen opened much of his estate, called Deer Park, to the public with the nominal entrance fee going to charity. In 1943, this property was named Matthiessen State Park in his honor. On the day of his funeral in February 1918, the entire community suspended all business between 11 and 12 o’clock.

Today, this story is told at the Hegeler-Carus Mansion.

Little Reno (1933–1953)
With the end of Prohibition in 1933, saloons no longer operated under the euphemism of "soft drink" vendors, and these and related gambling concerns flourished. Although illegal, gambling proliferated in LaSalle, supporting the abundant and related tobacco, liquor, food, and lodging businesses.

Travelers arrived by car or via the Rock Island Rocket from Chicago for a Saturday night's revelry in such numbers that the streets of LaSalle are said to have been standing-room only. There was wall to wall entertainment along First Street, at the heart of which was the Kelly and Cawley liquor and gambling house. LaSalle became known as "Little Reno" and boasted dozens of clubs. With between 60 and 80 saloons in LaSalle from 1940 to 1950 this continued to be the town's primary commercial enterprise. In 1953 a federal raid on Kelly and Cawley's ended the era.

Largest employers
The following businesses have more than 100 people staffed, making them the six largest in LaSalle:

 * J.C. Whitney 313
 * Carus Chemical 264
 * Illinois Veteran's Home 200
 * LaSalle-Peru Township High School 180
 * Illinois Cement Company 148
 * News-Tribune 101

Geography
LaSalle-Peru is at the center of a network of Illinois' largest cities, between Rockford, the Quad Cities, Peoria, Bloomington, and Aurora and Joliet at the edge of Chicagoland. They are at the crossroads of I-39 and I-80. It is located on a bluff above the Illinois River and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The scenic sandstone bluffs and rivers of the area make it a destination for hiking and adventure tourism. LaSalle is the closest large town to two of Illinois most popular parks: Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park (created from the estate of LaSalle industrialist Frederick William Matthiessen).

The development of a coal mining region fragmented this micropolitan area into many small towns. LaSalle and Peru make up the center of this community often referred to as the Illinois Valley. There is a dense halo of small towns surrounding the twin cities, most of them formed as mining and industrial suburbs. These towns span Bureau, Putnam, and LaSalle Counties and include former coal mining towns of Spring Valley, Oglesby, Cherry, Ladd, Dalzell, Seatonville, Hollowayville, Mark, Granville, Standard, and Cedar Point, the industrial river and canal towns of Utica, Hennepin, and DePue, as well as the agricultural towns of Tonica, Lostant, McNabb, Magnolia, Arlington, and Troy Grove. When looking at job interdependence, these communities form a single whole. The population of LaSalle-Peru and its suburbs is over 42,000. Due to the fragmentation of the community across municipal, township, and county borders, the true size of the community is rarely measured. LaSalle-Peru and its suburbs form the largest community (20,696 jobs) in the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area where they compete with Ottawa-Marseilles and its suburbs (19,095 jobs) and the smaller trade centers of Streator (8,224 jobs), Princeton (9,322 jobs), and Mendota (5,813 jobs). The trade area of LaSalle-Peru also extends into Marshall County and the eastern portion of Lee County. The Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area is the 9th Largest Statistical Area in Illinois.

Downtown LaSalle is the hub of the community. The principal shopping streets are First Street, Marquette Street, and Gooding Street. It is one of the largest employment centers in the area with over 1,400 jobs. Downtown LaSalle hosts approximately 248 active businesses These small Downtown businesses cumulatively represent approximately and $419 million in gross annual sales.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, LaSalle has a total area of 13.57 sqmi, of which 13.46 sqmi (or 99.15%) is land and 0.12 sqmi (or 0.85%) is water.

Entertainment and the Arts
La Salle is part of an extensive arts network including the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Stage 212 community theater. The Dance Center, Music Suite 408, and Maestro & Mi provide dance and music lessons to students of all ages. North Central Illinois ARTworks is a regional non-profit arts advocacy organization dedicated to supporting and expanding the arts community in the area; local visual artists often display their works in the gallery in the historic Westclox building. Matthiessen Auditorium at La Salle-Peru Township High School hosts many performing arts groups, including the LaSalle-Peru Township High School band, jazz band, choir, musical, and local junior high bands.

The Jazz in the Street festival has been held annually in mid-September since 2006. Most years, there have been appearances by locally popular bands, including the Illinois Valley Community College and Northern Illinois University jazz bands.

Tourism
Tourism in the area is driven by Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park & I&M Canal National Heritage Area. There are several museums in and near LaSalle:

 * I&M Canal National Heritage Area Visitor's Center & LaSalle Canal Boat, also called "Lock 16" (there are only 15 locks on the I&M Canal). In the Lock 14 basin, just south of downtown La Salle is the Volunteer, an 1880s replica Canal Boat. It provides a mule-pulled ride on the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal. The one-hour, round-trip journey traverses the hand-dug waterway that 19th-century pioneers traveled. The guides, dressed as Canal Era crew and passengers, provide a vignette of life on the American frontier and the Illinois prairie.
 * Hegeler-Carus Mansion. The mansion, built in 1874 for the Hegeler Family by W. W. Boyington, is a lavish Victorian-era home with 57 rooms, 10 fireplaces, the oldest private gymnasium in America and a dining room table seating 22 people. The mansion features intricate, hand-painted walls and ceilings, elaborate woodwork, century-old chandeliers, parquet floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, etched glass windows and other fine details.
 * Westclox Museum
 * LaSalle County Historical Society Museum
 * Starved Rock Visitor Center
 * Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
 * Wild Bill Hickok Memorial
 * Putnam County Pulsifer House & Ag Museum

Downtown LaSalle is a historic district with many historical structures and shops and boutiques catering to tourists.

LaSalle has several National Historical Structures: Hotel Kaskaskia, the Hegeler-Carus Mansion, the Julius W. Hegeler House, and the LaSalle City Building. LaSalle has a National Historic Landmark: the Hegeler Carus Mansion.

Sports
There is a strong Little League of nearly 30 baseball teams. The Illinois Valley Youth Football League folded in the mid 2000s, giving way to the LaSalle-Peru Youth Football League.

The city housed minor league baseball. In 1914, the LaSalle Blue Sox played as members of the Class D level Illinois–Missouri League They posted a 26–60 record.

Media
The area is home to three radio stations, WLPO, WAJK, and WLWF, all operating under Starved Rock Media.

For newspaper, the NewsTribune serves the area, as well as many Chicago newspapers.

Education
LaSalle-Peru Township High School serves 9th–12th graders. LaSalle Elementary School District 122 (made up of two schools: Lincoln Junior High and Northwest Elementary) offers education for grades PreK-8th, as well as Trinity Catholic Academy.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 9,582 people, 3,758 households, and 2,283 families residing in the city. The population density was 711.9 PD/sqmi. There were 4,483 housing units at an average density of 333.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 79.0% White, 2.7% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 6.1% from other races, and 10.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.0% of the population.

There were 3,758 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% 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 2.97.

The city's age distribution consisted of 21.5% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 40% from 15 to 44, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.6 years, and for every 100 females there were 101.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $53,208, and the median income for a family was $58,898. Males had a median income of $46,020 versus $33,108 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,428. About 12.2% of families and 16.7% of the population were living below the poverty line, including 26.9% of those under 18 and 11.7% of those 65 and older.

Transportation
The city is at the crossroads of Interstate 80 and Interstate 39. Illinois Route 351 separates the east and west of US Route 6. US Route 51 also runs through the city. The CSX New Rock Subdivision runs through town, with Iowa Interstate Railroad running via trackage rights. The Illinois Railway LaSalle Line also runs through town, crossing the CSX Line and continuing on to a sand pit that they service.

While there is no fixed-route transit service in LaSalle, intercity bus service is provided by Burlington Trailways in nearby Peru.

Points of interest

 * Hegeler Carus Mansion
 * LaSalle Canal Boat
 * LaSalle Speedway
 * Peru-LaSalle Station

Notable people

 * James T. Aubrey, Jr. (1918–1994), television and film executive, born in LaSalle
 * H. R. Baukhage (1889–1976), newsman, born in LaSalle
 * Heinie Berger (1882–1954), pitcher for the Cleveland Naps, born in LaSalle
 * Timothy Blackstone (1829–1900), executive, businessman, philanthropist, and politician, second mayor of LaSalle
 * Alexander Campbell (1814–1898), Illinois politician, first mayor of LaSalle
 * Paul Carus (1852‑1919), German-American editor and first managing editor of Open Court Publishing Company and first editor of The Monist, lived in the Hegeler Carus Mansion
 * Hal Cherne (1907–1983), offensive lineman for the Boston Redskins, born in LaSalle
 * Lynden Evans (1858–1926), U.S. Representative, born in LaSalle
 * John Fitzpatrick (1904–1990), coach for the Los Angeles Angels, born in LaSalle
 * Mike Goff, offensive guard for the Kansas City Chiefs; attended LaSalle-Peru High School
 * Edward C. Hegeler (1835–1910), German-American manufacturer and founder of Open Court Publishing Company and The Monist; built the Hegeler Carus Mansion
 * Thomas L. Kilbride, Illinois Supreme Court Justice, born in LaSalle
 * Rick Kolowski (born 1944), Nebraska state legislator
 * Harry Lachman (1886-1975), artist and film director, born in LaSalle
 * Albert C. Martin, Sr. (1879–1960), architect and engineer, born in LaSalle
 * Frederick William Matthiessen (1835–1918) philanthropist, industrialist, and former Mayor of LaSalle
 * Philip Godfrey Reinhard, federal judge, born in LaSalle
 * Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki (1870–1966), noted western author of Buddhist and Zen teachings, worked on writings and translations at the Hegeler Carus Mansion
 * Walt Tauscher (1901–1992), pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Senators, born in LaSalle
 * Luke Yaklich, head coach for the UIC Flames men's basketball team, attended LaSalle-Peru High School and formerly coached its basketball team

title: LaSalle, Illinois


text:
Leland, Illinois

Leland is a village in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 951 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
A post office called Leland has been in operation since 1857. The village was named for John Leland Adams, the Postmaster.

Geography
Leland is in northeastern LaSalle County, 10 mi southwest of Sandwich, 20 mi northeast of Mendota, and 20 miles north of Ottawa. It is located at 41.61596°N, -88.79831°W.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Leland has a total area of 0.53 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 951 people, 405 households, and 267 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,780.90 PD/sqmi. There were 391 housing units at an average density of 732.21 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.59% White, 0.11% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 3.15% from other races, and 6.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.99% of the population.

There were 405 households, out of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.64% were married couples living together, 11.11% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.07% were non-families. 29.38% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.38% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 2.30.

The village's age distribution consisted of 22.7% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 28% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,197, and the median income for a family was $69,083. Males had a median income of $56,250 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,783. About 4.9% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.3% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Betty J. Hoxsey, farmer and politician, was born in Leland.
 * Manley L. Fosseen, lawyer and politician, was born in Leland.

title: Leland, Illinois


text:
Leonore, Illinois

Leonore is a village in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 121 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Leonore was originally established as Gary in the late 1880s to serve as a station on the Illinois Valley & Northern Railroad. In 1889, the name of the station was changed as there was already a post office named Gary. Leonore was deemed the favorite of the suggested names. Leonore was incorporated as a village on April 20, 1891; this was certified on June 15, 1891.

Leonore is known locally as the site of a bank robbery.

Geography
Leonore is located in southern LaSalle County 15 mi southwest of Ottawa, the county seat, and 15 miles southeast of LaSalle.

According to the 2010 census, Leonore has a total area of 0.09 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2020, there were 121 people, 64 households, and 29 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,359.6 PD/sqmi. There were 59 housing units at an average density of 662.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.6% White, 1.6% from other races, and 5.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.03% of the population.

There were 64 households, out of which 14.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, and 64.8% were non-families. 54.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 39.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.11 and the average family size was 3.45.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 17.0% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 16.5% from 25 to 44, 34.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $68,428, and the median income for a family was $145,288. Males had a median income of $70,625 versus $21,923 for females. The per capita income for the village was $31,701. There were no families and 11.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 39.4% of those over 65.

title: Leonore, Illinois


text:
Lostant, Illinois

Lostant is a village in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 423 at the 2020 census, down from 498 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
A post office has been in operation at Lostant since 1861. The village was named for Lostant Mercier, the wife of French diplomat Henri Mercier. Horatio N. Boshell (1872–1933), Illinois state representative and physician, was born in Lostant.

Geography
Lostant is located in southwestern LaSalle County at 41.14222°N, -89.06139°W (41.142127, -89.061384). The village limits extend south to the Marshall County line.

Illinois Route 251 runs through the western side of the village, leading north 5 mi to Tonica and south 7 mi to Wenona. Illinois Route 18 passes through the southern extension of Lostant; it leads east 12 mi to Streator and west 16 mi to Henry. Interstate 39 runs along the southwestern edge of the village, with access from Exit 41 (IL 18). I-39 leads north 15 mi to LaSalle and south 44 mi to Normal.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Lostant has a total area of 1.13 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 423 people, 184 households, and 114 families residing in the village. The population density was 374.34 PD/sqmi. There were 208 housing units at an average density of 184.07 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.04% White, 0.24% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.24% Pacific Islander, 1.18% from other races, and 2.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.55% of the population.

There were 184 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.11% were married couples living together, 10.87% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.04% were non-families. 22.83% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.59% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.09 and the average family size was 2.52.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.7% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $64,643, and the median income for a family was $77,778. Males had a median income of $45,500 versus $30,313 for females. The per capita income for the village was $32,931. About 1.8% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

School

 * Lostant Elementary Grade School

title: Lostant, Illinois


text:
Marseilles, Illinois

Marseilles is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. An Illinois River town, the population was 4,845 at the 2020 census, down from 5,094 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Lovell Kimball arrived at the area along the Illinois River known as the Grand Rapids in 1833 from Watertown, New York. Kimball, aware that the Illinois-Michigan Canal Bill had passed and the canal would eventually reach the rapids, hired a surveyor to lay out a town. Kimball called the town Marseilles in reference to the French city of Marseille as he hoped it would become a similar industrial center in Illinois. Marseilles, pronounced the same as the French city, was officially platted on June 3, 1835; the plat was revised twice for railroad and canal right-of-ways.

Nabisco Building
In 1921 the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) built an eight-story corrugated cardboard box production plant in Marseilles, the largest industrial building in the state (outside of Chicago) at the time, and the first air-conditioned factory in the Midwest. Nabisco was a major employer in the area but ceased production at the plant in 2002.

Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
In 2004 the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial was dedicated to the service men and women who gave their lives fighting in US wars anywhere in the Middle East. The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial is the first US memorial to servicemen dedicated while an actual war was ongoing. Currently, the earliest names on the wall are from 1967 commemorating the deaths during the USS Liberty incident.

Andrew Bacevich, American historian, felt that all presidential candidates should visit Marseilles, commenting that "Just as there are all-but-mandatory venues in Iowa and New Hampshire where candidates are expected to appear, why not make Marseilles, Illinois, one as well. Let all of the candidates competing to oust Donald Trump from the White House (their ranks now approaching two dozen) schedule at least one campaign stop at the Middle East Conflicts Wall, press entourage suitably in tow." Andrew Bacevich lost his son in Iraq, his son's name is included in the monument.

Museums
In 2016, Marseilles resident Seattle Sutton founded a community museum, located in the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad building. Its collection includes historical items from the Nabisco factory, other Marseilles businesses, and archived recordings of Marseilles war veterans.

Geography
Marseilles is located at 41.32778°N, -88.70111°W (41.327795, −88.701121). The city is at the head of a rapids in the Illinois River historically known as "the Grand Rapids" or the "Rapids of Maninumba".

According to the 2010 census, Marseilles has a total area of 9.206 sqmi, of which 8.72 sqmi (or 94.72%) is land and 0.486 sqmi (or 5.28%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 4,845 people, 1,937 households, and 1,327 families residing in the city. The population density was 533.6 PD/sqmi. There were 2,273 housing units at an average density of 237.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.3% White, 0.8% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 3.0% from other races, and 7.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.2% of the population.

There were 1,937 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.90

The city's age distribution consisted of 25.5% under the age of 18, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.8 years, and for every 100 females there were 98.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,835, and the median income for a family was $69,537. The per capita income was $26,182. 16.0% of families and 20.3% of individuals were below the poverty line, including 32.1% of those under 18 and 7.3% of those over 65.

title: Marseilles, Illinois


text:
Mendota, Illinois

Mendota is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States, in the state's north-central region. The population was 7,061 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. Mendota is located approximately 85 miles west of Chicago, 70 miles east of Moline and 55 miles south of Rockford. The current mayor is David W. Boelk, an independent elected to a four-year term.

The name "Mendota" is derived from a Lakota word meaning "junction of two trails", which was found appropriate for the city since there was a nearby railroad junction for the Illinois Central Railroad and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

History
In summer of 1853, the Illinois Central Railroad was completed and by the fall of that year, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad completed a crossing at the present site of Mendota. By the following year, the population had grown to more than 1,000 and the town was home to saloons, hotels, and various shops. The town was incorporated as a village in 1855 and reincorporated as a town in 1859. By 1860, the town was also home to churches of 5 denominations.

With the availability of the railroads to facilitate export, several manufactures of items ranging from organs to cigars and buttons opened factories in Mendota. By the end of the American Civil War, the population of the town had more than doubled to over 2,000. By winter of 1866, citizens voted on a referendum to secure a city government. Mendota was incorporated into its current city government on April 9, 1867.

A library was opened on September 8, 1874, with 1700 books secured by donation. It was acquired by the city government in 1894. The original building was replaced in 1905 by a new Carnegie Library.

A new Union station was opened on February 23, 1888, to replace the original depot which had burned down in 1885. The new building contained a hotel, restaurants, and separate waiting areas for passengers and railroad staff. Because of falling revenue and ridership, much of the station was torn down in 1942. The current Mendota station is the only remaining portion of the original structure.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Mendota has a total area of 5.096 sqmi, of which 5 sqmi (or 98.12%) is land and 0.096 sqmi (or 1.88%) is water.

Mendota Creek, a south flowing tributary of the Little Vermilion River, flows through downtown Mendota from its headwaters in the agricultural fields northwest of town. The creek was identified in 2014 as having chronic problems with dissolved oxygen and fecal coliform bacteria concentrations.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 7,061 people, 2,788 households, and 1,921 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,370.54 PD/sqmi. There were 3,099 housing units at an average density of 601.51 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 73.40% White, 1.40% African American, 1.02% Native American, 0.92% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 11.94% from other races, and 11.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 29.47% of the population.

There were 2,788 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.46% were married couples living together, 15.42% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.10% were non-families. 26.26% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.24% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 2.42.

The city's age distribution consisted of 23.7% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $58,974, and the median income for a family was $65,985. Males had a median income of $43,926 versus $26,643 for females. The per capita income for the city was $30,470. About 5.9% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
A number of businesses operate within Mendota including :
 * Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a grain processor.
 * Del Monte Foods, a food processing company. The Del Monte plant was slated to close at the end of the 2019 packing season, until a buyer was found later that year. The purchase is set to be completed in spring 2020.

Arts and culture
The Mendota Sweet Corn Festival attracts thousands of visitors each August; it features a parade, carnival, beer garden with live bands, free sweet corn cooked in a vintage steam engine, and other special events. The city closes down several streets in the downtown area to host the annual event which is sponsored by Del Monte Foods. The Mendota Tri-County Fair is held every Labor Day weekend at the Mendota Fairgrounds. The fair hosts a carnival, beer garden, and several other events.

Museums
The Hume-Carnegie Museum showcases artifacts of local history, including items manufactured in Mendota and a small collection pertaining to Wild Bill Hickok, who was born in nearby Troy Grove. It is located in a former Carnegie library building in Veteran's Park.

The Union Depot Railroad Museum houses the current Amtrak station, several rooms of vintage railroad artifacts, passenger train cars from the 1930s and 1940s. It is also home to CB&Q No. 4978, a 2-8-2 class Locomotive built in September 1923 by Baldwin Locomotive Works.

The Breaking the Prairie Museum is a small barn replica showcasing a rotating display with one large item (a vintage tractor or large item of farm husbandry) and several smaller items. Adjacent to the barn is "The Country Chapel", a small church which is owned by the museum. Completed in 2004, it houses a restored pump organ from the 1880s. It is closed to the public, however special tours can be arranged by contacting the Mendota Historical Society Office.

Parks and recreation
The city has two man made lakes, Lake Mendota and Lake Kakusha, used for boating and fishing. Mendota also maintains a community swimming pool as well as several parks including Snyders Grove, a 104 acre reserve/park.

Education
Mendota has four public schools and one private school. The three public grade schools: Blackstone, Lincoln, and Northbrook are part of Mendota Consolidated Community School District 289; while the Mendota Township High School is district 280. Blackstone School houses kindergarten and first grade, and had an enrollment of 271 students in 2010. Lincoln School houses second through fourth grades, and had a student enrollment of 391 in 2010. Northbrook School is home to the fifth through eighth grades, as well as pre-kindergarten; and had an enrollment of 644 in 2010. The student enrollment of the high school in 2010 was 611 students. A new high school facility was built in 2002 at 2300 Main Street (U.S. Route 52). Holy Cross Roman Catholic Parish has a private school which educates students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Aurora University was originally chartered as Mendota College on the north side of Mendota where the high school was located from 1917 to 2003.

Wartburg College (now located in Waverly, Iowa) was located in Mendota from 1875 to 1885.

Media
Mendota has one weekly newspaper, The Mendota Reporter

Mendota has two commercialized radio stations.

Transportation
Mendota is served by U.S. Interstate 39, U.S. Route 34, U.S. Route 52, and many state highways including Illinois Route 251. Three Amtrak trains in each direction stop daily at the Mendota Amtrak station: the Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg between Chicago and Quincy, and the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Kansas City and Los Angeles. (The California Zephyr passes through without stopping.) There are also two small airports near-by.

Notable people

 * William P. Bettendorf, inventor; city of Bettendorf, Iowa named for him; born in Mendota
 * Bill Brown, former running back with the Minnesota Vikings
 * Helen E. Hokinson, cartoonist for The New Yorker (1925–1949)
 * Ray Jauch, running back for national champion 1958 Iowa Hawkeyes football team; pro football coach; born in Mendota
 * James Massey, cryptographer; lived in Mendota
 * Jason Pohl, motorcycle designer with Orange County Choppers; born in Mendota
 * Frank Seno, NFL running back and defensive back for the Washington Redskins (1943–1944 and 1949), and Chicago Cardinals (1947–1948); born in Mendota
 * Chase J. Sexton, professional motocross rider with KTM and Honda HRC; born in Mendota
 * David C. Shapiro, dentist and Illinois state legislator; born in Mendota
 * Jim Troupis, indicted for 2020 fake presidential elector conspiracy in Wisconsin; was also mayor of Mendota (1985–1987)
 * Otto Vogel, outfielder for the Chicago Cubs; born in Mendota
 * Deacon White, professional baseball pioneer in Hall of Fame; lived in Mendota

title: Mendota, Illinois


text:
Naplate, Illinois

Naplate is a village in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 412 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The name Naplate was created at the time of incorporation by combining the name of the primary employer, National Plate Glass Company into Naplate.

Geography
Naplate is located in central LaSalle County at 41.33139°N, -88.87889°W (41.331269, -88.878932). According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Naplate has a total area of 0.16 sqmi, all land.

Naplate lies on the north bank of the Illinois River just downstream from Ottawa. Buffalo Rock State Park and Starved Rock State Park lie along the river just west and southwest of Naplate.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 412 people, 231 households, and 120 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,575.00 PD/sqmi. There were 241 housing units at an average density of 1,506.25 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 86.41% White, 1.70% African American, 1.46% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 1.70% from other races, and 8.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.52% of the population.

There were 231 households, out of which 20.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.57% were married couples living together, 15.15% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.05% were non-families. 41.56% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.35% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 1.91.

The village's age distribution consisted of 12.2% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 35.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,673, and the median income for a family was $63,333. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $28,150. About 1.7% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Naplate, Illinois


text:
North Utica, Illinois

North Utica, often known as Utica, is a village in Utica Township, LaSalle County, Illinois. The population was 1,323 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

While North Utica is the proper name for the city, advertising on nearby Interstates 80 and 39 refers to the village by its original name, Utica. In addition, people who live in the area, official Interstate signage, and signs indicating the city limits all refer to the town as Utica.

History
The town of Utica had previously been established on the banks of the Illinois River near the Indian village of Kaskaskia during the 1830s, but flooding and the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal a few miles north encouraged redevelopment of the village there as North Utica.

2004 tornado
An F3 tornado struck Utica on April 20, 2004, heavily damaging the downtown business district, causing $8 million in damage and killing 8, with another indirect fatality officially recognized by the village.

Fire at Grand Bear Resort
A 2022 Memorial Day fire damaged twenty eight privately owned cabins near the entrance to Starved Rock State Park. The Grand Bear lodge, waterpark and a majority of the cabins and villas on site were not affected.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, North Utica has a total area of 3.47 sqmi, of which 3.46 sqmi (or 99.68%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.32%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,323 people, 449 households, and 330 families residing in the village. The population density was 381.71 PD/sqmi. There were 570 housing units at an average density of 164.45 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.31% White, 0.30% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.68% from other races, and 7.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.52% of the population.

There were 449 households, out of which 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.69% were married couples living together, 8.91% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.50% were non-families. 17.59% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.24% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 2.53.

The village's age distribution consisted of 24.5% under the age of 18, 2.7% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 33.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $87,946, and the median income for a family was $98,750. Males had a median income of $86,667 versus $38,929 for females. The per capita income for the village was $40,113. About 1.2% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.

Attractions
Local attractions include Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort, Starved Rock Entertainment Indoor Playland and Escape Rooms and Starved Rock State Park.

Utica is the location of the annual Burgoo Festival on Columbus Day weekend in October. The Burgoo Festival is a fundraising event hosted by the LaSalle County Historical Society.

Transportation
While there is no fixed-route transit service in North Utica, intercity bus service is provided by Burlington Trailways in nearby Peru.

Notable people

 * Leo Cahill, pro football coach and executive
 * George M. Reynolds, Illinois state senator and businessman

title: North Utica, Illinois


text:
Oglesby, Illinois

Oglesby is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,712 at the 2020 census, down from 3,791 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Oglesby was a center for mining coal, limestone, and silica, located near the confluence of the Illinois River and the north-flowing Vermilion River. Oglesby grew from an amalgamation of several mining villages, such as Kenosha, Portland, and Black Hollow. It was originally called Portland, due to the cement mined and manufactured in the area that was similar to Portland Cement from England. It was renamed in 1913 after the coal company and in honor of Richard J. Oglesby (1824–1899), a former U.S. Senator and three-time Governor of Illinois.

During the Civil War, the Kenosha Coal Company sank a coal mining shaft at Oglesby in 1865. Thatcher Tucker Bent purchased the mine and mineral rights as the Oglesby Coal Company. The mine was innovative and the Bents were very involved in the development of the community. Mrs. Josephine Bent even organized English classes for the immigrant miner's wives. The Marquette Cement Manufacturing Company mined limestone and claimed that the Bent's mine was causing collapses. The conflict eventually liquidated the Oglesby Coal Company, with the Bent selling the machinery to Marquette and auctioning off the farm animals. The Black Hollow Mine was dug in the 1890s as a slope mine along the Vermilion River. It provided coal to its owners, the Illinois Zinc Company in Peru, Illinois.

The surface ground layers around Oglesby had excellent exposed limestone and coal; Oglesby also had adequate riverine transport. It soon became an important center for cement manufacture. Before open-pit mining there were several subsurface cement mines:

 * Illinois Clay Products Mine, 1913–1924
 * Reynolds Clay Mine
 * Marquette Cement Mine

As well as several coal mines:

 * Jones Mine, 1865–1930
 * Oglesby Mine, 1865–1919
 * Deer Park Mine, 1900–1920
 * Black Hollow Mine, circa 1890s

State parks
Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park are located a few miles east on Illinois State Route 178. With over two million visitors a year, Starved Rock is the most visited of any Illinois state park.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Oglesby has a total area of 4.11 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 3,712 people, 1,522 households, and 1,035 families residing in the city. The population density was 743.59 PD/sqmi. There were 1,780 housing units at an average density of 356.57 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.25% White, 0.46% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.62% from other races, and 6.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.19% of the population.

There were 1,522 households, out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.88% were married couples living together, 12.16% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.00% were non-families. 25.62% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.91% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 2.40.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.1% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $61,250, and the median income for a family was $70,260. Males had a median income of $51,642 versus $28,393 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,569. About 4.7% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Oglesby Lincoln School, Oglesby Washington School, Holy Family parochial School, and Illinois Valley Community College are located in Oglesby.

Arts and culture

Murals were produced in the United States through the Section of Painting and Sculpture, later called the Section of Fine Arts, of the Treasury Department from 1934 to 1943. They were intended to boost the morale of the American people suffering from the effects of the Depression by depicting uplifting subjects. In 1942 artist Fay E. Davis painted an oil on canvas mural titled The Illini and Potawatomes Struggles at Starved Rock in the town's post office. The mural's muted earth tones faded badly over time and it was restored in 1988. In 1993 a post office janitor complained about the nudity of the features of the Native Americans depicted in the mural. The painting was covered by a venetian blind and only revealed upon request. A successful petition drive to remove the blinds was begun soon after.

Transportation
While there is no fixed-route transit service in Oglesby, intercity bus service is provided by Burlington Trailways in nearby Peru.

Notable people

 * Jim Bottomley, first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Browns
 * Frank Lamanske, pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers
 * Bo Molenda, fullback (and later coach) for the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants; born in Oglesby
 * Walt Tauscher, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Senators

title: Oglesby, Illinois