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Mulberry Grove, Illinois

Mulberry Grove is a village in eastern Bond County, Illinois, United States. The population was 520 at the 2020 census.

History
Mulberry Grove has existed under the names Bucktown, Houston and Shakerag. A post office was established in 1834, and Mulberry Grove was incorporated as a village in 1857.

Geography
Mulberry Grove is located along Illinois Route 140 approximately one mile north of I-70. Greenville lies about seven miles to the west-southwest and Vandalia is about nine miles to the east-northeast. Owl Creek flows past the north side of town and joins Hurricane Creek about 1.5 mile to the east in adjacent Fayette County.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Mulberry Grove has a total area of 1.03 sqmi, of which 1.02 sqmi (or 99.12%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.88%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 520 people, 344 households, and 175 families residing in the village. The population density was 507.32 PD/sqmi. There were 268 housing units at an average density of 261.46 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.08% White, 1.35% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 4.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.96% of the population.

There were 344 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.70% were married couples living together, 1.16% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.13% were non-families. 43.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.45% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.46 and the average family size was 2.46.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.9% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 124.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,800, and the median income for a family was $46,823. Males had a median income of $34,063 versus $18,194 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,672. About 14.3% of families and 31.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.4% of those under age 18 and 35.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Mulberry Grove, Illinois


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Old Ripley, Illinois

Old Ripley is a village in Bond County, Illinois, United States. The population was 82 at the 2020 census.

History
Old Ripley was once called New Berlin and was then called Ripley. Old Ripley was incorporated as a village in 1906.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Old Ripley has a total area of 0.15 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 82 people, 30 households, and 24 families residing in the village. The population density was 532.47 PD/sqmi. There were 44 housing units at an average density of 285.71 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.34% White, and 3.66% from two or more races. None of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

There were 30 households, out of which 43.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.67% were married couples living together, and 20.00% were non-families. 20.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.67% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 2.63.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.3% under the age of 18, 1.3% from 18 to 24, 45.6% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 119.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $69,167, and the median income for a family was $73,214. Males had a median income of $43,750 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,977. None of the population was below the poverty line.

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

title: Old Ripley, Illinois


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Panama, Illinois

Panama is a village in Montgomery and Bond counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 337 at the 2020 census.

History
The town was founded in the early 20th century when the Shoal Creek Coal Company of Chicago sank a coal mine shaft there. The shaft was completed in 1906. The town attracted many European immigrants.

Geography
Panama is located on the border between Bond and Montgomery counties at 39.03056°N, -89.52361°W (39.030451, -89.523548). It is 11 mi south of Hillsboro, the Montgomery County seat, and 16 mi northwest of Greenville, the Bond County seat.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Panama has a total area of 0.37 sqmi, of which 0.002 sqmi, or 0.54%, are water. The village sits on a low ridge between Shoal Creek to the west and its tributary Bearcat Creek to the east. Shoal Creek is a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River.

Two-thirds of the village is in Montgomery County, with the remainder in Bond County. Local law enforcement is dispatched through the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Hillsboro.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 337 people, 111 households, and 59 families residing in the village. The population density was 918.26 PD/sqmi. There were 163 housing units at an average density of 444.14 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.77% White, 0.59% Asian, 1.78% from other races, and 3.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 111 households, out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.64% were married couples living together, 10.81% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.85% were non-families. 35.14% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.32% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 1.99.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.1% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 23% from 25 to 44, 28% from 45 to 64, and 25.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $55,114, and the median income for a family was $57,083. Males had a median income of $37,500 versus $25,938 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,720. About 8.5% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * John L. Lewis, nationally known union organizer, coal miner in Panama (1909-1915)

title: Panama, Illinois


text:
Pierron, Illinois

Pierron is a village in Bond and Madison counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 459 at the 2020 census, down from 600 at the 2010 census. The village is part of the St. Louis metropolitan area.

History
The first post office was established at Pierron in 1870. Pierron was laid out as a village in 1871, and named for its founder Jacques Pierron. Pierron was incorporated as a village in 1893.

Geography
Pierron is located in southwestern Bond County and eastern Madison County. The village has two sections that are 4 mi apart and connected by Illinois Route 143. The western section, also known as "Pierron Station" and crossed by the CSX Transportation St. Louis Line railroad, is on the Bond–Madison county line, while the eastern section, also known as "Millersburg", is four miles to the east. Highland is 5 mi southwest of the western part of Pierron, while Pocahontas is 4 mi north of the eastern part.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pierron has a total area of 0.73 sqmi, all land. The western part of the village drains west to Sugar Creek, while the east part drains east to Shoal Creek, both of which are south-flowing tributaries of the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 459 people, 180 households, and 111 families residing in the village. The population density was 625.34 PD/sqmi. There were 232 housing units at an average density of 316.08 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.37% White, 0.65% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.65% from other races, and 5.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.74% of the population.

There were 180 households, out of which 18.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.00% were married couples living together, 6.67% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.33% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.11% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 2.18.

The village's age distribution consisted of 13.7% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 31.9% from 45 to 64, and 26.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $70,313, and the median income for a family was $78,319. Males had a median income of $31,713 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,822. About 4.5% of families and 11.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Pierron, Illinois


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Pocahontas, Illinois

Pocahontas is a village in Bond County, Illinois, United States. The population was 697 at the 2020 census.

History
Pocahontas was originally known as Hickory Grove and then Amity. In 1850, the name was changed to Pocohontas (with an "o"). In 1855, the current spelling with an "a" came into place. Pocahontas was incorporated as a village in 1847. The town was named after Pocahontas Coal.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Pocahontas has a total area of 0.80 sqmi, of which 0.78 sqmi (or 97.39%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 2.61%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 697 people, 321 households, and 207 families residing in the village. The population density was 866.92 PD/sqmi. There were 323 housing units at an average density of 401.74 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.55% White, 0.43% African American, 0.29% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, and 4.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.86% of the population.

There were 321 households, out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.96% were married couples living together, 7.17% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.51% were non-families. 26.17% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.84% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 2.48.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.1% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 31.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,375, and the median income for a family was $62,188. Males had a median income of $44,375 versus $26,364 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,914. About 10.6% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.0% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Michael Slape, member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 110th district from 1979-1985. He resided in Pocahontas during his political career.
 * Gretchen Wilson, Grammy Award-winning country singer; born and raised in Pocahontas; she references the town in the song "Pocahontas Proud" from her 2004 album Here for the Party.

title: Pocahontas, Illinois


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Smithboro, Illinois

Smithboro is a village in Bond County, Illinois, United States. The population was 154 at the 2020 census.

History
Smithboro was once called "Henderson Station" and was renamed after Henry H. Smith, the town's postmaster. The town name was spelled "Smithborough" until 1893. The town was incorporated as a village in 1889.

Smithboro and its immediate area was evacuated on December 27, 1981, for a day after a train derailment, affecting 200 people. 22 of 84 trail cars derailed; dichlorodifluromethane and phosphoryl chloride were leaked. Residents were able to return the next day, after cleanup and rail traffic was redirected to a temporary track.

Geography
Smithboro is located at 38.89639°N, -89.34139°W (38.896290, -89.341451).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Smithboro has a total area of 0.93 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 154 people, 75 households, and 48 families residing in the village. The population density was 165.24 PD/sqmi. There were 73 housing units at an average density of 78.33 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.45% White and 4.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

There were 75 households, out of which 45.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 25.33% were married couples living together, 18.67% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.00% were non-families. 29.33% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.35 and the average family size was 2.87.

The village's age distribution consisted of 35.8% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 20% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 124.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 122.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,625, and the median income for a family was $51,563. Males had a median income of $51,250 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,185. About 14.6% of families and 21.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.4% of those under age 18 and 15.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Smithboro, Illinois


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Sorento, Illinois

Sorento is a village in Bond County, Illinois, United States. The population was 429 at the 2020 census. Sorento is part of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is also considered part of the Metro East region of Illinois.

History
Sorento was founded as a village in 1882. The town was laid out and platted on August 15, 1882, by August H. Scharf, a local farmer and businessman, and his father, William Scharf. They named the town Sorento after Sorrento, Florida, a town they had once visited. The town grew quickly and by the end of 1883 there were over 500 residents.

The Sorento Coal Mine opened in 1883 and was in operation until March 31, 1914.

Charles Lindbergh is known to have landed in fields just outside Sorento while preparing for his solo transatlantic flight.

Jimmy Swaggart preached at the Sorento Assembly of God church in the early 1960s.

Famed cave explorer Floyd Collins is known to have visited Sorento and explored caves in the region during the early 1900s.

Education
Sorento was home to the now closed Sorento Elementary School which educated students ages pre-K through 8th grade. Sorento Elementary was a 2011 Blue Ribbon school, one of only 19 schools in Illinois and 304 in the entire United States.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Sorento has a total area of 0.80 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 429 people, 216 households, and 114 families residing in the village. The population density was 537.59 PD/sqmi. There were 201 housing units at an average density of 251.88 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.38% White, 0.70% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.70% from other races, and 6.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.10% of the population.

There were 216 households, out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.04% were married couples living together, 12.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.22% were non-families. 38.89% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.81% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 2.31.

The village's age distribution consisted of 21.8% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 77.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $47,500. Males had a median income of $34,583 versus $19,688 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,975. About 7.0% of families and 19.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 17.2% of those age 65 or over.

Places of interest
Ripson Bridge was built in 1895. It is the last pony truss bridge in Bond County and is a local historical landmark that crosses Shoal Creek. The bridge is named after the owner of the property next to the bridge when it was built. The Sorento Homecoming Association was the caretaker of the bridge from the mid-1980s - about 2019. Initially, the Sorento Homecoming Association applied to have Ripson Bridge added to the National Register of Historic Places. However, that process has stopped and the bridge is now owned by private owners.

Events
An annual homecoming usually lasting for two days is held every summer normally during August.

A major arts and crafts festival known as the Sorento Fall Festival (formerly the Ripson Bridge Festival) is held in downtown Sorento each autumn, usually on the first Sunday in October. The event features live music throughout the day, children's games, an old-fashioned cake walk, and arts and craft vendors.

Notable people

 * Esther Snyder, co-founder of In-N-Out Burger
 * Fred R. Volkmar, director of Yale Child Study Center

title: Sorento, Illinois


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Belvidere, Illinois

Belvidere is a city and the county seat of Boone County, Illinois. It is settled on the Kishwaukee River in far northern Illinois, United States. Known as the 'City of Murals', Belvidere is home to several public art installations throughout the North and South State Street historic districts, which are on the National Register of Historic Places. These historic districts are home to places like the Boone County Museum of History, The Funderburg Museum, several restaurants and bars, antique stores and Boutique stores. Popular festivities like Heritage Days are held yearly. The population was 25,339 as of the 2020 census. Belvidere is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Belvidere is located at 42.25472°N, -88.84417°W (42.254758, -88.844093), and sits approximately 800 ft above sea level. According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Belvidere has a total area of 12.30 sqmi, of which 12.06 sqmi (or 98.08%) is land and 0.24 sqmi (or 1.92%) is water.

Located in north central Illinois, on a county on the northern border of the state, Belvidere is approximately 75 mi northwest of the downtown of Chicago, and approximately 12 mi east of Rockford.

Belvidere developed on both sides of the Kishwaukee River in north central Illinois. It is 76 miles from downtown Chicago via Routes 20, 76 and the Northern Illinois Toll road. Belvidere is an industrial community surrounded by prosperous farms. It is the county seat, with an estimated 2006 county population of over 52,000. The altitude is 800 feet above sea level, with average temperatures of: 73 degrees F in the summer; 24 degrees F in the winter, and the average rainfall is 33.3 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 35.3 inches.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 25,339 people, 8,940 households, and 5,891 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,060.08 PD/sqmi. There were 9,609 housing units at an average density of 781.22 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 61.76% White, 3.00% African American, 1.48% Native American, 1.09% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 18.15% from other races, and 14.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 35.91% of the population.

There were 8,940 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.39% were married couples living together, 16.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.11% were non-families. 28.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.31% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.38 and the average family size was 2.76.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.2% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $52,609, and the median income for a family was $67,518. Males had a median income of $34,455 versus $27,676 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,330. About 8.9% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.7% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

History

Before the arrival of the mostly Anglo-Americans in the 19th century, this area was long occupied by the Illinois Confederation, a loose grouping of up to 12 to 15 Native American tribes. The main tribes were the Cahokia, Kaskaskia, Michigamea, Peoria, and Tamaroa. After trading, warfare and other encounters with French traders, who entered this area before the Anglo-Americans, their numbers declined. In large part that was due to the high mortality from new infectious diseases, which adversely affected Native Americans across the continent.

The area that developed as Belvidere was first permanently settled by European Americans in 1835: Simon P. Doty and Daniel Hilton Whitney. They named this location next to the Kishwaukee River as "Elysian Fields" from Greek mythology. As many new residents could not pronounce or spell the proposed name, the city was eventually named after Belvidere, Virginia, the former home of Ebenezer Polk, a railroad lawyer and major financial founder in the city.

Belvidere originally developed on the north side of the Kishwaukee River. In 1851 the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad was built south of the river, stimulating relocation of much of the business section to the south side of the river, for access to the railway transportion. Belvidere's downtown is now on the south side.

Major industries developed along the river and railroad, including the National Sewing Machine Company, which operated here from 1886 to the 1940s. In 1906, former female sheriff Sarah Ames moved to South Dakota; she named the area where she settled after her home town. Belvidere, South Dakota still operates as a small town in Jackson County.

1967 tornado
On April 21, 1967, a devastating tornado struck Belvidere. Twenty-four people died as a result, many of them schoolchildren. The F4 tornado struck at the end of the school day of Belvidere High School, when many children, including those who attended area grade schools, were waiting outside the high school for school buses. Of the sixteen school buses outside the high school, twelve were overturned or thrown by the tornado. The tornado did $22 million in damage, demolished over 100 homes, and injured 500 people. In 2007 a statue was erected in front of Belvidere High School in memorial of the lives lost.

To this date, the Belvidere tornado remains the sixth worst weather disaster to happen at an American school.

2009 explosion
On December 7, 2009 an explosion occurred at an NDK America building, when a large pressure vessel ruptured during a crystal-growing process. Pieces of debris, some weighing several tons, were flung over a wide area. One piece struck an automotive supply building and injured an employee inside. Chesterfield native Ronald Greenfield, a truck driver refueling at the nearby Belvidere Oasis truck stop, was struck and killed by a 7-foot support beam. The shockwave was felt over a wide area. No NDK employees were injured in the incident.

The Chemical Safety Board investigated the incident, issuing their final report in 2013. The CSB found that stress corrosion cracking had occurred, unnoticed, in one of the crystal-growing autoclaves, leading to the catastrophic failure. They also found that NDK management had been warned multiple times over the years that the dangerous levels of hot sodium hydroxide inside the vessels would corrode the steel walls. However, NDK management insisted buildup of byproducts from the crystal-growing process would form a protective layer against the corrosion. Furthermore, during the factory's construction, the local government had been made aware that NDK's crystal-growing vessels were in violation of several state codes; when confronted, NDK had persuaded them to grant a special exception, and to hitherto allow them to conduct their own onsite inspections without outside interference. However, the vessel that ruptured had never been internally inspected to test the "byproduct buildup" theory, during its many years of service. After a smaller leak occurred in January 2007, NDK was warned about safety concerns again, this time by insurance investigators, who were ultimately ignored. Finally, the CSB determined the method for growing crystals used at NDK's Belvidere facility was prohibitively dangerous in the first place, pointing out such methods had been already abandoned by other crystal-growing facilities in favor of safer, lower-pressure and lower temperature processes.

Following their own 2010 investigation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined NDK more than half a million dollars for willful disregard for legal requirements, and "unacceptable" indifference to safety and health. The NDK facility was demolished in 2015, with no plans to rebuild.

2023 tornado
On March 31, 2023, an EF1 tornado struck Belvidere. It caused the Apollo Theatre to collapse during a concert for the Floridian Death Metal band Morbid Angel and Brazilian Death Metal band Crypta. Although the Storm Prediction Center had issued a moderate risk for severe weather, including tornadoes, and an official Tornado Watch was issued at 2:35 pm, the concert proceeded. A Tornado Warning was issued at 7:24 pm and the storm hit Belvidere at 7:44 pm. The collapse led to over 40 injuries; leaving at least four in critical condition and one fatality.

Culture
Pettit Memorial Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; the Lampert-Wildflower House, and the Belvidere Post Office, designed by James Knox Taylor, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Parks include Spencer Park, Belvidere Municipal Park, and the Boone County Fairgrounds. Belvidere is known as the "City of Murals", for its numerous murals.

Representation in other media

 * The Left Behind series fictional character Rayford Steele was born here.

Services
Belvidere used to have two hospitals, St. Joseph Hospital and Highland Hospital. Both closed in the late 20th century, with St. Joseph's closing in 1999. In 2008, SwedishAmerican Hospital opened a new building. In 2009, they renovated and reopened the former Highland Hospital, which now operates the city's only emergency department.

Cemeteries include the Belvidere Cemetery (Richard S. Molony's interment site) and St. James Catholic Cemetery.

The nearest general aviation airport is Poplar Grove Airport, formerly known as Belvidere Airport.

Education
Schools include Belvidere High School, Belvidere North High School, Everest High School, Belvidere South Middle School, Belvidere Central Middle School, Lincoln Elementary School, Perry Elementary School, Meehan Elementary School, Caledonia Elementary School, Seth Whitman Elementary school, and one academy, Washington Academy which are all part of the Belvidere Community Unit School District 100.

Belvidere's public library, Ida Public Library, was founded in 1883. The current building, a Carnegie Library, was constructed in 1912 and opened in 1913. An addition was built in 1987. It includes adult and children services, a Local History and Genealogy Room, and Internet/computer access.

The Boone County Museum was started in 1936 and holds over 100,000 artifacts. It has interactive displays and a research library, with more than 5000 document resources. The three-story building is located in downtown Belvidere.

Business
Stellantis operates the Belvidere Assembly Plant, an auto assembly plant, which was constructed in the mid-1960s. The Belvidere plant manufactured the Dodge Neon until the spring of 2005. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the plant manufactured Chrysler Newports and Plymouth Furys. After a massive restructuring of the Belvidere plant, it is now one of the most modern auto assembly plants in the United States. It most recently assembled the Jeep Cherokee until February 2023, when the plant was idled indefinitely by Stellantis. As part of the settlement of the 2023 United Auto Workers strike, Stellantis agreed to reopen the plant in 2025, to construct a mid-size Ram pickup. An electric vehicle battery plant will also be constructed. The site was visited by US President Joe Biden and UAW President Shawn Fain.

Dean Foods and General Mills operate manufacturing plants on the bank of the Kishwaukee River. General Mills recently announced a large expansion in the area, soon to begin construction on a 1.3 million square foot distribution center in a newly annexed southwestern portion of the city.

Rock Valley College recently opened their new 9+ million dollar Advanced Technology Center in the northwestern portion of Belvidere, after competition between several area cities for the Advanced Technology Center.

"Project Yukon" is a recently announced Cold Storage facility, which will be over 1.2 million square feet on 200 acres in the Southwest side of the city. This is expected to bring up to 700 jobs, ground is expected to be broken mid-2023

Transportation
RMTD provides bus service on Route 24 connecting Belvidere to Rockford.

Belvedere is served by the old Chicago & North Western line to Rockford (present day Union Pacific). The line opened from Marengo to Rockford in 1852. There were also connecting lines to Spring Valley and Janesville. The line to Rockford previously extended to Freeport.

Notable people

 * Frank Bishop, infielder for the Chicago Browns
 * Emory S. Bogardus, sociologist
 * Joe Charboneau, outfielder and designated hitter for the Cleveland Indians
 * Judith Ford, 1969 Miss America
 * Charles Eugene Fuller, U.S. Congressman
 * Jeanne Gang award-winning architect, founder of Studio Gang Architects, and designer of the world’s two tallest skyscrapers designed by a woman, Aqua and the St. Regis Chicago
 * Stephen Augustus Hurlbut (1815-1882), politician and Union commander in the Civil War, diplomat in postwar years; moved here in 1845, married and had a family, elected to the US Congress from here.
 * Noyes L. Jackson, Illinois politician
 * Lowell Holden Parker, Wisconsin legislator
 * Amanda Levens, women's college basketball player and coach
 * Fred Schulte, outfielder for the St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators and Pittsburgh Pirates
 * Kurt Sellers, wrestler with the WWE (as K.C. James and James Curtis)
 * James A. Slater, entomologist at the University of Connecticut
 * Roger Charles Sullivan, Illinois politician
 * Scott Taylor, professional off-road racing driver
 * James Waddington, Wisconsin State Senator
 * Ronald A. Wait, Illinois State Representative

title: Belvidere, Illinois


text:
Caledonia, Illinois

Caledonia is a village in Caledonia Township, Boone County, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 183 at the 2020 census.

History
A post office was established as Caledonia Station in 1853 and renamed Caledonia in 1883. Caledonia is a literary name of Scotland. Caledonia Congregational Church was founded in 1894.

Caledonia was struck by an EF-2 tornado on November 22, 2010, around 3:04 pm; several homes were destroyed, a grain bin collapsed, the local Elementary school was set on lockdown, and six minor injuries were reported when a bus was blown over near Argyle and Harlem Roads.

Geography
Caledonia is located at 42.36778°N, -88.8925°W (42.367850, -88.892538).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Caledonia has a total area of 1.04 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 183 people, 89 households, and 50 families residing in the village. The population density was 176.81 PD/sqmi. There were 71 housing units at an average density of 68.60 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.72% White, 0.55% Native American, 0.55% Asian, and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.28% of the population.

There were 89 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.82% were married couples living together, 4.49% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.82% were non-families. 16.85% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.12% had someone who was 65 years of age or older living alone. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 2.19.

The village's age distribution consisted of 17.9% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 32.3% from 45 to 64, and 5.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 140.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $73,958, and the median income for a family was $103,750. Males had a median income of $58,393 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $41,208. None of the families and 1.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Future development
Caledonia lags behind Poplar Grove in the size of its tax base. Caledonia is approximately three miles east of the new State Highway 173 interchange on Interstate 90, which will position Caledonia to grow its tax base and benefit from increased revenue.

Education
The only school in Caledonia is Caledonia Elementary School, after which students go to one of Belvidere's or Poplar Grove's middle schools.

Notable people

 * Glenn W. Birkett, Wisconsin State Assemblyman and farmer, was born in Caledonia.
 * John Peterson, farmer, performance artist, entrepreneur, owner of Angelic Organics

title: Caledonia, Illinois


text:
Capron, Illinois

Capron is a village in Boone County, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,395 at the 2020 census, up from 1,376 at the 2010 census.

History
The oldest known structure in the area, now known as the Capron Lutheran Church, was built in 1844. Once known as Hebron Station along the Chicago and North Western Railroad, the town was renamed in 1874 to honor Colonel John Capron who would pass only four years later. Capron was officially incorporated as a village in 1887.

Geography
Capron is located at 42.39778°N, -88.73972°W (42.397729, -88.739684).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Capron has a total area of 0.77 sqmi, of which 0.77 sqmi (or 99.87%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.13%) is water.

Route 173 runs through the town.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,395 people, 477 households, and 351 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,814.04 PD/sqmi. There were 497 housing units at an average density of 646.29 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 59.93% White, 1.15% African American, 0.79% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 22.37% from other races, and 15.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 40.93% of the population.

There were 477 households, out of which 43.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.54% were married couples living together, 16.56% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.42% were non-families. 17.61% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.76% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.93 and the average family size was 3.47.

The village's age distribution consisted of 29.1% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $67,316, and the median income for a family was $76,250. Males had a median income of $41,250 versus $23,568 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,843. About 9.4% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.0% of those under age 18 and 16.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Capron, Illinois


text:
Loves Park, Illinois

Loves Park is a city in Boone and Winnebago counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. Most of the city is in Winnebago County, with a tiny sliver in the east located in Boone County. The population was 23,397 at the 2020 census.

Loves Park is part of the Rockford Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Malcolm Love, an industrialist in Rockford, Illinois, purchased 236 acres of land in this area in 1901 and set up a gathering place that came to be known as Love's Park. The city of Loves Park was incorporated in 1947. When the city's economy was negatively affected by the early 1980s recession, City Hall was moved from the Grand Avenue fire station into the Marshall Middle School to save money. In 2001, Danfoss moved their plant from Rockford to Loves Park, becoming one of the town's largest employers.

Geography
Loves Park is located at 42.32611°N, -89.02583°W (42.326227, -89.025739).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Loves Park has a total area of 16.85 sqmi, of which 16.33 sqmi (or 96.86%) is land and 0.53 sqmi (or 3.14%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 23,397 people, 9,608 households, and 6,138 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,388.22 PD/sqmi. There were 10,640 housing units at an average density of 631.30 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 79.42% White, 5.48% African American, 0.30% Native American, 3.59% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.92% from other races, and 8.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.89% of the population.

There were 9,608 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.69% were married couples living together, 15.02% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.12% were non-families. 29.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.39% 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 2.41.

The city's age distribution consisted of 21.7% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $57,096, and the median income for a family was $66,914. Males had a median income of $49,182 versus $28,021 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,504. About 9.9% of families and 14.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.9% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
RMTD provides bus service on Routes 16, 17, 18, 20 and 22 connecting Loves Park to downtown Rockford and other destinations.

Notable people

 * Dick Kulpa, cartoonist
 * Robin Zander, lead singer of the rock band Cheap Trick.

title: Loves Park, Illinois


text:
Poplar Grove, Illinois

Poplar Grove (founded in 1859) is a village located in Poplar Grove and Belvidere Townships, Boone County, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Rockford Metropolitan Statistical Area, and of the gated community Candlewick Lake. The population was 5,049 at the 2020 census.

History
Poplar Grove was named in 1845 for a grove of poplar trees near the original town site. A post office called Poplar Grove has been in operation since 1848.

January 2008 tornado
On January 7, 2008, on an unusually warm day which saw temperatures reach the mid 60s °F, a tornado struck northern Illinois, including Poplar Grove and Candlewick Lake. The tornado severely damaged a favorite local attraction, Edward's Apple Orchard. There was one serious injury reported and the damage was widespread. The tornado was later rated EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. A weather event this big had not occurred in the area since 1967. The tornado was one of the only eight rated EF3 during the time span of the warm weather, which lasted from January 7 to 10. Although there were no losses, it was still a very severe storm. The following month the cast of the TV show "Storm Chasers" visited Caledonia Elementary School to talk about tornadoes and the effects they have on communities. The students and the "Storm Chasers" were featured on a Rockford's "23 WIFR News" story on the January 2008 tornado.

April 2015 tornadoes
On April 9, 2015 the northern Illinois region was hit with another wave of tornadoes, with four in the surrounding areas of Rockford, Rochelle, and Belvidere. These tornadoes all broke the record for the last tornado to touch down in the area and destroyed the Summerfield Zoo in Belvidere, as well as killing some of the animals. The rest were all rescued by 200 volunteers the following day.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Poplar Grove has a total area of 7.67 sqmi, of which 7.66 sqmi (or 99.88%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.12%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 5,049 people, 1,501 households, and 1,310 families residing in the village. The population density was 658.11 PD/sqmi. There were 1,787 housing units at an average density of 232.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 80.23% White, 2.16% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.81% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 5.88% from other races, and 10.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.31% of the population.

There were 1,501 households, out of which 58.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 81.55% were married couples living together, 3.26% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.72% were non-families. 11.73% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.07% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.26 and the average family size was 3.00.

The village's age distribution consisted of 32.4% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $74,896, and the median income for a family was $79,115. Males had a median income of $65,208 versus $33,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $38,756. About 5.3% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Rob Sherman (c. 1953 – December 9, 2016), atheist activist, perennial candidate, and businessman who lived in Poplar Grove for a few months before his death.

title: Poplar Grove, Illinois


text:
Timberlane, Illinois

Timberlane (locally known as Timberline) is a village in Boone County, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 906 at the 2020 census.

History
Timberlane was incorporated as a village in 1995.

Geography
Timberlane is located at 42.33222°N, -88.85722°W (42.332313, -88.857270).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Timberlane has a total area of 1.77 sqmi, of which 1.75 sqmi (or 98.92%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 1.08%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 906 people, 345 households, and 319 families residing in the village. The population density was 513.31 PD/sqmi. There were 304 housing units at an average density of 172.24 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 86.87% White, 3.20% African American, 1.88% Asian, 1.88% from other races, and 6.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.84% of the population.

There were 345 households, out of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 82.90% were married couples living together, 5.22% had a female householder with no husband present, and 7.54% were non-families. 6.38% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.48% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.48 and the average family size was 3.36.

The village's age distribution consisted of 21.5% under the age of 18, 18.0% from 18 to 24, 14.2% from 25 to 44, 40.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $170,875, and the median income for a family was $171,625. Males had a median income of $100,527 versus $55,139 for females. The per capita income for the village was $55,343. About 2.2% of families and 2.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Timberlane, Illinois


text:
Mound Station, Illinois

Mound Station (Timewell) is a village in Brown County, Illinois, United States. The population was 117 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Mound Station has a total area of 0.52 sqmi, all land.

Mound Station is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 24 and County Route 2.

History
Mound Station was established as a post office in 1860; the Village of Mound Station incorporated December 23, 1901. In 1903, the post office name changed to Timewell, to avoid confusion with the town of Mounds, Illinois. The Timewell name has supplanted the original name of Mound Station in local use, but the legal village name has never changed. Thus legal references in U.S. Census Bureau products as well as lists from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office continue to show Mound Station, while the local Post Office continues as Timewell.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 117 people, 54 households, and 46 families residing in the village. The population density was 225.43 PD/sqmi. There were 53 housing units at an average density of 102.12 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.02% White, 0.85% Asian, and 5.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.71% of the population.

There were 54 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.37% were married couples living together, 3.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.81% were non-families. 12.96% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.26% 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 2.61.

The village's age distribution consisted of 41.1% under the age of 18, 20.6% from 18 to 24, 12.7% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 144.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $70,625, and the median income for a family was $73,750. Males had a median income of $45,313 versus $34,063 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,252. About 13.0% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Mound Station, Illinois


text:
Mount Sterling, Illinois

Mount Sterling is a city in and the county seat of Brown County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,006 at the 2020 census.

Foodservice distributor Dot Foods is based in Mount Sterling.

History
Mount Sterling was organized in 1854. It did not have a courthouse until 1868, although it was designated the county seat from when the county was organized.

Mount Sterling was one of several Illinois towns that publicly competed for a new state prison in one of the state's prison sweepstakes competitions. During the 1987 competition, the town of Flora famously produced the "Is We Is or Is We Isn't/Gonna Get Ourselves A Prison" video. Ultimately, Mount Sterling won the 1987 competition and the state constructed the Western Illinois Correctional Center along State Highway 99 a mile south of town. In 1989 immediately prior to opening, the prison hosted a "Spend a night in prison" event for state and local dignitaries and prominent business-owners, an event that ultimately soured some of its participants on the economic value of prisons to small town economies.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Mount Sterling has a total area of 1.11 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,006 people, 956 households, and 481 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,810.47 PD/sqmi. There were 989 housing units at an average density of 892.60 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.47% White, 1.25% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.30% from other races, and 4.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.55% of the population.

There were 956 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.46% were married couples living together, 13.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.69% were non-families. 42.26% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.12% 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 2.24.

The city's age distribution consisted of 27.8% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,536, and the median income for a family was $73,693. Males had a median income of $43,019 versus $31,469 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,433. About 6.4% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.6% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Mount Sterling is home to Brown County School District #1, which contains an elementary school, middle school, and high school. The sports teams for the district are referred to as the "Hornets".

title: Mount Sterling, Illinois


text:
Ripley, Illinois

Ripley is a village in Brown County, Illinois, United States, located along La Moine River. The population was 53 according to the 2020 census.

History
Ripley was originally named Centerville. It was originally incorporated on July 20, 1837, then reincorporated on April 10, 1874. Ripley's certificate of incorporation was issued by the Illinois Secretary of State on April 16, 1902. Ripley's native clay made it a center for the manufacture of stoneware.

Geography
Ripley is located at 40.02389°N, -90.63889°W (40.023771, -90.638887).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ripley has a total area of 0.38 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 53 people, 27 households, and 17 families residing in the village. The population density was 139.84 PD/sqmi. There were 31 housing units at an average density of 81.79 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.34% White, and 5.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.77% of the population.

There were 27 households, out of which 14.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.56% were married couples living together, 7.41% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.04% were non-families. 37.04% of all households were made up of individuals, and 29.63% 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 1.78.

The village's age distribution consisted of 12.5% under the age of 18, 0.0% from 18 to 24, 14.6% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 45.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 64.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $26,250. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $30,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,996. About 11.8% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.3% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ripley, Illinois


text:
Versailles, Illinois

Versailles is a village in Brown County, Illinois, United States. The population was 446 at the 2020 census. The village's name is pronounced differently from the French city of the same name:.

Geography
Versailles is located at 39.88389°N, -90.6575°W (39.883896, -90.657630).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Versailles has a total area of 0.94 sqmi, of which 0.93 sqmi (or 99.47%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.53%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 446 people, 183 households, and 109 families residing in the village. The population density was 475.48 PD/sqmi. There were 250 housing units at an average density of 266.52 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.86% White, 0.67% African American, and 2.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.45% of the population.

There were 183 households, out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.64% were married couples living together, 4.92% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.44% were non-families. 38.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.31% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 2.32.

The village's age distribution consisted of 24.1% under the age of 18, 0.7% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 21.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $49,375, and the median income for a family was $62,083. Males had a median income of $53,015 versus $27,679 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,881. About 9.2% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 26.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Thomas Ford, 8th Governor of Illinois; hometown in Versailes
 * Bill Roy, skeet shooting Olympian and world champion; born in Versailles

title: Versailles, Illinois


text:
Arlington, Illinois

Arlington is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 169 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area, located east of the Quad Cities, north of Peoria and Galesburg, west of LaSalle and Peru, and southwest of Rockford and Chicago.

History
In the early 1900s, Arlington, which was then called "Lost Grove", was experiencing rapid growth and development. Many companies set up shop to profit from the people flocking to the jobs at the coal mines in this area of Illinois. The businesses included a mattress factory, beer brewery, numerous restaurants, a brothel, and many others. The mayor at the time was from New York, and changed the town's name to Arlington, after the town of Arlington, New York. Arlington was about the size of Peru, Illinois.

On November 13, 1909, a fire in a mine shaft killed 259 miners, young and old, at the Cherry coal mine. Authorities sealed the mine to contain the fire, trapping many rescue workers inside. When the mine was opened a week later only twenty men had survived of the hundreds involved. The 1909 Cherry Mine disaster influenced early workers' compensation laws and labor practices in the coal mining industry. At the time Illinois had no laws governing working conditions for miners. Arlington's growth slowed drastically after this occurrence.

In the 1950s a tornado destroyed most of Arlington. Many people moved away from the town at this time. Today Arlington has a population of less than 200. Many of the businesses and most of the homes have been shut down, deserted, or demolished. Many areas previously inhabited are now corn and bean fields. Some of the abandoned homes' foundations, and evidence of their former occupants, are still visible in these fields.

Geography
Arlington is located at 41.47222°N, -89.24694°W (41.472353, -89.246989).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Arlington has a total area of 0.40 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 169 people, 76 households, and 61 families residing in the village. The population density was 427.85 PD/sqmi. There were 82 housing units at an average density of 207.59 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.67% White, 0.59% African American, 0.59% Asian, and 4.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.18% of the population.

There were 76 households, out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.42% were married couples living together, 11.84% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.74% were non-families. 17.11% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.58% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 2.78.

The village's age distribution consisted of 17.5% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 38.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $73,750, and the median income for a family was $83,750. Males had a median income of $41,250 versus $25,833 for females. The per capita income for the village was $28,693. About 9.8% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.1% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Mike Prendergast, major league baseball player
 * Albert B. Wolfe, economist

title: Arlington, Illinois


text:
Buda, Illinois

Buda is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 482 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The village was named after Buda, now a part of Budapest, in Hungary. Buda was chosen in honor of the hometown of exiled Hungarian politician Louis Kossuth. Buda was established in 1854 to serve the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. It displaced French Grove, Illinois which had been the post office in the area before the establishment of Buda. Judge Jesse Emmerson and W. H. Bloom opened the first and second stores respectively in Buda. In 1955 Dr. Holoton became of the first doctor in the community.

An industrialist named George Chalender founded the Buda Engine Co. in Buda Illinois in 1910. The company relocated to Harvey, Illinois before being acquired by Allis-Chalmers in 1953.

Geography
Buda is located at 41.32639°N, -89.68°W (41.326297, −89.680131).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Buda has a total area of 1.01 sqmi, of which 1.01 sqmi (or 100.00%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.00%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 482 people, 241 households, and 180 families residing in the village. The population density was 475.35 PD/sqmi. There were 239 housing units at an average density of 235.70 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.44% White, 1.04% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 3.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.04% of the population.

There were 241 households, out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.04% were married couples living together, 14.94% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.31% were non-families. 20.33% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.71% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 2.51.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 33.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,250, and the median income for a family was $53,750. Males had a median income of $43,750 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,041. About 9.4% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The communities of Buda and Sheffield combined to form the Western School District in 1960. The name came from the fact that the two towns are on the western side of Bureau County. In 1995 Buda and Sheffield again consolidated by joining school districts based in Manlius, Walnut, Wyanet to form the Bureau Valley School District.

Media References

 * Buda, Illinois is referenced in "They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back from the Dead!! Ahhhh!" from Sufjan Stevens's 2005 album Illinois.

Notable person

 * Harry Trekell, pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals; born in Buda
 * Chick Hearn, Hall of Fame broadcaster primarily for the Los Angeles Lakers; born in Buda

title: Buda, Illinois


text:
Bureau Junction, Illinois

Bureau Junction, usually called Bureau, is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 281 at the 2020 census. The village name is shown as both "Bureau Junction" and "Bureau" on federal maps, and is commonly called "Bureau", including by phone companies and the United States Post Office. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. Bureau Junction was the point where the Rock Island Line railroad's branch line to Peoria split. Track west and south of Bureau is operated by Iowa Interstate, while tracks east to Chicago were formerly operated by CSX but are currently leased to Iowa Interstate.

History
The village is named for Michel or Pierre Bureau. Their original surname was probably Belleau, but local aboriginals may have had difficulty pronouncing the "l" sound. One or both of the brothers ran a trading post near where Big Bureau Creek empties into the Illinois River from 1776 until 1780 or 1790. A man named Buero, of mixed French and Native American descent, and possibly a descendant of one of the earlier Bureau brothers, was operating in this area as a fur trader in 1821.

In 1874 Bureau Junction had a sizeable railroad operation as the halfway point on the railroad between Chicago and Rock Island.

Geography
Bureau Junction is located at 41.28917°N, -89.36778°W (41.289155, -89.367837).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Bureau Junction has a total area of 1.51 sqmi, of which 1.45 sqmi (or 95.51%) is land and 0.07 sqmi (or 4.49%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 281 people, 82 households, and 56 families residing in the village. The population density was 185.60 PD/sqmi. There were 141 housing units at an average density of 93.13 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 86.12% White, 0.36% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 1.42% from other races, and 11.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.61% of the population.

There were 82 households, out of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.12% were married couples living together, 7.32% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.71% were non-families. 15.85% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.41% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 2.68.

The village's age distribution consisted of 16.4% under the age of 18, 15.9% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 37.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $67,500, and the median income for a family was $75,000. Males had a median income of $50,417 versus $23,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,969. About 0.0% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bureau Junction, Illinois


text:
Cherry, Illinois

Cherry is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 435 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. It is located northwest of LaSalle-Peru, just a few miles north of Interstate 80, and is about 75 mi east of the Quad Cities.

Cherry was the site of the Cherry Mine Disaster, which killed 259 coal miners in November 1909. This was the third most deadly mine disaster in U.S. history (as of 2024).

History
The St. Paul Coal Company sank a shaft at the Cherry Mine in 1905. The mine supplied coal for Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad locomotives, and was named for the first mine superintendent, James Cherry. The Cherry Mine Disaster occurred in 1909, and remains one of the worst coal mining disasters in United States history. The disaster led to changes in US and Illinois mining and labor regulations, as well as enforcement of child labor laws and the requirement in Illinois that mines have fire fighting equipment and more fireproof materials. Cherry Coal Company took over operations from 1929 until 1935 when it closed.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Cherry has a total area of 0.51 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 435 people, 208 households, and 144 families residing in the village. The population density was 846.30 PD/sqmi. There were 218 housing units at an average density of 424.12 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.86% White, 0.46% African American, 1.15% Asian, 0.69% from other races, and 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.06% of the population.

There were 208 households, out of which 24.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.06% were married couples living together, 2.88% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.77% were non-families. 27.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.46% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 2.30.

The village's age distribution consisted of 21.9% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 18.4% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 31.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 125.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $49,583, and the median income for a family was $52,857. Males had a median income of $41,000 versus $27,813 for females. The per capita income for the village was $27,386. About 2.1% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 2.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cherry, Illinois


text:
Dalzell, Illinois

Dalzell is a village in Bureau and LaSalle counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 663 at the 2020 census, down from 717 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. Dalzell was founded on November 24, 1903, and certified on February 11, 1904.

History
The coal mine shaft in Dalzell was sunk in 1899 by the Spring Valley Coal Company. The town was originally known as the No. 5 Mine Camp. The company owned the property in and around the town. Later the No. 6 Mine Camp was added. The camps were incorporated on February 11, 1904. The village was named for mining magnate Samuel M. Dalzell, the mine manager from Spring Valley. The mine close in February 1923.

A post office called Dalzell has been in operation since 1902.

Geography
Most of the village lies in Bureau County, although a small portion extends into west central LaSalle County. In the 2000 census, all of Dalzell's 717 residents lived in Bureau County.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Dalzell has a total area of 0.83 sqmi, of which 0.82 sqmi (or 99.15%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.85%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 663 people, 265 households, and 195 families residing in the village. The population density was 801.69 PD/sqmi. There were 312 housing units at an average density of 377.27 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.76% White, 0.30% African American, 0.15% Native American, 1.66% Asian, 0.90% from other races, and 4.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.68% of the population.

There were 265 households, out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.26% were married couples living together, 7.92% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.42% were non-families. 21.89% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.57% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 2.37.

The village's age distribution consisted of 14.3% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 30.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $63,750, and the median income for a family was $79,034. Males had a median income of $33,125 versus $27,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $31,279. About 4.1% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.

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

title: Dalzell, Illinois


text:
DePue, Illinois

DePue is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,633 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
DePue, originally called Trenton, was established in 1853. The present name refers to an early French fur trader by the name of De Pue. The site had long been used as a port and ice harvesting center on the Illinois River. In 1905, the Mineral Point Zinc Company started a plant to produce slab zinc for automobile and appliances in DePue, taking advantage of the nearby coalfields and trained labor force of the LaSalle-Peru zinc processing center. The plant was shortly after acquired by New Jersey Zinc and finally closed in 1990.

Geography
DePue is located at 41.32611°N, -89.30111°W (41.326112, -89.301184).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, De Pue has a total area of 3.00 sqmi, of which 2.78 sqmi (or 92.53%) is land and 0.22 sqmi (or 7.47%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,633 people, 591 households, and 452 families residing in the village. The population density was 544.51 PD/sqmi. There were 661 housing units at an average density of 220.41 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 45.62% White, 1.35% African American, 2.57% Native American, 2.94% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 23.09% from other races, and 24.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 60.50% of the population.

There were 591 households, out of which 41.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.84% were married couples living together, 8.97% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.52% were non-families. 18.44% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.17% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.19 and the average family size was 2.92.

The village's age distribution consisted of 29.4% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 140.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 161.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $61,553, and the median income for a family was $62,500. Males had a median income of $33,182 versus $23,786 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,607. About 9.7% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.5% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

Lake DePue
The lake and adjacent park feature wildlife and recreation. The American Power Boat Association (APBA) and the DePue Men's Club (a social and volunteer organization) host a weekend of boat racing on Lake DePue. The event draws spectators from across the country and brings entertainment and food vendors to the lakeside park. Barack Obama visited when he was an Illinois legislator. In a January 16, 2011, news story featured in the online edition of the Peoria Journal Star, Associated Press reporter Tammy Webber reported that the oxbow lake, surrounded by a Superfund site, is polluted by high levels of metals such as zinc, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium because of the smelting activity that takes place there for the automotive and appliance industries, chiefly by New Jersey Zinc and Mobil Chemical. The village is urging Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to investigate whether the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which has oversight over the case, is pushing the companies hard enough. This is important because the town alleges the companies and the IEPA have not done enough to combat the pollution that has made the lake markedly shallower. This phenomenon could, unless rapidly remedied, soon interfere with the small municipality's efforts to keep its remaining revenue source for most supplemental projects, the competition. The manufacturing jobs have now entirely disappeared.

In the summer of 2012, as a result of both the summer's drought and Lake DePue's pollution, the APBA nearly cancelled its National Championship Races due to the shallow water. In a display of community and hard work, DePue's citizens built a dam at the mouth of the lake and raised the water by using pumps and the lake's springs to the level required for racing in a matter of weeks.

Education
One school building hosts all three village schools, the elementary, the junior high, and the DePue High School. The three schools have classes in different wings of the building. The name of the school district is DePue Unit Schools District #103. Extracurricular activities offered for the grade 6-12 students include sports and clubs. DePue Junior High School offers boys and girls basketball, girls' volleyball, cheerleading, and track. DePue High School offers boys and girls basketball, soccer, girls' volleyball, cheerleading, and track. Extracurricular activities for the junior high school include Art Club, Student Council, Spelling Bee, Video Game Club, and Chess Club. High school activities include Student Council, National Honor Society, and the Activity Club. Annual activities that many clubs sponsor include JH Movie Nights, HS Homecoming and dances, as well as class trips throughout the year.

title: DePue, Illinois


text:
Dover, Illinois

Dover is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 135 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Dover was platted in 1833, and named after Dover, New Hampshire, the native home of a first settler. A post office has been in operation at Dover since 1839. Joseph R. Peterson (1904–1967), Illinois lawyer and state legislator; served as mayor of Dover in 1929 and 1930

Geography
Dover is located at 41.43528°N, -89.39583°W (41.435327, -89.395830).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Dover has a total area of 0.28 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 135 people, 62 households, and 46 families residing in the village. The population density was 482.14 PD/sqmi. There were 69 housing units at an average density of 246.43 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.81% White, 0.74% Native American, 2.22% from other races, and 2.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.19% of the population.

There were 62 households, out of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.58% were married couples living together, none had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.81% were non-families. 22.58% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 2.27.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.6% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 14.9% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 31.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,618. Males had a median income of $45,417 versus $39,167 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,457. About 13.0% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.7% of those under age 18 and 18.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Dover, Illinois


text:
Hollowayville, Illinois

Hollowayville is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 36 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Just west of Hollowayville is St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church that was established in 1849 by German immigrants.

Hollowayville is one of the oldest villages in Bureau County. It was the former site of a coal mine Hollowayville boasts one of the state's lowest sales tax rates.

Geography
Hollowayville is located at 41.365°N, -89.29472°W (41.364952, -89.294625).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Hollowayville has a total area of 0.05 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 36 people, 24 households, and 24 families residing in the village. The population density was 734.69 PD/sqmi. There were 19 housing units at an average density of 387.76 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 83.33% White, 2.78% Native American, 2.78% Asian, 5.56% from other races, and 5.56% from two or more races. No residents identified as Hispanic or Latino.

There were 24 households, out of which 54.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.17% were married couples living together, 45.83% had a female householder with no husband present, and none were non-families. No households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.38.

The village's age distribution consisted of 15.8% under the age of 18, 12.3% from 18 to 24, 14.1% from 25 to 44, 31.6% from 45 to 64, and 26.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.

Males had a median income of $18,438 versus $27,344 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,505. None of the population was below the poverty line.

title: Hollowayville, Illinois


text:
La Moille, Illinois

La Moille is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 679 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

La Moille was named after the Lamoille River valley, in Vermont.

History
La Moille was first settled in 1830 by Daniel Dimmick, who went on to found Dimmick, Illinois after the Blackhawk War. The village was originally named Greenfield when platted, but was soon after changed to La Moille. In 1870, an extension of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad began passenger and freight service between Mendota, IL and Fulton, IL.

By 1877, the town was home to a hotel, several churches, more than a dozen stores, a grain elevator, doctors, and a one room schoolhouse. These businesses made up a downtown area of three blocks. The Allen School was built in 1887 to alleviate overcrowding brought on by the increasing population and consolidation of public schools. A fire on May 19, 1916, destroyed much of the northern portion of the downtown area.

Geography
La Moille is located at 41.52917°N, -89.28111°W (41.529204, -89.281187).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, La Moille has a total area of 1.16 sqmi, all land.

The village is at the junction of State Highway 92 and U.S. Route 34, as well as State Highway 89 and U.S. Route 34.

Pike Creek, a tributary to Big Bureau Creek, flows south through the town.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 679 people, 297 households, and 206 families residing in the village. The population density was 587.37 PD/sqmi. There were 313 housing units at an average density of 270.76 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.67% White, 0.15% Asian, 0.44% from other races, and 5.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.89% of the population.

There were 297 households, out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.28% were married couples living together, 5.72% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.64% were non-families. 24.92% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.45% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.30 and the average family size was 2.70.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.0% under the age of 18, 13.0% from 18 to 24, 20.2% from 25 to 44, 27% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,288, and the median income for a family was $63,125. Males had a median income of $31,726 versus $26,310 for females. The per capita income for the village was $28,568. About 1.5% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: La Moille, Illinois


text:
Ladd, Illinois

Ladd is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,236 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area. Ladd is perhaps most known for a Vietnam War tank located in the center of its park.

History
The settlement was originally named Osgood after the manager of the Whitebreast Fuel Company. The Whitebreast Fuel Company, based in Ottumwa, Iowa was the major coal supplier for the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad. They set up the town in 1888. Ladd was incorporated on June 7, 1890, and was founded by George D. Ladd, a resident of Peru, Illinois. Ladd was originally named Laddville. The Ladd mine went bankrupt in 1901 and was purchased by the Illinois Third Vein Coal Company, owned by Samuel Dalzell of Spring Valley. At its height, the mine employed over 700 men and took an average of 1200 tons of coal a day from the ground. As a coal mining town, it is ethnically diverse with immigrants from Italy, Ireland, and Poland taking jobs at the mine. The mine closed in 1924.

In 2015 the village celebrated its 125th anniversary. The local grade school was replaced in the summer of 2003; prior to that the grade school occupied the building that originally housed Hall High School until the new school was constructed in 1911 in Spring Valley, at which time the old high school became the new Ladd C.C. School which had previously been a little three-room building behind the high school.

Geography
Ladd is located at 41.38139°N, -89.21611°W (41.381264, -89.216056), one mile north of Interstate 80 on Illinois Route 89. It is located between the village of Cherry to the north and the city of Spring Valley to the south.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ladd has a total area of 1.21 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,263 people, 524 households, and 306 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,044.67 PD/sqmi. There were 585 housing units at an average density of 483.87 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.63% White, 0.24% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 3.88% from other races, and 6.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.06% of the population.

There were 524 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.86% were married couples living together, 3.44% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.60% were non-families. 36.07% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.07% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.21 and the average family size was 2.37.

The village's age distribution consisted of 24.5% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 33.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $59,737, and the median income for a family was $87,632. Males had a median income of $60,125 versus $28,452 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,588. About 6.2% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.8% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

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

Notable person

 * Henry J. Knauf, Illinois legislator and businessman, lived in Ladd.

title: Ladd, Illinois


text:
Malden, Illinois

Malden is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 318 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Malden is located at 41.42472°N, -89.36833°W (41.424834, -89.368444).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Malden has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 318 people, 152 households, and 104 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,169.12 PD/sqmi. There were 144 housing units at an average density of 529.41 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.34% White, 1.89% African American, 1.89% from other races, and 1.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.40% of the population.

There were 152 households, out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.05% were married couples living together, 11.84% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.58% were non-families. 21.71% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.87% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 2.70.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $49,688, and the median income for a family was $64,375. Males had a median income of $34,844 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,975. About 19.2% of families and 23.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.4% of those under age 18 and 16.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Malden, Illinois


text:
Manlius, Illinois

Manlius is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 359 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
A post office called Manlius has been in operation since 1871. The village was named after Manlius, New York.

Geography
Manlius is located at 41.45573°N, -89.66955°W.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Manlius has a total area of 0.32 sqmi, all land.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census there were 298 people, 131 households, and 81 families residing in the village. The population density was 934.17 PD/sqmi. There were 164 housing units at an average density of 514.11 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.29% White, 0.34% Asian, 0.34% from other races, and 6.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.01% of the population.

There were 131 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.69% were married couples living together, 12.21% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.17% were non-families. 35.88% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.79% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.09.

The village's age distribution consisted of 16.8% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 31.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 128.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,321, and the median income for a family was $55,417. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $32,917 for females. The per capita income for the village was $27,987. About 3.7% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Jerry Hadley, opera singer

title: Manlius, Illinois


text:
Mineral, Illinois

Mineral is a village in Bureau County, Illinois, United States. The population was 206 at the 2020 census, down from 237 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Mineral is located at 41.38194°N, -89.83667°W (41.381921, -89.836576).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Mineral has a total area of 0.55 sqmi, all land.

History
The area in which Mineral is located was first settled in the early 1830s. The land just south of the current village was found to be ripe with coal. Several mines were open until strip mining became a commonly practiced way to retrieve coal from the ground.

The population of the township of Mineral (so named because of its rich coal supply) became populated to the point of where it was officially organized in 1850. As the train tracks were laid north of the coal mining area, so brought the formation of the town of Mineral. The town of Mineral was platted in 1857 and soon developed several small stores and a population of 300 to 350 residents.

A school was erected in 1870, with the town's first graduating high school class being the class of 1894, with three students earning their diplomas. The year 1907 brought the completion of the Hennepin Canal to the north of Mineral. The canal's practical use was outdated by its completion due to the vast developments in the train industry. The Hennepin Canal continues to function as a fishing and boating area.

In 1919, the Mineral School building was destroyed by fire. The school district was organized and determined to rebuild. In 1922, a new two-story brick school building was built on the northwest side of town. This school was built to handle grades 1 - 12 and included a gymnasium complete with a stage and balcony area. During this time, Mineral continued to grow at a steady pace. Though the town's population is said to have never exceeded 350 people, the town was able to support several small businesses, allowing the residents to have all they needed within walking distance of their homes. The creation of U.S. Route 6, which passed through Mineral, was also an asset to the town, bringing in visitors from all over the country.

Mineral enjoyed great successes through the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, continuing to support its own school system and several small businesses including, at one time, three gas stations, three restaurant/taverns, an upholstery store, a motel, two grain elevators, two churches, a lumber yard, two grocery stores, a bank, a volunteer fire department, a library, a barbershop, a beauty shop, an ice cream parlor and Mineral High School.

In 1961, the high school was closed due to a lack of sufficient enrollment. The Mineral School District agreed to an annexation effort into the Annawan School District. The Mineral School building continued to serve as a grade school for the Annawan School District until 1974, when its services as a school were ceased for good.

The creation of I-80 north of Mineral was the second devastating blow to the growth of Mineral in the 1960s. All foreign traffic that previously traveled through town by the hundreds of cars a day, now took the quicker, more efficient route of I-80. One by one the businesses closed in this once bustling community.

Today Mineral still supports a grain elevator, a restaurant/tavern, a library, a new post office, a Methodist Church, a volunteer Fire Department, and a trucking business. The old school building has been razed. A new ethanol plant is being built just two miles west of town and is bringing hope for a resurgence in population for the area.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 206 people, 105 households, and 56 families residing in the village. The population density was 372.51 PD/sqmi. There were 110 housing units at an average density of 198.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.32% White, 2.91% African American, 0.49% Native American, and 7.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.94% of the population.

There were 105 households, out of which 22.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.33% were married couples living together, 8.57% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.67% were non-families. 45.71% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.76% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 2.09.

The village's age distribution consisted of 21.5% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 133.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,125, and the median income for a family was $59,583. Males had a median income of $36,750 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,874. About 12.5% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.8% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Hiram Boardman Conibear, rowing coach
 * Jaclyn Hill, YouTube personality

title: Mineral, Illinois