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Dwight, Illinois

Dwight is a village located mainly in Livingston County, Illinois, with a small portion in Grundy County. The population was 4,032 at the 2020 census. Dwight contains an original stretch of U.S. Route 66, and from 1892 until 2016 continuously used a railroad station designed in 1891 by Henry Ives Cobb. Interstate 55 bypasses the village to the north and west.

Geography
Dwight is located in northeastern Livingston County. It extends north into southern Grundy County to include the commercial area near the northern exit with Interstate 55. I-55 leads northeast 77 mi to Chicago and southwest 58 mi to Bloomington. Illinois Route 17 passes through the center of Dwight as Mazon Avenue, leading east 30 mi to Kankakee and west 34 mi to Wenona. Illinois Route 47 (Union Street) passes through the east side of Dwight, leading north 18 mi to Morris and south 44 mi to Gibson City.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Dwight has a total area of 3.31 sqmi, of which 3.30 sqmi (or 99.70%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.30%) is water.

Founding
Dwight was laid out on January 30, 1854, by Richard Price Morgan Jr. (1828-1910), James C. Spencer (1828 – after 1890), and John Lathrop (1809 – 1870). Each of these three men took a quarter of the land. All were working as engineers for the Chicago and Mississippi Railroad. The final quarter was jointly owned by two Bloomington brothers, Jesse W. Fell (1808 – 1878) and Kersey H. Fell (1815 – 1893). All five men had links to the railroad which was to open from Bloomington to Joliet in 1854.

Spencer was born in the Hudson River valley south of Albany; his ancestors included a United States Supreme Court Chief Justice and two governors of New York State; he was later to have an important career in Wisconsin railroads. Lathrop was a civil engineer with a long history of working with canals and railroads in New York; he would soon return to Buffalo. Morgan was the son of a noted civil engineer, and he later became nationally known for his work on electric railroads in New York. The Fell brothers were Bloomington land developers who had been active in helping found many central Illinois towns including Clinton, Normal, Pontiac, and Towanda. They were employed by the railroad as land agents; the Fells had a role in persuading Abraham Lincoln to write his autobiography.

The plan of the founders was to purchase a block of land along the route of the railroad, and to divide it into four equal parts. Morgan would then take charge of the operation. He would draw up a plan of the new town, sell the lots, and divide the proceeds among the others. The station was to be placed at the point where the four quarters met. Any unsold lots would be divided among the partners. The other men seemed to believe that Morgan was acting in the interest of the railroad. The town was named for Henry Dwight, who had funded most of the construction of this part of the railroad. The Chicago and Mississippi soon became the Chicago and Alton Railroad. Attempts in 1858 to rename the settlement "Jersey", "Beckman", or "Dogtown" failed.

Early Dwight
When the surveyors, working for the railroad's chief engineer, Oliver H. Lee, reached the proposed location of the town in 1853, the speculators found that the tracks would pass slightly east of the planned central point and would go through lands in Morgan's area. This would have made Morgan's lots more valuable than the others. The men revised the plan so that everyone would convey their lots to Morgan, who would then sell the lots and split the total profits. This was done. In 1855 the partnership was dissolved and all unsold lots were divided among the five men. To announce to the public that a town would be located here, a tin pan was placed on top of a telegraph pole. Railroad workers flooded into the townsite. Morgan was afraid that they would cover lots with “Irish shanties” and make the lots unsellable. Therefore, he had John Campbell erect a boarding house. This was the first building in Dwight. The first house in town was built by Augustus West in June 1854. The first passenger train reached Dwight on July 4, 1854, and regular traffic on the railroad began in August of that year. The first store was a two-story building put up by David McWilliams in 1855 and painted white to attract customers. The first item sold was a pattern for a "lawn dress" that one of the workmen purchased for the wife of the station master. In 1857 John Spencer began buying grain and erected a grain warehouse. A grain elevator soon followed, and a large stone mill was built in 1859.

Original design of Dwight
Like most new towns founded in Illinois in the 1850s, Dwight was designed without a town square. It was centered instead on a depot ground. This was a widened area of railroad property, about 1000 ft long and 200 ft wide, where the tracks passed through the town. Such depot grounds were common in towns of the 1850s and may still be found at Gridley, Chatsworth, Odell, Towanda, McLean and many other central Illinois places. By the 1870s depot grounds had begun to fall out of favor. Morgan had deeded the central 100 ft band to the Chicago and Mississippi, but he never turned over the remainder of the depot grounds to the railroad. This led to a lawsuit which was settled by the United States Supreme Court. The suit provides information on the early history of Dwight. Dwight's original town was quite large, consisting of 24 blocks, each of which contained 28 lots. Unlike Odell, where the entire original town was aligned with the railroad, only the small central part of the original town of Dwight paralleled the tracks, with West Street running diagonally on the northwest side of the railroad and East Street on the south side. In the remainder of the original town, streets ran true north-south or east-west. This created two odd triangles of land where these streets met the diagonal streets at the center of town. The southeastern triangle became the site of Dwight’s waterworks. The early depot was on the northwest side of the tracks.

Prince Albert's visit
In 1860 Queen Victoria's son Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, came to stay several days in the town, which at the time was known as Dwight's Station. The prince was traveling as Lord Renfrew, using one of his lesser titles, but this fooled no one. The visit was important enough that local people recorded the exact time the prince arrived: twenty-seven minutes after six in the afternoon on Saturday, September 22, 1860. He was to stay with James C. Spencer, one of Dwight's founders, at Spencer's farm south of town. Local couches and chairs were deemed insufficient for him, so Spencer's furniture was stored, and the prince's own furniture, which had been shipped ahead, was placed in the house.

Soon after the Crown Prince arrived he began hunting and over several days the royal party killed over 200 prairie chickens and quail. Prince Albert attended Sunday services at the local Presbyterian church. On Wednesday, September 26, he left, having planted an elm on Spencer's farm. In 1878 the grounds of the house where the prince stayed were improved by the American landscape architect Ossian Cole Simonds and in the 21st century were given to the town and have become Renfrew Park.

Growth of Dwight
In 1869 the prospects of Dwight were improved when a second railroad line was constructed linking Dwight with Streator by the St Louis, Jacksonville and Chicago Railroad. In the same year the Chicago and Alton Railroad, successor to the Chicago and Mississippi Railroad, was double-tracked from Odell to Gardner.

The first brick house in Dwight was built in 1872.

In 1879 Dwight physician, Dr. Leslie Keeley, working with Richard Oughton, announced that he had found a cure for alcoholism based on gold chloride. The Keeley Institute soon became world-famous treating hundreds of thousands of patients including Elliott Roosevelt, the brother of President Theodore Roosevelt. Profits paid for the John R. Oughton House, on the south side of Dwight, which was constructed in 1891 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

in 1881, the Illinois, Indiana and Iowa Railroad was built east to west through the town from South Bend, Indiana, to Streator, giving it a second railroad station. This line later became part of the New York Central Railroad.

By 1891 it became clear that the growing town needed a new main-line railroad station, and the C&A Railroad hired Henry Ives Cobb to design the building. The result was a splendid Richardsonian Romanesque edifice, which in 1982 was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Dwight Railroad Station. Another new downtown building now on the National Register was the Frank L. Smith Bank, opened in 1906, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

In 1906, the Bloomington, Pontiac and Joliet Electric Railway opened to the town from Pontiac. This was intended as part of a fast electric passenger interurban service from Chicago to St. Louis, but no further construction was done.

In 1921 paving was finished on the Chicago to Springfield road, which in 1926 was designated as Route 66. The improvement of the road doomed the interurban railway, which shut down in 1925. In 1964 the first phase of Interstate 55 was completed, and Dwight became increasingly a highway-oriented town.

In 1930 the state of Illinois established the Oakdale Reformatory for Women, which later became the Dwight Correctional Center, west of the village.

June 2010 tornado
On June 5, 2010, an EF-3 tornado ripped through Streator and later Dwight. As described by one reporter who covered the disaster, the tornado "literally rearranged these towns of Dwight and Streator, with the worst damage in mobile home parks and downtown Streator. The residents of Dwight are thankful for the fact that the tornado largely spared their town."

Monuments
Dwight is home to the First National Bank of Dwight, one of only three banks designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. A historic U.S. Route 66 Texaco gas station, Ambler's Texaco Gas Station, and a 1891 railway station are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1857 Dwight Pioneer Gothic Church is a rare example of a wooden Carpenter Gothic church building. John R. Oughton House is also located in Dwight.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 4,032 people, 1,544 households, and 1,017 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,219.23 PD/sqmi. There were 1,863 housing units at an average density of 563.35 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.15% White, 0.87% African American, 0.02% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.49% from other races, and 5.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.49% of the population.

There were 1,544 households, out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.53% were married couples living together, 19.62% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.13% were non-families. 31.35% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.41% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 2.33.

The village's age distribution consisted of 22.2% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $56,543, and the median income for a family was $72,072. Males had a median income of $41,458 versus $31,290 for females. The per capita income for the village was $30,753. About 12.0% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.1% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure
The Illinois Department of Corrections Dwight Correctional Center, which closed in 2013, was in Nevada Township in an unincorporated area in Livingston County, near Dwight. The correctional center housed the State of Illinois female death row.

Other sites
Dwight is also home of the first Keeley Institute and the Frank L. Smith Bank.

Dwight station, a train station designed in 1891 by Henry Ives Cobb, operated continuously from the spring of 1892 until October 2016 when a new station opened several blocks away. The original station is now the home of the Dwight Historical Society Museum and the Dwight Chamber of Commerce.

The Dwight Veterans' Administration Hospital occupied the triangular-shaped block between Main Street, Mazon Avenue, and Prairie Avenue. Part of the facility was built in 1891 for the Keeley Institute. In 1930 it became the Dwight V.A. Hospital, and an addition opened on May 11, 1947, with a modern surgical suite, wards, clinic, and physical therapy facilities. The buildings survive and are partially occupied by the Fox Developmental Center.

Sadie planned a trip to Dwight in the "Sadie's Trip to Dwight" episode of the radio serial Vic and Sade, originally aired on June 4, 1937. The series, set in a vaguely fictionalized Bloomington, Illinois, often used towns near Bloomington in its scripts.

Notable people

 * Hannah Tracy Cutler, abolitionist
 * Tim Lee Hall, congressman from Illinois; taught in Dwight
 * Clay Harbor, National Football League player and Reality TV star; raised in Dwight
 * Art Mathisen, college basketball star at the University of Illinois; born in Dwight
 * Diana Oughton, student activist and member of the Weather Underground; born in Dwight; died in the Greenwich Village townhouse explosion in 1970
 * Frank L. Smith, congressman from Illinois
 * James G. Strong, congressman from Kansas; born in Dwight
 * Mabel Trunnelle, early film actress; born in Dwight
 * Jerry Weller, congressman from Illinois

title: Dwight, Illinois


text:
East Brooklyn, Illinois

East Brooklyn is a village in Grundy County, Illinois, United States. The population was 80 at the 2020 census.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 80 people, 32 households, and 14 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,538.46 PD/sqmi. There were 42 housing units at an average density of 807.69 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.75% White, 1.25% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 5.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.50% of the population.

There were 32 households, out of which none had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.75% were married couples living together, none had a female householder with no husband present, and 56.25% were non-families. 40.63% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 1.78.

The village's age distribution consisted of 0.0% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 42.1% from 45 to 64, and 26.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 57.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $91,250, and the median income for a family was $98,500. Males had a median income of $62,917 versus $16,875 for females. The per capita income for the village was $41,647.None of the population was below the poverty line.

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

title: East Brooklyn, Illinois


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Gardner, Illinois

Gardner is a village in Grundy County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,366 at the 2020 census.

History
Gardner is named for its founder, Henry C. Gardner. In 2023, Mike Serena was reelected as mayor of Gardner.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Gardner has a total area of 2.94 sqmi, of which 2.91 sqmi (or 99.01%) is land and 0.03 sqmi (or 0.99%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,366 people, 569 households, and 413 families residing in the village. The population density was 464.47 PD/sqmi. There were 619 housing units at an average density of 210.47 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.80% White, 0.51% African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.61% from other races, and 4.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.52% of the population.

There were 569 households, out of which 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.91% were married couples living together, 4.75% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.42% were non-families. 20.56% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.27% 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 2.51.

The village's age distribution consisted of 15.1% under the age of 18, 12.7% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 29.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $67,441, and the median income for a family was $71,544. Males had a median income of $56,250 versus $40,383 for females. The per capita income for the village was $35,716. About 5.1% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Gardner, Illinois


text:
Godley, Illinois

Godley is a village in Grundy and Will counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 566 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Godley has a total area of 1.08 sqmi, of which 1.08 sqmi (or 99.91%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.09%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 566 people, 281 households, and 189 families residing in the village. The population density was 522.14 PD/sqmi. There were 239 housing units at an average density of 220.48 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.17% White, 0.88% African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.12% from other races, and 5.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.59% of the population.

There were 281 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.64% were married couples living together, 21.71% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.74% were non-families. 26.33% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.68% 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 2.46.

The village's age distribution consisted of 17.2% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 29.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,031, and the median income for a family was $51,875. Males had a median income of $56,875 versus $26,771 for females. The per capita income for the village was $28,144. About 18.5% of families and 18.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.6% of those under age 18 and 16.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Godley, Illinois


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Kinsman, Illinois

Kinsman is a village in Grundy County, Illinois, United States. The population was 90 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Kinsman has a total area of 0.07 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 90 people, 31 households, and 27 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,323.53 PD/sqmi. There were 45 housing units at an average density of 661.76 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.44% White, 1.11% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.11% from other races, and 3.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.44% of the population.

There were 31 households, out of which 45.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 83.87% were married couples living together, 3.23% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.90% were non-families. 12.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.23% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.41 and the average family size was 3.10.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.8% under the age of 18, 19.8% from 18 to 24, 40.7% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 4.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $81,875, and the median income for a family was $97,750. Males had a median income of $42,083 versus $16,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,721. About 3.7% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

2009 FBI Raid
In October 2009, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with immigration officials and the state police, conducted a raid on an Islamic slaughterhouse in Kinsman. The town mayor, county sheriff, and local residents were very surprised by this action. After the raid, authorities revealed that two individuals associated with the slaughterhouse were charged with terrorism-related offenses.

title: Kinsman, Illinois


text:
Mazon, Illinois

Mazon ( m ə ˈ z ɒ n  /) is a village in Mazon Township, Grundy County, Illinois, United States. The name derives from the Potawatomi word for "nettles" (mzan). The population was 979 at the 2020 census. Illinois' State Fossil, the unique and bizarre Tully Monster was first found in nearby Mazon Creek. Mazon was formerly served by the Santa Fe railway at the Mazon Depot. It was established in 1876.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Mazon has a total area of 0.61 sqmi, of which 0.60 sqmi (or 99.01%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.99%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 979 people, 477 households, and 332 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,610.20 PD/sqmi. There were 401 housing units at an average density of 659.54 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.54% White, 0.31% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.53% from other races, and 5.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.21% of the population.

There were 477 households, out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.70% were married couples living together, 2.31% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.40% were non-families. 26.21% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.42% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.12 and the average family size was 2.56.

The village's age distribution consisted of 24.8% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,966, and the median income for a family was $73,875. Males had a median income of $60,685 versus $33,906 for females. The per capita income for the village was $32,776. About 2.4% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Mazon, Illinois


text:
Minooka, Illinois

Minooka is a village in Grundy, Kendall, and Will counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 12,758 at the 2020 census, up from 10,924 at the 2010 census. The village is part of the Chicago metropolitan area.

History
Minooka was established as a place in 1852 when the railroad was built through this area. It was incorporated as a village in 1869. The name "Minooka" is derived from a Native American word meaning "maple forest" or "good earth".

The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad served the town at Minooka Station.

Geography
The center of the village is in the northeast corner of Grundy County. The village limits extend north into the southeast corner of Kendall County and east into Will County. The village is bordered to the east and south by the village of Channahon.

Interstate 80 passes through the north side of the village, with access from Exit 122. I-80 leads northeast 11 mi to Joliet and west 45 mi to LaSalle. Downtown Chicago is 48 mi northeast of Minooka via Interstates 80 and 55. U.S. Route 6 runs along part of the southern border of Minooka; the highway leads east into the center of Channahon and southwest 9 mi to Morris.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Minooka has a total area of 9.48 sqmi, of which 9.41 sqmi (or 99.22%) is land and 0.07 sqmi (or 0.78%) is water. The DuPage River, a south-flowing tributary of the Des Plaines River, forms part of the eastern boundary of the village.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 12,758 people, 3,685 households, and 2,913 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,345.92 PD/sqmi. There were 4,110 housing units at an average density of 433.59 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 80.64% White, 3.26% African American, 0.57% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 4.13% from other races, and 10.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.65% of the population.

There were 3,685 households, out of which 50.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.02% were married couples living together, 9.66% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.95% were non-families. 16.47% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.45% 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 3.00.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.9% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 26% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $97,097, and the median income for a family was $100,097. Males had a median income of $62,403 versus $31,581 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,655. About 5.2% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Minooka Community Consolidated School District 201 (elementary district) has a total of seven schools and serves nearly 4,000 students. Minooka Community High School District 111 has a campus for juniors and seniors and a newer campus for freshmen and sophomores.

Notable people

 * Carlos Avery, Minnesota newspaper publisher, politician, and conservationist
 * Dale Coyne, Indy Car team owner
 * Sal Fasano, former Major League Baseball player
 * Mike Foltynewicz, Major League Baseball player
 * Nick Offerman, actor (Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation)

title: Minooka, Illinois


text:
Morris, Illinois

Morris is a city in and the county seat of Grundy County, Illinois, United States and part of the southwest Chicago metropolitan area. The population was 14,163 as of the 2020 census.

A team of ten anthropologists and sociologists from nearby University of Chicago studied the city in depth and reported its findings in W. Lloyd Warner, editor, Democracy in Jonesville: A Study of Quality and Inequality (1949).

Description

Morris is the Grundy County seat and has a large hospital and modern schools. It is home to the Morris Community High School Redskins, who have won three state championships in football. There are many small parks, ball diamonds, tennis courts, two golf courses, an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor olympic-sized pool as well as the Gebhard Woods State Park and the William G. Stratton State Park for boat launching on the Illinois River and a skatepark located near White Oak elementary school. Morris Community High School is known to be located on an abandoned mining network that stems for approximately 5 mi.

Morris is known for its downtown, ranked #3 as one of the best Main Streets in Illinois.. Its home to more than 30 independently owned stores and restaurants.

Geography
Morris is located in northeast Grundy County along U.S. Route 6 and Illinois Route 47 and on the north side of the Illinois River at an elevation of 515 ft.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Morris has a total area of 11.64 sqmi, of which 11.28 sqmi (or 96.92%) is land and 0.36 sqmi (or 3.08%) is water.

Climate
The annual precipitation for Morris is about 40 inches. The record high for Morris is 109 °F (43 °C) on July 14, 1936. The record low for Morris is -26 °F (−32 °C) in December 1924. The average high temperature for Morris in July is 84.5 °F (43 °C), while the average January low is 15.4 °F (-9.2 °C).

Morris has not been struck by any major tornadoes in recent history, although they occur in Northern Illinois annually. Morris was the first town hit by the Super Outbreak of April 3–4, 1974. However, the damage within the city was relatively minor, and nobody was injured.

The city can receive heavy snowfall and experience blizzards periodically.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 14,163 people, 6,206 households, and 4,100 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,216.65 PD/sqmi. There were 6,286 housing units at an average density of 539.99 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 82.98% White, 2.18% African American, 0.37% Native American, 1.17% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 4.84% from other races, and 8.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.30% of the population.

There were 6,206 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.47% were married couples living together, 12.04% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.93% were non-families. 29.94% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.18% 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 2.27.

The city's age distribution consisted of 22.9% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 24% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $61,419, and the median income for a family was $73,750. Males had a median income of $47,209 versus $32,672 for females. The per capita income for the city was $32,024. About 6.5% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.3% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Industries
The Allen Paper Car Wheel Works were based on East North Street in Morris, which supplied the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago from 1867 to 1890 with composite wheels for their railway carriages. By the 1920s, the paper mill had become one of the largest employers in Morris, producing cardboard boxes of various shapes, sizes, and colors that were shipped throughout the US.

The Lyondell Chemical Company is located about 5 mi from the city center. The plant, located just off U.S. Route 6 heading eastbound away from Morris, employs many Morris residents. In addition to the chemical plant, three nuclear power plants are located within a 15 mi radius of the center of Morris. The closest nuclear plant is only 3 mi away, called the Dresden Nuclear Power Station. The LaSalle Nuclear Station is 14 - 15 mi away, and Braidwood Generating Station is about 13 mi away. All of the stations are owned by Exelon Corp. Among the stations, Dresden Generating Station generates energy for Chicago and surrounding areas.

Telephone switching history
In early 1960, the world's first electronic switching system was installed at the Morris central office. The system was a milestone in telephone switching history, an experiment whose planning started in the early 1950s, and led to the largest sustained research and development program toward a single goal in the Bell System. After conversion of the existing manual telephone system using telephone operators for completing telephone calls, with an automatic electromechanical crossbar switching system starting in ca. 1958, a few hundred subscribers received dial service from June 1960 through January 1962 from the first mostly electronic system, that used cold-cathode electron tubes, instead of mechanical relays and switches. For telephone subscribers, the most notable characteristic of what is usually called the Morris System was the use of electronic tone ringers which used up to eight different tones produced by a tweeter, rather than the traditional bell ringer.

Notable people

 * Jessie Bartlett Davis, (c. 1859–1861–1905), operatic singer and actress
 * Jack Boyle, (1889–1971), third baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies
 * Ed Brady, (b. 1960), former NFL linebacker
 * Kelly Dransfeldt, (b. 1975), former shortstop for the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox
 * Careen M. Gordon, (b. 1972), Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 75th district from 2003 to 2011
 * Philip C. Hayes, (1833–1916), congressman
 * Albert Kingsbury, (1863–1943), engineer, inventor and entrepreneur
 * Eric J. Magnuson, (b. 1951), lawyer and Chief Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court
 * Billy Petrick, (b. 1984), former pitcher for the Chicago Cubs
 * Walter M. Pierce, (1861–1954), congressman from Oregon's 2nd congressional district and 17th governor of Oregon
 * Lyman Beecher Ray (1831–1916), lieutenant governor of Illinois 1889–93, politician and Morris shopkeeper
 * Scott Spiezio, (b. 1972), former Major League Baseball third baseman
 * Ronald Steel, (b. 1931), award-winning writer, historian, and professor
 * James R. Washburn (1921–2007), Illinois state representative and mayor of Morris
 * Jerry Weller, (b. 1957), former congressman from the 11th District of Illinois

title: Morris, Illinois


text:
Seneca, Illinois

Seneca is a village in LaSalle and Grundy counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 2,353 at the 2020 census, down from 2,371 at the 2010 census.

The LaSalle County portion of Seneca is part of the Ottawa Micropolitan Statistical Area, while the small portion that lies in Grundy County is part of the Chicago–Naperville–Joliet Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
A French missionary by the name of Father Gabriel de la Ribourde brought Catholicism to the Seneca area 175 years before St. Patrick’s Parish was founded. In 1680, he was traveling with an exploratory party from Quebec when he was ambushed and killed by a band of Kickapoo Indians. A wooden cross marks the spot where Illinois’ first martyr to the Catholic faith is believed to have died (which is located next to St. Patricks Catholic Church).

Seneca was first settled by Jeremiah Crotty, an entrepreneur and contractor who helped build the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Crotty built the first residence in 1850 and established the town in 1854 with a post office in his name. Residents retained the name Crotty Town until 1957, when they incorporated the town as Seneca. Before 1957 Seneca was known as Crotty in paper but known locally as Seneca.

The village of Seneca, formerly named Crotty after its founder, Jeremiah Crotty, was incorporated in 1865. The town was created during the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal for which Crotty was a contractor.

The Rock Island Railroad and the Illinois River also supported the creation and business of our town. Seneca is most known for its contributions during World War II when Chicago Bridge and Iron operated the Prairie Shipyard. 157 Landing Ship, Tanks (LST) were built here.

Geography
Seneca is located at 41.31111°N, -88.60972°W (41.3111442, -88.6097936).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Seneca has a total area of 6.58 sqmi, of which 6.21 sqmi (or 94.42%) is land and 0.37 sqmi (or 5.58%) is water.

Most of the village lies in LaSalle County, although a small portion extends into west central Grundy County. In the 2000 census, all of Seneca's 2,082 residents lived in LaSalle County. According to 2006 population estimates, 2,082 of the village's 2,087 residents (99.8%) lived in LaSalle County and 5 (0.2%) lived in Grundy County.

Seneca is located on the Illinois River, which connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,353 people, 950 households, and 758 families residing in the village. The population density was 357.82 PD/sqmi. There were 939 housing units at an average density of 142.79 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 90.95% White, 0.85% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.15% from other races, and 5.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.38% of the population.

There were 950 households, out of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.95% were married couples living together, 19.89% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.21% were non-families. 11.68% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.11% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 2.67.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.3% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $74,907, and the median income for a family was $87,813. Males had a median income of $62,895 versus $24,083 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,832. About 13.1% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Business
Seneca is located on the Illinois River, which connects the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. Seneca hosts three marinas on the south side of the Illinois River, as well as a public boat launch on the north side of the Illinois River. Seneca is rich with history with the Illinois and Michigan Canal running through the center of the city's downtown area. The business community continues to change as the small businesses and merchants unite to improve the existing business community and attract new businesses.

The Village has recently developed The Seneca Business Association which has united more than 100 businesses in the village. The goal of the association is to promote local shopping as well as downtown revitalization. The association has already developed a business directory and coordinated a number of fundraisers for local non-profit agencies.

Seneca participates in the Mapping & Visioning for your Community project. The group of local volunteers establish goals community improvement goals and enlists the help of a VISTA Volunteer to accomplish the goals. The group also hopes to apply for grants to better the community.

Schools
Seneca has three schools split into two school districts: Seneca Grade School North Campus (pre-kindergarten - 4th grade) and Seneca Grade School South Campus (grades 5-8) make up District 170, while Seneca Township High School] (grades 9 - 12) is the lone school in District 160. Seneca High School houses students from Seneca as well as students from the nearby towns of Mazon, Verona, Kinsman, and Marseilles.

The 2005 Illinois State Board of Education's 2005 Illinois District Report Card shows that the Seneca High School was strongly funded - in large part through payments made by Commonwealth Edison's power generation plant located approximately ten miles south of Seneca. For example, the above cited 2005 high school district Report Card shows the Illinois State average instructional expenditure per pupil at $5,216, but Seneca was able to provide $8,647 in instructional expenditures per pupil. Similarly, while the state average operating expenditure per pupil was $8,786, Seneca was able to dedicate $17,305 per pupil, which is reflected in the grade school, middle school, and high school facilities. These payments made by Commonwealth Edison have since decreased along with the impact they once had.

∗In 2018, Christopher Collet won the IHSA State Cross Country Championships. ∗In 2019, Christopher Collet won the 1600m and 3200m run at the IHSA State Track meet.
 * In 1986, the Seneca Lady Irish basketball team won the Class 1A State Championship with a 30-0 record.
 * In 1989, the Seneca Fighting Irish Cross Country team won the Class 1A State Championship and were the first boys team from LaSalle County to win a state championship.
 * In 1990, the Seneca Fighting Irish Track team's 3200 m relay team won the Class 1A State Championship.
 * In 1990, the Seneca Fighting Irish football team won the Class 2A State Championship with a 14-0 record.
 * In 1991, the Seneca Lady Irish basketball team finished as the Class 1A State Runner-up with a 28-1 record.
 * In 1991, the Seneca Fighting Irish basketball team finished as the Class 1A State Runner-up with a 27-5 record.
 * In 1992, the Seneca Lady Irish cross country team finished as the Class 1A State Runner-up.
 * In 2005, the Seneca Fighting Irish basketball team placed third in the Class 1A State Championship with a 33-1 record.
 * In 2006, the Seneca Fighting Irish basketball team won the Class 1A State Championship with a 35-0 record.
 * The Seneca High School FFA has been voted as the top chapter of the National FFA Organization in the State of Illinois.

Notable people

 * Dave Callahan, outfielder with the Cleveland Naps, born in Seneca
 * John Tracy Ellis, Catholic church historian, born in Seneca

title: Seneca, Illinois


text:
South Wilmington, Illinois

South Wilmington is a village in Grundy County, Illinois, United States. The population was 710 at the 2020 census.

Although the name might indicate proximity to the city of Wilmington, South Wilmington is approximately 11 miles southwest of Wilmington, and is separated from it by several communities, including Gardner, Braceville, Godley, and Braidwood.

History
South Wilmington came into existence August 23, 1900. The first election for village officers was held September 10, 1899, and the first set of officers elected were: Robert McXulty, St., president; Mike Finn, clerk; Walter Ferguson, treasurer; Charles McLean, constable; William Walker, street commissioner; Levi Simms, police magistrate, and William Purdy, Martin Ferrero. Patrick Corrigan, Hugh Young and John Hammer, trustees.

The family of Mr. Gibson Simpson were the first to locate at South Wilmington, moving into a house taken there from Braidwood that had belonged to Ed Blandey. The second family was that of Patrick Corrigan, who came to take charge of the hotel which was built by the C. W. and C. Coal Company, it being the first to be put in South Wilmington. In 1899 the coal company commenced to build new houses and sell them to their employees, and a great many were moved in from the surrounding towns of Braceville, Braidwood, Coal City, and Clarke City.

A meeting of the citizens was held in the fall of 1899 and donations were asked for the commencement of a school for the benefit of the few children here. School commenced that same fall, being held in an old store building which had been moved in on Third Avenue. Miss Carrie Peart was employed as the first teacher. The miners would pay a fee of twenty-five cents per week to operate the school and to pay Miss Carrie Peart. The people responded so generously to the request for funds that by the fall of 1900, a 4-room schoolhouse was ready in District 74, and in May 1902, four more rooms were added.

The first religious services held in South Wilmington were by the Baptist Sunday School in the fall of 1900. They were conducted in what was known as the Prophet Building, which was moved from Gardner. Rev. J. Blodgett and John C. Wilson organized it. and F. E. Floyd was the first superintendent. Later, a church building was moved from Braceville to host the Baptist services. in 1901. Rev. J. Blodgett was the first pastor. The church was organized the same year, but only remained by itself a short time, becoming a mission of Gardner, until February 6, 1910, when it became once more a separate church.

Notable Residents
Louis Bottino (1907–1979), Illinois state representative and educator, was born in South Wilmington in 1907.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, South Wilmington has a total area of 0.49 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 710 people, 297 households, and 186 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,443.09 PD/sqmi. There were 314 housing units at an average density of 638.21 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.49% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.99% from other races, and 3.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.23% of the population.

There were 297 households, out of which 24.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.20% were married couples living together, 3.37% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.37% were non-families. 28.62% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.80% 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 2.36.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.8% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $75,156, and the median income for a family was $90,833. Males had a median income of $71,875 versus $35,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $35,967. About 2.7% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: South Wilmington, Illinois


text:
Verona, Illinois

Verona is a village in Grundy County, Illinois. The population was 208 at the 2020 census.

The community was established circa 1876 by George D. Smith as a station on the Chicago, Pekin and Southwestern Railroad. Smith named the town for his birthplace Verona, New York.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Verona has a total area of 0.17 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 208 people, 119 households, and 60 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,260.61 PD/sqmi. There were 90 housing units at an average density of 545.45 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 80.29% White, 0.00% African American, 0.96% Native American, 3.85% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 7.21% from other races, and 7.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.35% of the population.

There were 119 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.82% were married couples living together, 9.24% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.58% were non-families. 47.06% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.29% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.28 and the average family size was 2.18.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.9% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 27% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 127.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 131.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,188, and the median income for a family was $68,333. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $25,938 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,351. About 20.0% of families and 21.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 50.7% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Verona, Illinois


text:
Belle Prairie City, Illinois

Belle Prairie City is an incorporated town in Hamilton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 49 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Belle Prairie City is located in northern Hamilton County 24 mi southeast of the city of Mount Vernon and 4 mi south of Interstate 64 via Exit 100. It is 10 mi north of McLeansboro, the Hamilton County seat.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Belle Prairie City has a total area of 0.44 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 49 people, 33 households, and 31 families residing in the town. The population density was 111.87 PD/sqmi. There were 23 housing units at an average density of 52.51 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.96% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 2.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.00% of the population.

There were 33 households, out of which 57.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.39% were married couples living together, 54.55% had a female householder with no husband present, and 6.06% were non-families. 6.06% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.06% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.27.

The town's age distribution consisted of 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 63.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 68.8 males.

The median income for a family was $34,107. Males had a median income of $44,167 versus $33,036 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,993. About 25.8% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.8% of those under age 18 and 33.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Belle Prairie City, Illinois


text:
Broughton, Illinois

Broughton is a village in Hamilton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 185 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The village was founded in the 1720s as Saint Philippe du Grand Marais (called "St. Philippe") by French coureurs de bois. In the early 19th century, it was known as "Rectorville" for nearby Rector Creek, which had been named for federal land surveyor John Rector.

Geography
Illinois Route 142 passes through the village, leading north-northwest 12 mi to McLeansboro, the county seat, and south 9 mi to Eldorado.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Broughton has a total area of 1.89 sqmi, of which 1.89 sqmi (or 99.79%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.21%) is water.

Earthquake of 1968

 * Broughton was the closest village to the epicenter of the 1968 Illinois earthquake (at 37°57′00″ N, 88°28′48″ W), one of the most widely noticed tremors in United States history because it was felt in large populated areas like St. Louis and Chicago.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 185 people, 58 households, and 37 families residing in the village. The population density was 97.68 PD/sqmi. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 44.88 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.35% White, 2.16% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.54% from other races, and 5.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.08% of the population.

There were 58 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.21% were married couples living together, 13.79% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.21% were non-families. 36.21% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.86% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.00.

The village's age distribution consisted of 12.1% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 18.1% from 25 to 44, 36.2% from 45 to 64, and 25.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 152.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 126.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $23,571, and the median income for a family was $19,875. Males had a median income of $32,917 versus $16,667 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,172. About 24.3% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Broughton, Illinois


text:
Dahlgren, Illinois

Dahlgren is a village in Hamilton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 504 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Illinois Route 142 passes through the village, leading southeast 11 mi to McLeansboro, the county seat, and northwest 15 mi to Mount Vernon.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Dahlgren has a total area of 1.02 sqmi, all land.

History
The area around present-day Dahlgren was known in the 1860s as the Shelton Precinct in Hamilton County before townships were formally established. In 1869 surveyors for the St. Louis & South-Eastern Rail Road (predecessor to the Louisville and Nashville Railroad) referred to the future town site as "Little Prairie." Construction of the railroad commenced in 1870 and was completed through the area in late 1871. At that time railroad officials applied to establish a post office in the nascent town which was to be home to the local railroad section boss. After the name "Cottonwood" was rejected by the U. S. postmaster (having already been used in Illinois) the name "Dahlgren" was assigned and the post office commenced operation on December 11, 1871. The village was named for John A. Dahlgren (1809–1870), a U.S. naval officer prominent during the American Civil War. On March 29, 1872, the official founding date of the village, A. M. Sturman executed a Deed of Dedication whereby he ceded 1 square mile of land centered on present day Main and 3rd Streets to formally layout the town. All land titles in Dahlgren derive from this original Deed of Dedication which was itself based on the original surveys conducted pursuant to Northwest Ordinance of 1787. The original settlement of Dahlgren extended roughly from the railroad depot/Chestnut St. (originally "A" Street) south to Sturmman St (originally "D" Street) and from 1st St. west to 5th St., a total of 12 square blocks.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 504 people, 273 households, and 194 families residing in the village. The population density was 495.58 PD/sqmi. There were 232 housing units at an average density of 228.12 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.84% White, 0.40% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 4.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.79% of the population.

There were 273 households, out of which 20.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.99% were married couples living together, 17.22% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.94% were non-families. 26.74% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.82% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 2.56.

The village's age distribution consisted of 29.8% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 17.7% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $50,038, and the median income for a family was $55,000. Males had a median income of $41,196 versus $24,167 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,706. About 11.3% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.7% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

Commerce and transportation
Agriculture remains the primary economic activity in the vicinity of Dahlgren. Other business activity includes retail sales and manufacturing, including the fabrication of custom cabinetry and countertops.

Dahlgren is located on Illinois Route 142 (formerly U.S. Route 460). The nearest access to the interstate highway system (I-64) is 10.5 km to the northwest. The Evansville Western Railway (EVWR) (formerly CSX Transportation) provides freight rail service to Dahlgren. CSX divested 200 km of rail line (from Howell Yard in Evansville, Indiana, to Okawville, Illinois) to the Paducah and Louisville Railway (PAL), an operating entity of Four Rivers Transportation, Inc. This was a transaction whereby CSX sold all track, ties and track equipment to PAL and provided a 20-year lease on the right-of-way. Upon completion of the sale on December 31, 2005, PAL transferred all interests to the new Class III operating entity/subsidiary, EVWR, which began operating on January 1, 2006. CSX (formerly the Louisville & Nashville R.R.) retains title to all real estate on which the railroad is situated.

Dahlgren has no passenger services. The nearest airports providing service are Marion Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA), Evansville Dress Regional Airport (EVV) and Lambert-Saint Louis International Airport (STL). The nearest passenger rail connection (Amtrak) is in Centralia, Illinois. Interstate bus service is available in Mount Vernon, Illinois, 15 mi to the northwest.

Media and communication
The Dahlgren post office provides service to more than 1,500 customers in the 62828 postal (ZIP) code. Dahlgren has had no locally published newspaper since the cessation of publication of The Dahlgren Echo many years ago. There is no current newspaper of record as the weekly  McLeansboro Times-Leader formerly published in the county seat folded in 2018. Other daily newspapers available for home delivery in the area include The Morning Sentinel (Centralia & Mt. Vernon) and The Southern Illinoisan (regional print newspaper).

Dahlgren is in the Harrisburg, IL / Cape Girardeau, MO / Paducah, KY television Designated Market Area (DMA), the 90th largest television market in 2019 as defined by Nielsen Media Research. Residents receive over-the-air reception of the following digital broadcast channels from networks and other affiliates:
 * ABC (WSIL) — 3.1 HD, 3.2 SD Heroes and Icons, 3.3 SD Justice Network, 3.4 SD Court TV & 3.5 SD Ion — RF channel 34
 * NBC (WPSD) — 6.1 HD, 6.2 SD Cozi & 6.3 SD Antenna TV — RF channel 32 (planned to be repacked to RF channel 19)
 * PBS (WSIU) — 8.1 HD, 8.2 SD PBS World, 8.3 SD Create, 8.4 FM Simulcast and Public Info, & 8.5 SD PBS Kids — RF channel 8
 * CBS (KFVS) — 12.1 HD, 12.2 HD CW (WQTV-TV) & 12.3 SD Grit — RF channel 12 (planned to be repacked to RF channel 11)
 * 3ABN (W15BU-D) — 15.1 SD English, 15.2 SD Spanish, 15.3 3ABN Radio, & 15.4 Radio 74 — RF channel 15
 * PBS (WUSI) — 16.1 HD, 16.2 PBS World, 16.3 Create & 16.4 FM Simulcast & Public Info — RF channel 19 (planned to be repacked to RF channel 23)
 * Fox (KBSI) — 23.1 HD, 23.2 My Network TV 49 (WDKA), & 23.3 SD Comet — RF channel 22 (planned to be repacked to RF channel 36)
 * TCT (WTCT) — 27.1 SD, 27.2 HD & 27.3 SD Light TV — RF channel 17 (planned to be repacked to RF channel 30)
 * MyNetworkTV (WDKA) — 49.1 HD, 49.2 SD Charge!, 49.3 SD TBD, & 49.4 Stadium — RF channel 49 (planned to be repacked to RF channel 25)

Since the digital television transition of 2009 there have been many ownership and affiliation changes in television markets. The Harrisburg, IL / Cape Girardeau, MO / Paducah, KY DMA has been no exception. In 2019 major players include Sinclair, Paxton Media Group, Raycom Media, Quincy Media, and the University of Southern Illinois. WPXS (Daystar), licensed to Mt. Vernon, moved its transmitter northwest of Breese, IL in the St. Louis, MO DMA and is no longer available over-the-air in Dahlgren. Viewers with a rotator and suitably elevated antenna can also receive virtually all over-the-air broadcasts from Evansville, Indiana.

Cable television service (analog), previously available from Longview Communication, was terminated in 2006. Hamilton County Communications (a wholly controlled subsidiary of the Hamilton County Telephone Cooperative - HCTC) acquired the cable-operating rights upon Longview's demise and operated an IPTV-based television service under the Futiva brand until 2019 when HCC exited the business.

Mobile telephony services are provided by ATT (formerly Cingular) and Verizon. At one time 6 providers offered cellphone coverage, either directly or through roaming agreements. This included First Cellular of Southern Illinois (which HCTC co-owned) and T-Mobile.

Local landline telephone and DSL service is available through the Hamilton County Telephone Cooperative (and/or Hamilton County Communications). Wireless broadband service is provided by all mobile providers. Satellite broadband service is available from Exede/ViaSat and HughesNet.

Government and schools
Dahlgren is governed by a non-partisan village president (mayor) and six-member non-partisan Board of Trustees, half of whom are elected to staggered four-year terms in odd-numbered years. Steve Wilkerson was re-elected village president in 2017. The village provides basic utility services including water, sewer, and gas and contracts on a fee-for-service basis with a third party for refuse removal.

Dahlgren is located within the Hamilton County Unit 10 school district. Elementary-age children attend Dahlgren Grade School through sixth grade. Junior high school and high school students travel to the county seat of McLeansboro, where a new combined school complex was completed in 2001. Dahlgren is also in Community College District #521 (Rend Lake College, located Ina, Illinois) as established by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. However, university and college-age students are not restricted to attending in their local district.

title: Dahlgren, Illinois


text:
McLeansboro, Illinois

McLeansboro is a city in Hamilton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,675 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Hamilton County.

McLeansboro is part of the Mount Vernon, Illinois micropolitan area.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, McLeansboro has a total area of 2.87 sqmi, of which 2.74 sqmi (or 95.48%) is land and 0.13 sqmi (or 4.52%) is water.

History
The city was named for Dr. William McLean, an early settler who had resided there in 1821.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,675 people, 1,114 households, and 661 families residing in the city. The population density was 930.76 PD/sqmi. There were 1,365 housing units at an average density of 474.95 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.02% White, 0.97% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 3.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.98% of the population.

There were 1,114 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.99% were married couples living together, 11.04% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.66% were non-families. 32.05% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.97% 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 2.19.

The city's age distribution consisted of 19.5% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 29% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $55,714, and the median income for a family was $61,652. Males had a median income of $52,548 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,621. About 11.0% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.0% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Elwood Barker, businessman, farmer, and Illinois state legislator
 * Ray Blades, baseball player.
 * Paul W. Broyles, businessman and Illinois state legislator
 * Jim Burns, former U. S. Attorney, Inspector General for the Illinois Secretary of State from 2000 until 2020
 * M. J. Engh, science-fiction author and Roman scholar
 * Carl Mauck, former center for the Houston Oilers and National Football League coach
 * Rodney K. Miller, television host for Small Town Big Deal
 * Jerry Sloan, Basketball Hall of Famer, player and head coach for the Chicago Bulls and head coach of the Utah Jazz
 * H. Allen Smith, author
 * John H. Stelle, lieutenant governor 1937–40, 29th Governor of Illinois 1940-41, National Commander of the American Legion 1945-46
 * Henry C. Warmoth, 23rd Governor of Louisiana

title: McLeansboro, Illinois


text:
Augusta, Illinois

Augusta is a village in southeast Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 553 at the 2020 census. It is located near Weinberg-King State Park.

Geography
Augusta is located in southeastern Hancock County at 40.23083°N, -90.95083°W (40.230946, -90.950741). Illinois Route 61 passes through the village, leaving to the west as Main Street and to the north as Center Street; Bowen is 6 mi to the west, and Plymouth is 5 mi to the north. Augusta's Main Street continues east from the center of town as Illinois Route 101, leading 3 mi to Weinberg-King State Park and 15 mi to Littleton.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Augusta has a total area of 0.69 sqmi, all land.

History
Augusta was founded in 1832 by Joel Catlin and W.D. Abernathy, who was the village's first postmaster. Catlin named Augusta after having a memorable visit to Augusta, Georgia.

On September 18, 1858, soon-to-be President Abraham Lincoln visited Augusta, where he gave a speech and stayed at the home of Elder James Stark. Previously, Lincoln's opponent in the historic Lincoln–Douglas debates, Stephen A. Douglas, had spoken in Augusta. In 1864, Congressman James Garfield (the future president) spoke in Augusta on behalf of Lincoln. Other notable visitors include William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt in the fall of 1900. Only Roosevelt gave a short speech on his trip through Augusta during the campaign.

Events
Every year in July, Augusta plays host to the Hancock County Fair.

Education
Southeastern High School is located in Augusta.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 553 people, 275 households, and 125 families residing in the village. The population density was 800.29 PD/sqmi. There were 293 housing units at an average density of 424.02 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.02% White, 0.36% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 3.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.36% of the population.

There were 275 households, out of which 20.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.18% were married couples living together, 5.45% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.55% were non-families. 48.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.82% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.23 and the average family size was 2.20.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.9% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 14% from 25 to 44, 32.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,921, and the median income for a family was $65,179. Males had a median income of $41,875 versus $32,431 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,274. About 6.4% of families and 13.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Augusta, Illinois


text:
Basco, Illinois

Basco is a village in Bear Creek Township, Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 80 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Basco is located in south-central Hancock County at 40.32778°N, -91.19944°W (40.3278009, -91.1994949). It is 8 mi southwest of Carthage, the county seat.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 80 people, 45 households, and 24 families residing in the village. The population density was 360.36 PD/sqmi. There were 49 housing units at an average density of 220.72 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.75% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 6.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population.

There were 45 households, out of which 13.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.78% were married couples living together, 11.11% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.67% were non-families. 42.22% 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 2.46 and the average family size was 1.89.

The village's age distribution consisted of 15.3% under the age of 18, 0.0% from 18 to 24, 15.4% from 25 to 44, 55.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 125.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,313, and the median income for a family was $52,917. Males had a median income of $45,000 versus $35,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,560. About 12.5% of families and 16.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 53.8% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Basco, Illinois


text:
Bentley, Illinois

Bentley (formerly Sutton) is an incorporated town in southeast Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 30 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Bentley is located in southeastern Hancock County at 40.34361°N, -91.11194°W (40.343653, -91.111994). Illinois Routes 94 and 110, a four-lane highway, pass just west of the town. The highway leads north 6 mi to Carthage, the county seat, and southwest as IL 110 36 mi to Quincy, while IL 94 branches off to the southeast and leads to Bowen, 10 mi from Bentley.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Bentley has a total area of 0.14 sqmi, of which 0.14 sqmi (or 99.31%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.69%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 30 people, 7 households, and 5 families residing in the town. The population density was 208.33 PD/sqmi. There were 17 housing units at an average density of 118.06 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 76.67% White, 0.00% African American, 3.33% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 20.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.33% of the population.

There were 7 households, out of which 14.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.43% were married couples living together, none had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.57% were non-families. 28.57% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.57% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.20 and the average family size was 2.57.

The town's age distribution consisted of 16.7% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 11.1% from 25 to 44, 33.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 58.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 200.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 200.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $74,375, and the median income for a family was $101,250. Males had a median income of $32,500 versus $53,125 for females. The per capita income for the town was $35,594. None of the population was below the poverty line.

title: Bentley, Illinois


text:
Bowen, Illinois

Bowen (formerly Bowensburg) is a village in southeast Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 464 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Bowen is located in southeastern Hancock County at 40.23194°N, -91.06278°W (40.232035, -91.062694). Illinois Route 61 passes through the center of town, entering from the east on 5th Street and leaving to the south on Worrell Street. Illinois Route 94 enters from the north on Worrell Street and leaves to the south with IL 61. To the north, IL 94 leads 16 mi to Carthage, the county seat. IL 61 leads east 6 mi to Augusta, and the two highways lead south six miles before splitting.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Bowen has a total area of 0.43 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 464 people, 188 households, and 138 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,084.11 PD/sqmi. There were 195 housing units at an average density of 455.61 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.53% White, 0.43% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.86% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 4.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43% of the population.

There were 188 households, out of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.17% were married couples living together, 7.98% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 21.28% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.64 and the average family size was 3.10.

The village's age distribution consisted of 32.4% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $58,929, and the median income for a family was $61,250. Males had a median income of $38,125 versus $21,111 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,473. About 9.4% of families and 18.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bowen, Illinois


text:
Carthage, Illinois

Carthage is a city in and the county seat of Hancock County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 2,490 as of the 2020 census. Carthage is best known for being the site of the 1844 death of Joseph Smith, who founded the Latter Day Saint movement.

History
The first European-American settlers arrived in Carthage and in Hancock County in the first few decades of the 19th century. By 1833, they had erected simple buildings in Carthage. That year, a log cabin was built to serve as the county courthouse, and the county seat was moved from Montebello to Carthage. The town was platted in 1838.

The only person legally hanged in Hancock County, Efram Fraim, had been defended in his trial by roaming country attorney Abraham Lincoln. Fraim was found guilty of murder. Lincoln filed an appeal with the judge in the trial, which was as far as most appeals in those days went. Because Carthage then had no jail, Fraim was kept at the courthouse, which was next to the school. Fraim conversed with the children from his second-floor window. As a result of those conversations, most of the school children were present when their new friend, Efram, was hanged. The hanging is believed to have taken place near the current city sewer plant east of town, where a natural amphitheater allowed for a crowd to view the spectacle.

While they were incarcerated in the Carthage Jail in June 1844, Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob on Thursday, June 27, 1844.

On October 22, 1858, Lincoln spoke in Carthage while he was campaigning for the US Senate. A large stone on the south side of the Courthouse Square commemorates the spot.

Over the years, the jail has been modified and used for different purposes. For a while, it was home to Carthage College. The jail has been restored to a close approximation of its appearance in 1844 and is now owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site, a full city block, is a historical visitor's center.

The regionally-noted botanist, philanthropist, and traveler Dr. Alice L. Kibbe called Carthage home. Along with her personal collections, Carthage's Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum houses a variety of exhibits celebrating local and regional history.

Carthage is the only city in Illinois to have all of the jails that it has ever used still in existence: the old jail, called the Mormon Jail; the jail next built, which was also the Sheriff's residence, is on the south side of Courthouse Square; and the new jail, which is on Highway 136 in the city's west side.

The Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage was built in 1908 and is the third courthouse for the county. It is at the center of the square in Carthage.The courthouse and the shops surrounding the square have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1986.

Geography
Carthage is located near the center of Hancock County. U.S. Route 136 runs through the center of town as Buchanan Street.

According to the 2010 census, the city has an area of 2.44 sqmi, all land.

In June 2006, development property on the east side of Carthage was voluntarily annexed into the city limits. This property totaled approximately .43 sqmi, all land except for an 8 acre lake.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,490 people, 1,157 households, and 694 families residing in the city. The population density was 997.60 PD/sqmi. There were 1,272 housing units at an average density of 509.62 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.53% White, 0.08% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.61% from other races, and 5.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.38% of the population.

There were 1,157 households, out of which 18.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.03% were married couples living together, 6.31% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.02% were non-families. 35.78% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.45% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 2.08.

The city's age distribution consisted of 17.7% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 25.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $70,563, and the median income for a family was $90,368. Males had a median income of $50,048 versus $32,279 for females. The per capita income for the city was $36,191. About 7.9% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Carthage's economy centers upon agriculture and supporting industries. The surrounding land is devoted to the cultivation of crops, especially corn and soybeans. Industrial hog farms are also near the city.

The company Methode Electronics, Inc. operates an auto parts production facility in Carthage, though the company no longer employs as large a portion of the population as was once the case.

Arts and culture
The Legacy Theatre, which was renovated in 2010 and now seats 525 people, hosts many theatrical and musical events each year.

Education
Beginning in August 2007, the Carthage High School (also known as Hancock County Central High School) building became the home of the newly formed Illini West High School, consolidating the high school districts of Carthage, La Harpe, and Dallas City. The three cities maintain separate facilities for elementary and middle schools.

Carl Sandburg College, a two-year community college in Galesburg, has a satellite campus on the north side of Carthage.

From 1870 to 1964, Carthage was home to Carthage College, which relocated to Kenosha, Wisconsin. From 1965 to 1989, Carthage was home to Robert Morris University–Illinois, which merged with Moser School of Business and relocated to Chicago.

The former Carthage College campus was purchased by Prairieland Investment Group in June 2007. (Hancock County Journal Pilot June 27, 2007) Some buildings are renovated for use by Carthage Veterinary Clinic. The auditorium was given to Carl Sandburg College, and has been restored for use by the college and for community presentations and events.

Healthcare
Memorial Hospital in Carthage opened its doors in 1949, named for the local heroes who brought victory in World War II. Six decades later, Carthage celebrated the grand opening of a new facility in July 2009. The new Memorial Hospital includes 21st Century technology. The hospital operates clinics in the county including Midwest Family Medical Care, Women & Family Medical Group and Convenient Care After-Hours Clinic in Carthage; Memorial Medical Augusta Clinic; Bowen Family Practice; Memorial Medical Nauvoo Clinic; and Memorial Medical Clinic in LaHarpe. Additionally, Hancock County Emergency Medical Services is headquartered in Carthage.

Notable people

 * Orville F. Berry, Illinois state senator, lawyer, and businessman
 * Virginia Cherrill, co-star of Charlie Chaplin in City Lights
 * George Clark, college and pro football coach
 * Mary Davidson, Illinois state representative and newspaper editor
 * Beatrice Gray, actress
 * John Nelson Hyde, Presbyterian Missionary in India (Punjab)
 * John Mahoney, actor, is buried there
 * Leroy A. Ufkes, Illinois state representative and lawyer
 * Rip Williams, Major League Baseball player from 1911 to 1918
 * Place of death of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church.

title: Carthage, Illinois


text:
Dallas City, Illinois

Dallas City is a city in Hancock and Henderson counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population in 2020 stands at an estimate of 805, a decline from the 2010 census of 945, which was a decline from 1,055 in 2000.

The Hancock County portion of Dallas City is part of the Fort Madison–Keokuk, IA–IL–MO Micropolitan Statistical Area, and the Henderson County portion of Dallas City is part of the Burlington, IA–IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
According to historical records, a man named Israel Atherton purchased the land around present-day Dallas City in 1836. He built a log cabin but he didn't seem to stay very long. He sold the land to John Finch, who built a village, which today is still recognized as, Dallas City. It was laid out in 1848, and named in honor of George Mifflin Dallas, 11th Vice President of the United States of America, from 1845 to 1849. A post office has been in operation at Dallas City since 1850.

Abraham Lincoln Monument
On October 23, 1858, Abraham Lincoln stopped in Dallas City, Illinois to deliver a speech. Many local men were instrumental in persuading Lincoln to visit Dallas in 1858, including George M. Ames, H.F. Black, and Ben Mendenhall. According to the Dallas City Review newspaper, several efforts were made by Democrats to tear down the platform that had been erected for Lincoln to use during his speech. Republican forces, however, were present and did not allow it to happen. A monument to represent Lincoln's visit sits on the Mississippi River on the Riverfront Park at the end of Oak St.

There was supposed to be two stones with bronze plaques, one for Lincoln's visit, the other for President James Polk along with his Vice-President, George M Dallas. There is no information given as to why that other plaque was not included on the stone, but it is assumed Lincoln's was more impactful.

The day before (October 22, 1858), Lincoln had spoken at the second courthouse made in Hancock County, the county Dallas City is a part of, to residents as he and Stephen A. Douglas were running against one another for the US Senate.

Geography
Dallas City is located at 40.63667°N, -91.16528°W (40.636565, -91.165256).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Dallas City has a total area of 3.28 sqmi, of which 2.37 sqmi (or 72.47%) is land and 0.90 sqmi (or 27.53%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 805 people, 464 households, and 290 families residing in the city. The population density was 245.73 PD/sqmi. There were 471 housing units at an average density of 143.77 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.02% White, 0.25% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 2.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.75% of the population.

There were 464 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.24% were married couples living together, 13.79% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.50% were non-families. 34.48% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 2.24.

The city's age distribution consisted of 25.2% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 21.9% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $47,857, and the median income for a family was $66,500. Males had a median income of $34,402 versus $35,302 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,409. About 7.9% of families and 14.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.0% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, which operates between Los Angeles and Chicago, passes through the town on BNSF tracks, but makes no stop. The nearest station is located in Fort Madison, 8 mi to the west.

Education
Dallas Elementary School District 327 operates the public elementary school; it formerly was known as Dallas City Community School District #336.Although there is no exact date other than the early 1900s, the Dallas City High School was opened. The design of the building imitates the making of a castle. The school's nickname and mascot were the "Bulldogs", and their colors were red and black. The school's athletic teams did not fall far from greatness. Within the time it was open, the boy's teams won a total of 12 regional championships, 6 of which were earned in the 1940s.

In 2001 Dallas City High School closed and was converted into the Great River Community Center; the city government installed additional parking in front of the former high school. The Dallas City area was reassigned to Nauvoo-Colusa Community Unit School District 325 for high school, so that year 70 students and all but two of the Dallas City High teachers moved to Nauvoo-Colusa High School. In 2008 the Nauvoo-Colusa district closed its high school and redirected students to Warsaw Community Unit School District 316's Warsaw High School. Upon promoting from the eighth grade, students attend high school at Illini West in Carthage, Illinois.

title: Dallas City, Illinois


text:
Elvaston, Illinois

Elvaston is a village in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 147 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Elvaston is located in west-central Hancock County at 40.39694°N, -91.25028°W (40.396983, -91.250296). U.S. Route 136 passes through the center of the village, leading east 6 mi to Carthage, the county seat, and west 5 mi to Hamilton on the Mississippi River.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 147 people, 67 households, and 30 families residing in the village. The population density was 183.98 PD/sqmi. There were 80 housing units at an average density of 100.13 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.56% White, 0.68% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 4.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.68% of the population.

There were 67 households, out of which 14.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.34% were married couples living together, 5.97% had a female householder with no husband present, and 55.22% were non-families. 55.22% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.70 and the average family size was 2.25.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.8% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 10.6% from 25 to 44, 39.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $25,938, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $10,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,405. About 23.3% of families and 22.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Elvaston, Illinois


text:
Ferris, Illinois

Ferris is a village in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 127 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Ferris is located in north-central Hancock County at 40.46889°N, -91.16944°W (40.468753, -91.169448). It is 5 mi north of Carthage, the county seat.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ferris has a total area of 1.97 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 127 people, 57 households, and 50 families residing in the village. The population density was 64.57 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 34.06 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 88.19% White, 0.79% African American, 1.57% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 9.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.79% of the population.

There were 57 households, out of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.68% were married couples living together, 1.75% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.28% were non-families. 12.28% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.53% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 2.88.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.3% under the age of 18, 1.2% from 18 to 24, 20.7% from 25 to 44, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 33.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 144.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 127.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $43,750, and the median income for a family was $45,833. Males had a median income of $40,625 versus $27,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,674. About 12.0% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 46.7% of those under age 18 and 18.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ferris, Illinois


text:
Hamilton, Illinois

Hamilton is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,753 at the 2020 census, a decline from 2,951 in 2010. The city is located directly across the Mississippi River from Keokuk, Iowa. Hamilton is the largest city in Hancock County.

History
Hamilton was laid out in 1852 by several men in the area, including Samuel Gordon and Bryant Bartlett. Hamilton was officially incorporated as a town in 1854, and then re-incorporated as a city in 1859. Artois Hamilton, for whom the town was named, was also active in the early history of the town.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Hamilton has a total area of 5.36 sqmi, of which 3.56 sqmi (or 66.50%) is land and 1.79 sqmi (or 33.50%) is water.

Hamilton and Keokuk share Lock & Dam 19 on the Mississippi River. The dam has the largest fall of any on the Mississippi and the power house supplies a majority of the electricity for St. Louis, MO. Lake Cooper, formed above the dam, represents the widest span of the Mississippi between Montrose, IA and Nauvoo, IL.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,753 people, 1,137 households, and 684 families residing in the city. The population density was 514.10 PD/sqmi. There were 1,308 housing units at an average density of 244.26 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.32% White, 0.91% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.09% from other races, and 3.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.93% of the population.

There were 1,137 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.28% were married couples living together, 8.71% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.84% were non-families. 31.49% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.62% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.06 and the average family size was 2.41.

The city's age distribution consisted of 23.4% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $49,566, and the median income for a family was $81,026. Males had a median income of $51,923 versus $29,063 for females. The per capita income for the city was $30,152. About 8.5% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.2% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Hamilton Community Unit School District #328 consists of Hamilton Elementary, Hamilton Junior High School, and Hamilton High School. The school's nickname is the Cardinals, but is switching over to Titans with the sports co-op with Warsaw and Nauvoo schools. The only sports that will still be "Cardinals" are Scholastic Bowl and Junior High and Elementary sports. In 2008, the newly co-oped West Hancock (Hamilton, Warsaw, Nauvoo-Colusa) Girls basketball team took first place in the IHSA Class 2A Championship. It is the first year of the co-op basketball team, and their first championship.

Notable people

 * Russell Lee Arms, actor and singer who starred on Your Hit Parade television program; lived in Hamilton at the end of his life
 * John Brock, MLB catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals
 * Alden W. Clausen, president of the World Bank and CEO of Bank of America

title: Hamilton, Illinois