text:
New Athens, Illinois

 * See also Athens, Illinois and Athens (disambiguation) for more places called "Athens".

New Athens is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. Based upon common usage, the 'A' is always sounded with a long vowel, rather than a short vowel, by its residents, unlike the most commonly used English pronunciation of the city in Greece.

The population was 2,054 at the 2010 census. New Athens sits on the Kaskaskia River and was originally called Athens. The village was laid out in 1836 and incorporated in 1866. The name change to New Athens came in 1868 after it was discovered there was already an Athens in another part of the state.

The area is known for the water sports recreation, including annual fishing derby. It is also the home of the Peabody River King Conservation Area.

Since New Athens is in the Metro East area of greater St. Louis, it also has a place in the local brewery history. New Athens was home to Mound City Brewery until the 1950s. Baseball is a major sport in the area and the village has produced a number of athletes who have played professionally. One of the favorite sons is Whitey Herzog, a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. Other former major leaguers with New Athens ties include Larry Stahl, Mickey Haefner, Warren Hacker and Rich Hacker.

New Athens is home to several churches, including St. Agatha Catholic Church, St. John United Church of Christ, St. Paul Lutheran Church, The United Methodist Church of New Athens, and First Baptist Church.

History
The first organized settlement in what would later become the future town of New Athens, Illinois was Manville Ferry named after early settler and ferryman on the Kaskaskia River, Ira Manville. Manville ran the ferry until his death in 1821. By 1818, the third generation of the Sturdivant family counterfeiters, known as the "Sturdivant Gang", were organized by Roswell S. Sturdivant and his brother, Merrick Sturdivant, who led the criminal organization, would base their southwestern Illinois counterfeiting operations at Manville Ferry and the other part of their criminal operation in southeastern Illinois on the Ohio River at Sturdivant's Fort, in Pope County, Illinois, now present-day Rosiclare, Hardin County, Illinois.

Geography
New Athens is located at 38.32278°N, -89.87472°W (38.322660, -89.874811).

According to the 2010 census, New Athens has a total area of 2.129 sqmi, of which 1.92 sqmi (or 90.18%) is land and 0.209 sqmi (or 9.82%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,981 people, 774 households, and 541 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,148.3 PD/sqmi. There were 819 housing units at an average density of 474.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.98% White, 0.76% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.56% of the population.

There were 774 households, out of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.7% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $39,625, and the median income for a family was $49,236. Males had a median income of $36,307 versus $22,462 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,627. About 6.8% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The village of New Athens is the home of New Athens Community Unit School District #60 (NACUSD 60) – New Athens Township High School Yellow Jackets. The school website provides additional resources and references.

Notable people

 * Rich Hacker, coach for the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays
 * Whitey Herzog, MLB Hall of Fame manager for the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals
 * Sturdivant Gang, 19th Century counterfeiters

title: New Athens, Illinois


text:
O'Fallon, Illinois

O'Fallon is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The 2020 census listed the population at 32,289. The city is the second largest city in the Metro East region of the St. Louis metropolitan area and Southern Illinois. It sits 5 mi from Scott Air Force Base and 18 mi from Downtown St. Louis.

Like its namesake in St. Charles County, Missouri, O'Fallon is part of the St. Louis metro area. This makes O'Fallon (along with the two Troys in Illinois and Missouri) one of the few pairs of like-named municipalities to be part of the same metro region.

History
Founded in 1854, O'Fallon's namesake comes from Colonel John O'Fallon who was a wealthy gentleman from St. Louis. In downtown O'Fallon, a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad railroad depot was built, which helped put O'Fallon on the map. City lots were platted and sold at a public auction on May 18, 1854. A post office was established the following year and the city began attracting German settlers looking for fertile farming land. On January 27, 1874, O'Fallon was incorporated as a village. On March 14, 1905, the citizens voted for a change to the city form of government. Since its founding, O'Fallon has gained population every decennial census year except 1930, when the census showed a net loss of six residents.

The city center is approximately two miles east of the intersection of Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 50. Suburban growth in O'Fallon expanded considerably during the 1980s and following the expansion of Interstate 64 in the 1990s. Subdivisions include Thornbury Hill, Nolin Creek Estates, Fairwood Hills, Deer Creek, Forest Hills, and Fairwood East. O'Fallon Township High School's main campus at 600 South Smiley Street has undergone numerous additions over the past decades to ease overcrowding, including the creation of the separate 9th Grade Milburn Campus.

O'Fallon's city seal was designed in 1974 by Michael Donovan, an OTHS freshman, during a contest held by the O'Fallon Junior Woman's Club to create a city flag. In May 1975, the design was finalized by Louis Bradshaw and was then adopted by the city as its official flag. According to the 2004 publication by the O'Fallon Historical Society, O'Fallon Sesquicentennial History: "'The design is yellow gold on a blue background—the colors of the high school. The pick and shovel represent the coal mines that were so important to O'Fallon's economy for over 100 years. The locomotive represents the railroad to which O'Fallon owes its existence. The planes represent Scott Air Force Base where many in O'Fallon find employment—both military and civil service.'"

Events

 * Tornado outbreak of April 2, 2006

Geography
O'Fallon is located at 38.58333°N, -89.9°W (38.591549, −89.912000). O'Fallon is: According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 14.48 sqmi, of which 14.35 sqmi (or 99.10%) is land and 0.12 sqmi (or 0.83%) is water.
 * 5 mi from Scott Air Force Base
 * 10 mi from McKendree University
 * and 17 mi from St. Louis, Missouri

Demographics
As of the census of 2020, there were 32,289 people, 12,093 households, and 7,114 families living in the city. The population density was 2,959/sq mi (1,142/km2). There were 13,225 housing units at an average density of 1,158/sq mi (447/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 70.59% White, 16.38% African American, 0.22% Native American, 2.75% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.44% from other races, and 8.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.49% of the population.

Of the 12,093 households, 39.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 23.8% had a female householder with no spouse/partner present, and 13.3% had a male householder with no spouse/partner present. 23.1% of households were made up of individuals and 51.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.10.

The city’s age distribution consisted of 28.2% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 37.6% from 15 to 44, 12.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% 65 or older. The median age was 37.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males.

The median household income was $102,560 and the median family income was $123,695. The per capita income for the city was $44,647. About 4.2% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.

Annual events

 * May - Memorial Day To Honor Those Who Gave their lives in service of the nation (O'Fallon Veterans Monument)
 * November – Veterans Day Celebration at O'Fallon Veterans Monument; Veterans Day Parade - largest in the area
 * November, the Saturday after Thanksgiving - Lighted Holiday Parade

Parks and recreation

O'Fallon Parks and Recreation Library Registered historic places
 * Family Sports Park
 * Hesse Park
 * Katy Cavin's Community Center
 * O'Fallon Community Park
 * O'Fallon Memorial Pool
 * Rock Springs Nature Park
 * Nature center
 * Jogging/cycling paths
 * Nature trails
 * Natural prairie
 * Dog Park
 * MCT Goshen Trailhead
 * St. Clair Recreation Complex
 * St. Ellen Mine Park
 * Thoman Park
 * Veteran's Monument
 * O'Fallon Public Library
 * Scott Field Historic District

Schools

 * O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90
 * Delores Moye Elementary School
 * Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary School
 * J. E. Hinchcliffe Sr. Elementary School
 * Laverna Evans Elementary School
 * Marie Schaefer Elementary School
 * Amelia V. Carriel Junior High School
 * Edward A. Fulton Junior High School
 * O'Fallon Central School District #104
 * O'Fallon Township High School District No. 203
 * O'Fallon Township High School

Private schools
 * Discovery School
 * St. Clare Catholic School
 * First Baptist Academy

Notable people

 * Bob Cryder, professional football player
 * Bernie Fuchs, illustrator
 * William Holden, Academy Award-winning actor
 * Joseph W. Schmitt, spacesuit technician for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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

title: O'Fallon, Illinois


text:
Sauget, Illinois

Sauget is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois,  United States. It is part of Greater St. Louis. The population was 141 at the 2020 census, down from 159 in 2010.

Geography
Sauget is located at 38.58694°N, -90.16667°W (38.587013, -90.166690).

According to the 2010 census, Sauget has a total area of 4.594 sqmi, of which 4.23 sqmi (or 92.08%) is land and 0.364 sqmi (or 7.92%) is water.

Sauget is located in the American Bottom, the floodplain of the Mississippi River opposite St. Louis, Missouri.

History
Sauget was incorporated as "Monsanto" in 1926. It was formed to provide a lighter regulatory environment and low taxes for Monsanto chemical plants at a time when local jurisdictions had most of the responsibility for environmental rules. It was renamed in honor of Leo Sauget, its first Village President.

The village was incorporated in part in response to the failure of government in adjacent East St. Louis, Illinois to deliver essential services, and in part to take advantage of federal grant funding programs available only to governmental units, as opposed to private industry.

The village of Sauget operates the American Bottoms Treatment Plant, a large sewage treatment plant that serves much of the Illinois side of the St. Louis metropolitan area. In addition, the village operates a municipal physical/chemical treatment plant that receives industrial wastewater from its factories. This has been cited as one of only three municipal treatment plants of this type in the United States.

The Monsanto plant in Sauget was the nation's largest producer of PCBs before a 1977 ban, and the EPA has designated the plant site along Dead Creek as a Superfund site.

Sauget has its own 16-member fire department and 16-member police department; this is despite having a population below 250 people. There is roughly one officer and firefighter for every 15 residents in Sauget. Sauget supplies municipal water and wastewater services.

Sauget is also home to minor league baseball: the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League, which are controlled by the Sauget family.

Located in Sauget is the National Building Arts Center, a historic preservationist and salvage organization which holds one of the largest collections of significant architectural and industrial elements in the US.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 249 people, 101 households, and 61 families residing in the village. The population density was 60.3 PD/sqmi. There were 115 housing units at an average density of 27.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 70.28% White, 27.71% African American, 1.20% Asian, 0.40% from other races, and 0.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 101 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.6% were married couples living together, 21.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.6% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,833, and the median income for a family was $41,875. Males had a median income of $40,833 versus $25,714 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,330. About 20.0% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 11.1% of those 65 or over.

Education
Sauget is in the Cahokia Community Unit School District 187.

EPA

 * Sauget Area 1 Site (ARCHIVE) - Along Dead Creek
 * Sauget Area 2 Site (ARCHIVE) - Along Mississippi River
 * Solutia, Inc (ARCHIVE), formerly Monsanto Corp, Sauget, IL - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act site

title: Sauget, Illinois


text:
Shiloh, Illinois

Shiloh is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The 2010 census recorded a population of 12,651. Shiloh is located within the St. Louis metropolitan area

History
A site known as "Three Springs" for its geological characteristics hosted an 11-day revival camp meeting in April 1807, which was the first in St. Clair County and possibly the second in Illinois Country, which was then part of Indiana Territory. It was organized by the Rev. William McKendree, Presiding Elder of the Western Conference and 4th Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

This assembly inspired construction of the log Shiloh Meeting House on the site shortly afterward, being the first Methodist church in the county and second in the Illinois Country. This meeting house came to be the longest-organized United Methodist church in the state of Illinois, bequeathing its name to the village and township which grew up around it. Three members of this church played significant roles in state government in the effort to prevent slaveholding from gaining a foothold in Illinois.

Geography
Shiloh is located at 38.55°N, -89.91667°W (38.5501, -89.9149).

According to the 2010 census, Shiloh has a total area of 10.95 sqmi, of which 10.86 sqmi (or 99.18%) is land and 0.09 sqmi (or 0.82%) is water.

Shiloh is the site of Scott Air Force Base and is also the present eastern terminus of the Saint Louis area electric interurban Metrolink Red Line.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,643 people, 2,778 households, and 2,080 families residing in the village. The population density was 760.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,928 housing units at an average density of 291.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 82.14% White, 13.32% African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.79% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.62% of the population.

There were 2,778 households, out of which 40.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.8% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the village, the population age distribution was 27.7% under 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 34.6% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.7% that were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $57,692, and the median income for a family was $67,054. Males had a median income of $42,083 versus $30,843 for females. The per capita income for the village was $25,550. About 6.1% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 1.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Shiloh Village School District 85 consists of two schools. Most children attend Shiloh Elementary and Shiloh Middle School, both public schools. Shiloh students attend O'Fallon Township High School, District 203. Students west of Greenmount Road attend Whiteside Elementary School and attend Belleville Township High School East.

Health care
Shiloh is home to Memorial Hospital East, part of BJC HealthCare. A satellite facility of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center moved into a new building on the campus in early 2020.

Notable people

 * Ken Bone, participant in the 2016 presidential debate
 * Shannon O'Keefe, professional ten-pin bowler and bowling coach for McKendree University
 * Mary Wickes, actress who is interred at the Shiloh Valley Cemetery

title: Shiloh, Illinois


text:
Smithton, Illinois

Smithton is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,006 in the 2020 United States Census. It is part of the Metro East region of Greater Saint Louis.

Geography
Smithton is located at 38.40583°N, -89.9925°W (38.405800, -89.992578).

The village has a total area of 3.86 sqmi, of which 3.82 sqmi (or 98.96%) is land and 0.04 sqmi (or 1.04%) is water., according to the 2010 census.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,248 people, 786 households, and 605 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,344.5 PD/sqmi. There were 807 housing units at an average density of 482.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.46% White, 0.76% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, and 0.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.22% of the population.

There were 786 households, out of which 41.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% were non-families. 19.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,806, and the median income for a family was $59,875. Males had a median income of $40,588 versus $31,932 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,695. About 7.0% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.

Public library
The Smithton Public Library District is located in Smithton, IL, though the District encompasses an area greater than the village itself. The District was established in 1988 and opened its library building in July 1993.

The Smithton Public Library District is a member of the Lewis and Clark Library System, allowing patrons to borrow books directly from dozens of member libraries.

The library is supported primarily though public funds through library taxes levied by its board of trustees, but also through private donations, book sales, and fees for services such as printing and faxing.

The district boasts a collection of more than 17,000 items, including books, magazines, audiobooks, music CDs, movies, and eBook readers. In February 2011, the district became the first library in the region to offer eBook readers to patrons for check-out.

title: Smithton, Illinois


text:
St. Libory, Illinois

St. Libory or Saint Libory is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The population was 615 at the 2010 census.

Geography
St. Libory is located at 38.36444°N, -89.71417°W (38.364559, -89.714107).

According to the 2010 census, St. Libory has a total area of 0.95 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 583 people, 213 households and 158 families residing in the village. The population density was 618.1 PD/sqmi. There were 222 housing units at an average density of 235.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.28% White, 0.17% African American, and 1.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.34% of the population.

There were 213 households, of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.23.

Age distribution was 28.6% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.

The median household income was $50,625, and the median family income was $56,625. Males had a median income of $37,273 versus $28,056 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,024. About 3.5% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

Registered historic places

 * Rutter Store

title: St. Libory, Illinois


text:
Summerfield, Illinois

Summerfield is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The population was 451 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Summerfield is located at 38.59694°N, -89.75111°W (38.596948, -89.751171).

According to the 2010 census, Summerfield has a total area of 0.431 sqmi, of which 0.43 sqmi (or 99.77%) is land and 0.001 sqmi (or 0.23%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 451 people, 161 households, and 123 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,122.6 PD/sqmi. There were 180 housing units at an average density of 428.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.61% White, 1.27% African American, 0.85% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.85% from other races, and 0.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.12% of the population.

There were 161 households, out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 17.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 32.2% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,031, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $27,813 versus $18,472 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,283. About 5.8% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 22.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Friedrich Hecker, German lawyer, politician and revolutionary
 * Wally Rehg, outfielder for four Major League Baseball teams, was born in Summerfield

title: Summerfield, Illinois


text:
Swansea, Illinois

Swansea is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois. It is a part of the St. Louis metropolitan area and Metro East in southern Illinois. It is surrounded by the communities of Fairview Heights, Belleville, O’Fallon, and Shiloh. The population was 13,430 at the 2010 census, an increase from 10,579 in 2000.

History
In the late 19th century the area that is now Swansea was a mix of farming and commerce. It was home to underground coal mines, foundries, brickyards, and the Gundlach Drill Works, manufacturers of the most efficient grain drills of that era. The early residents were fiercely independent and bent on conducting their own affairs. When the municipality that sat on their doorstep reached out to annex their lands and businesses they decided to start their own community.

On November 27, 1886, a group of 35 area residents petitioned the county government "that they are desirous of having said territory organized as a village...That the name of the proposed village shall be New Swansea."

The residents voted on December 16, 1886, to form their own community and name it “New Swansea”. A petition for annexation to the city of Belleville was being circulated in the territory. Establishing an independent community was a quick and effective method of avoiding annexation. And so a new municipality was incorporated on December 20, 1886. In 1898 the lot at the corner of Brackett and Illinois Streets was purchased for $300. The Village Hall was completed shortly thereafter at a cost of $619.50.

Geography
Swansea is located at 38.54167°N, -89.98722°W (38.541750, -89.987353).

According to the 2010 census, Swansea has a total area of 6.434 sqmi, of which 6.26 sqmi (or 97.3%) is land and 0.174 sqmi (or 2.7%) is water. Swansea is largely flat and runs primarily in a north–south direction along the Illinois route 159 corridor. It is bounded by Belleville to the south and west, Fairview Heights to the north and Shiloh to the east. The City of Saint Louis, Missouri, lies 16 miles to the west.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,579 people, 3,937 households, and 2,799 families living in the village. The population density was 2,085.6 PD/sqmi. There were 4,110 housing units at an average density of 810.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 88.03% White, 8.59% African American, 0.24% Native American, 1.61% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 3,937 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $49,851, and the median income for a family was $58,032. Males had a median income of $40,747 versus $29,911 for females. The per capita income for the village was $25,634. About 4.9% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Swansea is home to two school districts:
 * District 113 - Wolf Branch School District. This district includes Wolf Branch Elementary School and Wolf Branch Middle School. The mascots for both schools are the Wolverines.
 * District 116 - High Mount School District. This district includes High Mount School.

High school aged students in Swansea attend school in Belleville Township District 201, including both Belleville East and Belleville West high schools. Alternate private high schools include Althoff Catholic High School.

Health care
Swansea is home to a satellite facility of the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center.

Notable person

 * Clayton Keller - NHL player, 7th overall pick in 2016 NHL Entry Draft

title: Swansea, Illinois


text:
Washington Park, Illinois

Washington Park is a village in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,592 as of the 2020 census, down from 4,196 in 2010.

History
Washington Park filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection in July 2009, citing assets of less than $50,000 and debt of more than $1 million. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Pamela Pepper threw out the filing in December 2010 after finding there was no state law enabling a municipality to declare bankruptcy. Washington Park filed for bankruptcy in 2004 as well, claiming a $1.6 million debt, but that filing was dismissed when the village briefly emerged from insolvency.

In 2010, the mayor of Washington Park, John Thornton, was found to have been fatally shot; he was discovered in his car injured on the morning of April 1, and died at a hospital at 6 AM.

On July 25, 2012, the chief of police called for the disbanding of the police force.

Geography
Washington Park is located at 38.62972°N, -90.09472°W (38.629750, -90.094606).

According to the 2010 census, Washington Park has a total area of 2.63 sqmi, all land.

The city is served by Washington Park station on the St. Louis MetroLink light rail system.

2020 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,345 people, 1,692 households, and 1,218 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,180.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,007 housing units at an average density of 818.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 6.06% White, 91.94% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.75% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.89% of the population.

There were 1,692 households, out of which 40.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.0% were married couples living together, 38.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 3.77.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 37.0% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.1 males. For every 100 women age 18 and over, there were 78.7 men.

The median income for a household in the village was $21,132, and the median income for a family was $23,266. Males had a median income of $30,924 versus $20,463 for females. The per capita income for the village was $8,495. About 42.6% of families and 44.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 54.9% of those under age 18 and 33.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Washington Park is a part of the East St. Louis School District. Avant Elementary School is located in Washington Park.

Manners Elementary School and Woodrow Wilson Elementary School were formerly located in Washington Park. Wilson opened in 1927. In July 2004 the district CEO, Stan Mims, toured Wilson and then determined that the school needed to be closed; the school closed in fall 2004 and students were transferred to three other elementary schools in the area, including Hawthorne, Nelson Mandela, and Manners.

title: Washington Park, Illinois


text:
Bradford, Illinois

Bradford is a village in Stark County, Illinois, United States. The population was 768 at the 2010 census. Bradford is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Bradford is located at 41.17694°N, -89.65944°W (41.176884, -89.659445).

According to the 2010 census, Bradford has a total area of 0.4 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 787 people, 318 households, and 225 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,984.8 PD/sqmi. There were 352 housing units at an average density of 887.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.73% White, 0.13% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.51% from other races, and 0.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 318 households, out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $41,000. Males had a median income of $35,333 versus $21,324 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,279. About 6.2% of families and 9.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
From the mid-19th century there was St. John Catholic Grade School which was closed in 1968. Bradford School District now has two schools in the village, Bradford Jr. High and Bradford Grade School. Bradford High School was deactivated in 2001 and now houses the Jr. High. The high school students have their choice of attending one of two high schools: Stark County High School, or Bureau Valley High School.

Boy Scout Troop 1851 is in Bradford.

Notable people

 * Eva Katherine Clapp (1857-1916), writer of novels, short stories, and poems
 * C. W. Whitten, educator and athletic administrator, was born near Bradford.

title: Bradford, Illinois


text:
La Fayette, Illinois

La Fayette (named after Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, pronounced locally "Lay - fay - et") is a village in Stark County, Illinois. It is located south of Kewanee off Route 78 on Route 17|IL-17 (Madison Street). The population was 223 at the 2010 census, down from 227 in 2000. It is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. Once a prominent strip coal mine and farming village with; a general store, high school(until 1970), hotel, bank, grain elevator, train depot, and many other features and amenities. Once the coal mines shut down and railroad was removed in the early 1980s, it slowly became a low income and high poverty village with many people moving away and it eventually diminished to the hollow shell of what it once was.

Geography
La Fayette is located at 41.10972°N, -89.97361°W (41.109825, -89.973632).

According to the 2010 census, La Fayette has a total area of 0.19 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 227 people, 91 households, and 63 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,235.2 PD/sqmi. There were 93 housing units at an average density of 506.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.48% White, 0.44% Asian, 1.76% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.76% of the population.

There were 91 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $26,563, and the median income for a family was $28,125. Males had a median income of $28,125 versus $20,893 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,002. About 9.0% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 13.0% of those 65 or over.

title: La Fayette, Illinois


text:
Toulon, Illinois

Toulon is a city and the county seat of Stark County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,292 at the 2010 census. Toulon is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is the northwestern terminus of the Rock Island Trail State Park.

Geography
Toulon is located at 41.09444°N, -89.86222°W (41.094495, -89.862218).

According to the 2010 census, Toulon has a total area of 1.02 sqmi, all land.

Schools
Stark County High School and Stark County Junior High are located in Toulon.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,400 people, 555 households, and 355 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,575.4 PD/sqmi. There were 601 housing units at an average density of 676.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.64% White, 0.21% African American, 0.50% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43% of the population.

There were 555 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 33.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 26.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,792, and the median income for a family was $40,078. Males had a median income of $32,353 versus $20,556 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,219. About 6.1% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Charlie Hall, MLB outfielder for the New York Metropolitans
 * Paul Unruh, Bradley college basketball player
 * Johnny Walker, MLB catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics
 * Ashton C. Shallenberger, 15th Governor of Nebraska from 1909 to 1911.
 * Merritt Heaton, who appeared at age 97 on the Tonight Show as the Oldest Active Farmer

title: Toulon, Illinois


text:
Wyoming, Illinois

Wyoming is a city in Stark County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,429 at the 2010 census, up from 1,424 in 2000. It is the headquarters of the Rock Island Trail State Park. Wyoming is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. The former CB&Q Railroad depot in town is the Rock Island Trail State Park's headquarters.

History
The city of Wyoming was founded on May 3, 1836, by General Samuel Thomas, a veteran of the War of 1812. General Thomas was born in 1787 and died in 1879. He is buried in the Wyoming City Cemetery where a plaque below his stone denotes that he was the founder and benefactor of the town of Wyoming. The main city park in Wyoming is Thomas Park; there is also a Thomas Street in honor of General Thomas. Samuel Thomas as well as many of the other early settlers came from the state of Pennsylvania. It is for the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania that the city is named.

Stark County is rural, consisting mostly of farm land. The county was established on March 2, 1839, and named for John Stark, a soldier of the French and Indian wars and a Major General of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, serving with great distinction at Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton, and Bennington.

Wyoming is the largest community in Stark County, with 1,429 people as of the 2010 census. The other principal villages are Toulon, Bradford, Lafayette, Castleton, Camp Grove, West Jersey, Duncan, Stark, Speer, Milo, Elmira, Osceola, and Modena. Toulon is the county seat, and an historic courthouse is sited there.

Geography
Wyoming is located at 41.06361°N, -89.77417°W (41.063576, -89.774041). According to the 2010 census, Wyoming has a total area of 0.84 sqmi, all land.

Just west of Wyoming is Spoon River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,424 people, 629 households, and 408 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,918.1 PD/sqmi. There were 669 housing units at an average density of 901.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.09% White, 0.21% Asian, and 0.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.07% of the population.

There were 629 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,463, and the median income for a family was $41,797. Males had a median income of $30,074 versus $22,115 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,574. About 9.1% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.5% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
Stark County Elementary School and Stark County C.U.S.D. #100 offices are located in Wyoming.

Notable people

 * J. Frank Duryea, shares credit with brother Charles for designing the first gasoline-powered automobile built in the United States. Attended high school in Wyoming.
 * Otho Cromwell Duryea (1880–1941), born in Wyoming, brother of Charles and J. Frank Duryea. President of the O. C. Duryea Corporation and pioneer developer of gasoline-powered automobiles
 * Kirke La Shelle, Wyoming born journalist, playwright and theatrical producer.
 * Arthur Melvin Otman, probate judge of Peoria County originally from Wyoming.
 * Harry Everett Townsend, Wyoming native who served as a war artist with the United States Army during the First World War.

title: Wyoming, Illinois


text:
Cedarville, Illinois

Cedarville is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 741 at the 2010 census, up from 719 in 2000. It is the birthplace of social activist Jane Addams, the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Geography
Cedarville is located at 42.375°N, -89.63389°W (42.375078, -89.633823).

According to the 2010 census, Cedarville has a total area of 0.45 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 741 people, 290 households, and 216 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,599.8 PD/sqmi. There were 313 housing units at an average density of 696.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.75% White, 0.14% Native American and 1.11% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.14% of the population.

There were 290 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.0% were married couples living together, 2.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.5% were non-families. 21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,609, and the median income for a family was $49,821. Males had a median income of $37,500 versus $25,481 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,076. Below the poverty line were 2.6% of people, 2.2% of families, 1.2% of those under 18 and 3.8% of those over 64.

title: Cedarville, Illinois


text:
Dakota, Illinois

Dakota is an village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 506 at the 2010 census, up from 499 in 2000.

History
Dakota was laid out in 1857 when the railroad was extended to that point. A post office has been in operation at Dakota since 1857.

Geography
Dakota is located at 42.38806°N, -89.52417°W (42.387936, -89.524289).

According to the 2010 census, Dakota has a total area of 0.29 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 499 people, 197 households, and 141 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,731.9 PD/sqmi. There were 203 housing units at an average density of 704.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.00% White, 0.80% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.40% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.40% of the population.

There were 197 households, out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.4% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $43,942, and the median income for a family was $50,357. Males had a median income of $35,263 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,440. About 1.4% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Dakota, Illinois


text:
Davis, Illinois

Davis is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 677 at the 2010 census, up from 662 in 2000.

History
Davis was founded in the 1850s when the railroad was extended to that point. The village was named for one of its founders, S. J. Davis. A post office has been in operation at Davis since 1858.

Geography
Davis is located at 42.42111°N, -89.41472°W (42.421216, -89.414683).

According to the 2010 census, Davis has a total area of 0.43 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 662 people, 254 households, and 180 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,546.7 PD/sqmi. There were 266 housing units at an average density of 621.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.64% White, 0.30% African American, 0.15% Asian, 0.15% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.21% of the population.

There were 254 households, out of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,385, and the median income for a family was $51,538. Males had a median income of $38,971 versus $22,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,595. About 3.8% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Davis, Illinois


text:
Freeport, Illinois

Freeport is the county seat and largest city of Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 23,973 at the 2020 census, and the mayor of Freeport is Jodi Miller, elected in 2017. Freeport is known for hosting the second Lincoln-Douglas debate of 1858, and as "Pretzel City, USA", due to a popular local German bakery that became well known for its prolific pretzel production after it opened in 1869. Freeport High School's mascot is the Pretzel to honor its heritage.

History
The community was originally called Winneshiek. When it was incorporated, the new municipality took its name from the generosity of Tutty Baker, who was credited with running a "free port" on the Pecatonica River. The name "Winneshiek" was later adopted, and is preserved to this day, by the Freeport Community Theatre Group.

In 1837, Stephenson County was formed and Freeport became its seat of government in 1838. Linked by a stagecoach with Chicago, the community grew rapidly. In 1840, a frame courthouse was erected and the first school was founded. Within two years, Freeport had two newspapers and in 1853, the two were joined by a third which published in German. By then, the community had a population of 2,000.

On August 27, 1858, the second debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas took place in Freeport and gave the nation direction in the following years. Although Stephen Douglas won the election and retained his U.S. Senate seat, his reply to a question on slavery alienated the South, which called it the "Freeport Heresy", and split the Democratic Party. This enabled Abraham Lincoln to win the Presidency in 1860.

A monument to the debate was dedicated in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt and stands at this site. A life size statue recreating the event was dedicated in 1992. Another renowned statue, Lincoln the Debator by Leonard Crunelle, is a focal point in the city's Taylor Park. In many years there is also a reenactment of the debate, which has been shown on C-SPAN.

Freeport is known as the "Pretzel City", and its public high school's team is named the Pretzels. The nickname is a reminder of Freeport's ethnic heritage; in the late 1850s, many Germans, both from Pennsylvania and from their European homeland, resettled in Stephenson County bringing with them their love of pretzel snacks. In 1869, a German immigrant named John Billerbeck established the Billerbeck Bakery, which distributed so many pretzels to residents that the local newspaper later dubbed Freeport the "Pretzel City". The city later capitalized on this nickname in 2003 by starting Freeport's first Pretzel Festival.

Before February 1893, a large square of land was purchased from the former Keller-Wittbecker farm in East Freeport. Some of this land had been subdivided and platted as the "Arcade Addition", as Arcade Manufacturing used some of that square of land in 1893 to rebuild its factory after a fire in its original location had destroyed everything. The Arcade Manufacturing Company had been in operation since 1885 when the previous Novelty Iron Works had gone out of business at the corner of Chicago and Jackson streets. That earlier company began as early as 1868. After the 1892 fire, the Arcade Manufacturing Company built an entirely new factory in the Arcade Addition of East Freeport, where they produced coffee mills and other metal products.

Freeport is home to the oldest Carnegie Library in Illinois and one of the first Carnegie Libraries designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Patton and Miller. It was renovated into Freeport's city hall and city offices were moved to Carnegie City Hall in February 2017.

The City of Freeport transitioned to the city manager form of government in May 2017.

Geography
Freeport is located approximately 20 mi south of the Wisconsin state line, and at the center of a large agricultural area, located about 114 mi northwest of Chicago, and 25 mi west of Rockford.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.89 sqmi, of which 11.88 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

U.S. Route 20 is a four-lane divided highway that skirts the community's northern edge. At Rockford, it links with Interstates 90 and 39, giving Freeport residents access to the entire Interstate system. From Freeport, U.S. 20 continues west to Galena, and the metropolitan area of Dubuque, Iowa.

The area code for Freeport is 815 with an overlay area code of 779.

Climate and flooding
The Pecatonica River has flooded Freeport seven times since May 2017. The necessary flood cleanup has cost the city more than $1.5 million.

The frequency of severe weather events appears to be increasing. According to the State Climatologist, "the number of days Freeport has experienced heavy rainfall has steadily increased every decade since 1949." The city is seeking funding to buy out homes in flood-prone neighborhoods. One study estimates that for "every $1 communities like Freeport spend to relocate their residents they will save $6 in future clean ups."

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, the population was 23,973. The population density was 2,017.8 PD/sqmi. There were 11,888 housing units at an average density of 1,000.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 68.9% White, 17.9% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 2.9% from other races, and 8.8% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 7.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 26,443 people, 11,222 households, and 6,845 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,316.9 PD/sqmi. There were 12,471 housing units at an average density of 1,092.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 81.77% White, 13.81% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.97% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.00% from other races, and 2.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.12% of the population.

There were 11,222 households, out of which 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,399, and the median income for a family was $43,787. Males had a median income of $35,870 versus $25,095 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,680. About 9.9% of families and 13.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

Tourism
Tourist sites in the area include the Don Opel Arboretum, a botanical garden with over 3,000 different species of ground coverings, trees and shrubs. The Stephenson County Historical Society Museum includes Oscar Taylor House, a one-room schoolhouse, the Industrial/Arcade Toy Museum, an Irish homestead log cabin, and an arboretum. The Freeport Art Museum is located on N. Harlem Avenue.

Parks and recreation

 * Krape Park was awarded "Outstanding Multi-use Facility" award by the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. Heavily wooded Krape Park features a waterfall that tumbles down from a high limestone bluff. Visitors can ride paddle boats, play mini golf, disc golf, or play on one of the three playground areas. Krape Park is a palindrome.
 * Read Park features the Read Park Family Aquatic Center and a skate park. One of the larger parks in Freeport, it also features a large pavilion, basketball courts, children's playground, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, and softball fields. It is also home to Little Cubs Field, a replica of Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.
 * Oakdale Nature Preserve has over 133 acre of forests, streams and restored prairies including more than four miles (6 km) of trails as well as a 1/3-mile hard-packed accessible trail. A historic tabernacle sits on the property, doubling as an auditorium. It is currently being restored.
 * Taylor Park, a 74 acre park acquired in 1911, features three lighted softball fields, concession stand, basketball courts, picnic shelter and Abraham Lincoln statue. This statue, located in the southwest section of the park, was sculpted in 1928–29 by Leonard Crunelle. Its dedication on August 27, 1929, was attended by many notable guests, and was covered by newspapers across the country.
 * Bidwell Park a 2 acre park presented by the heirs of Orlando B. Bidwell, features a small shelter with restrooms, a softball field, and a playground.
 * Knowlton Park, a 1 acre park presented by the descendants of Dexter A. Knowlton to mark the 100th anniversary of his arrival to Freeport, features a bronze tablet and tall black maple trees to shade benches and play equipment.
 * Wilbur Park, a 1 acre park donated by local industrialist W. T. Rawleigh and named after his son (who died during World War I), was deeded over to Freeport Park District on July 13, 1948. The park features landscaped terrain and playground equipment.

Public schools

 * Freeport High School
 * Carl Sandburg Middle School
 * Freeport Middle School
 * Jones-Farrar Magnet School
 * Blackhawk Elementary School
 * Center Elementary School
 * Empire Elementary School
 * Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School
 * Taylor Park Elementary School

Private schools

 * Immanuel Lutheran
 * Aquin Catholic Schools
 * Tri-County Christian Schools
 * Open Bible Learning Center

Colleges

 * Highland Community College offers 68 degree and certificate programs.
 * Columbia College-Freeport, located on the Highland Community College campus.

Media
Local Freeport media includes WFRL (1570 AM), WFPS Radio (92.1 FM) and The Journal Standard daily newspaper.

Notable people

 * Joseph M. Bailey, jurist and legislator
 * Dan Balz, award-winning political reporter for the Washington Post
 * Ken Behring, owned the NFL's Seattle Seahawks
 * Harry Boeke, Illinois state senator and businessman
 * Carl Cain, 1956 Olympic basketball gold medalist, University of Iowa basketball player
 * John Callahan, Major League Baseball player
 * Janet H. Clark, Minnesota state legislator
 * Alfred A. Cohn, author, journalist and newspaper editor, Police Commissioner, and screenwriter of the 1920s and 1930s
 * A.D. Condo, cartoonist
 * Richard Wayne Dirksen, organist and choirmaster
 * William Eckert, Air Force general, Major League Baseball commissioner
 * Calista Flockhart, actress
 * James B. Goetz, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor
 * Tuffy Gosewisch, Major League Baseball player
 * Charles Guiteau, assassin of US President James A. Garfield
 * Corky Hale, jazz musician
 * Clare Winger Harris, science fiction author
 * Oscar E. Heard, Illinois jurist
 * Edmund Heller (1875–1939) zoologist
 * Homer Hillebrand, Major League Baseball player
 * Donna Jogerst, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
 * Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET)
 * Francis Lamb, Wisconsin State Assemblyman
 * Edward E. Laughlin, Illinois State Senator and lawyer
 * Gerald McClellan, middleweight boxing champion
 * John Meyer, Illinois State Representative, lawyer
 * Ravi Patel, film and TV actor
 * Jason Pearson, Major League Baseball player
 * Preston Pearson, National Football League player
 * Trisha Paytas, YouTube personality
 * William Buckley Peck, physician, surgeon, and founder of the Inter-State Postgraduate Medical Association of North America
 * Julia Phillips, physicist and science policy leader
 * William Thomas Rawleigh, industrialist, Illinois State Representative
 * Harlan Rigney, Illinois State Representative
 * Stephen A. Rigney, Illinois state representative
 * William Avery Rockefeller, father of John D. Rockefeller
 * Adolph Rupp, head basketball coach Freeport HS 1926-30 and Univ. of Kentucky 1930–72, for whom Rupp Arena is named.
 * Manuel Seal - Grammy-award-winning producer
 * Ted Snyder, songwriter
 * Charles J. Stine, silent film actor
 * Tiffany Thayer, author, actor, Thirteen Women
 * Alice Bradford Wiles, Chicago clubwoman, lived in Freeport
 * Steve Luecke, mayor of South Bend, Indiana, 1997-2012

title: Freeport, Illinois


text:
German Valley, Illinois

German Valley is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. German Valley is located four miles south of U.S. Route 20 between Freeport and Rockford. German Valley had a population of 433 at the 2020 census, with a 2023 estimate of 424.

Geography
German Valley is located at 42.215°N, -89.4775°W (42.214993, -89.477454).

According to the 2010 census, the village has a total area of 0.48 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 481 people, 179 households, and 138 families residing in the village. The population density was 987.8 PD/sqmi. There were 187 housing units at an average density of 384.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.58% White, 0.21% Asian and 0.21% Pacific Islander. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.87% of the population.

There were 179 households, out of which 41.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.5% were married couples living together, 6.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.3% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 33.5% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,500, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $31,111 versus $22,308 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,564. About 6.4% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 20.4% of those age 65 or over.

Animal Sanctuary
The village is home to an animal sanctuary for exotic pets called Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary.

title: German Valley, Illinois


text:
Lake Summerset, Illinois

Lake Summerset is a census-designated place (CDP) in Stephenson and Winnebago counties in Illinois. The population was 2,048 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Lake Summerset is located at 42.44944°N, -89.39639°W (42.449436, -89.396392).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.5 sqmi, of which 2.1 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi (17.20%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 2,061 people, 816 households, and 677 families in the CDP. The population density was 995.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,050 housing units at an average density of 507.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.88% White, 0.24% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.19% Asian, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.68%.

Of the 816 households 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.7% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.0% were non-families. 13.5% of households were one person and 7.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.76.

The age distribution was 21.7% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 22.1% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 22.2% 65 or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.

The median household income was $59,648 and the median family income was $65,066. Males had a median income of $50,522 versus $27,708 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $27,160. About 1.0% of families and 0.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen or sixty-five or over.

title: Lake Summerset, Illinois


text:
Lena, Illinois

Lena is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois. The population was 2,772 at the 2020 census.

Lena was platted in 1853, and named after a place mentioned in a poem by Ossian.

History
In 1853, a railroad survey by Benjamin Dornblazer determined a course through present-day Lena. Samuel F. Dodds, who owned 80 acre of land in the area, purchased an additional tract of 80 acre on behalf of the railroad company and grading work was begun. Dodds owned a stone residence which still occupies Lot No. 1 on Lena Street, while Dr. F. Voightheld owned a log home (which has subsequently been demolished) near the train depot. At the time, these two buildings made up the extent of the town.

The town was originally shaped as a parallelogram covering twenty-six blocks for a total of 304 housing lots. During the summer of 1853, lots sold rapidly, commanding prices varying from $50 to $150 each. On New Year's Day 1854, track was laid, and railway cars began running between Freeport and Warren. The population began to grow, mostly with English and Irish residents. In 1854, there were about a dozen families in Lena.

During the summer of 1855, Reber & Cheney and Dodds erected a three-story brick building at the corner of Railroad and Schuyler streets. It was completed in the fall of 1856 at a cost of about $4,000. The building is still used by local businesses. The Panic of 1857 had little effect on the growth of the town, and rapid expansion continued through 1860.

As growth continued after the Civil War, the first town newspaper called the Lena Star was established in 1867, with Dodds as editor. During its first year, the newspaper reported a local fire and called for a town water pump. Several fires erupted through 1868, and J.M. Shannon (who took over as editor of the newspaper) continued calls for a pump. The Lena Water Tower was finally established on May 15, 1868.

By 1870, Lena's population had reached 1,295 people and its social and business community continued to grow. The Lena Fire Department was established in 1869 and officially met for the first time in 1870. Despite the presence of the fire department and well, fires continued to plague Lena. During the early 1870s, structure fires consumed a warehouse, a stable, a rural school and several Lena houses. News of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was unsettling to the residents of Lena, and a fire of 1874 nearly destroyed the old railway depot and freight houses.

A local opera house, constructed in 1879, was featured on the History Channel show American Pickers in February 2010. The Opera House, now reconstructed, was closed in 1938.

Radio station WQLF (102.1 FM) is licensed to the city of Lena.

Geography
Lena is located at 42.37861°N, -89.82639°W (42.378595, -89.826308).

According to the 2010 census, Lena has a total area of 2.61 sqmi, all land.

The town of Lena is located in parts of Sections 32 and 33, on the Illinois Central Railroad, 12 mi west of Freeport, and is, next to that city, the largest town in the county.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, the population was 2,772. The population density was 1,045.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,270 housing units at an average density of 479.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.4% White, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 1.3% from other races, and 3.6% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 2.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 2,887 people, 1,164 households and 807 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,350.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,257 housing units at an average density of 587.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.58% White, 0.21% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population.

There were 1,164 households, of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.95.

24.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.5 males.

The median household income was $39,94, and the median family income was $49,375. Males had a median income of $40,202 versus $23,063 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,613. About 2.2% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Education in Lena is provided by the Lena-Winslow Consolidated School District #202. Within the district are facilities in Lena (kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high schools). The Lena-Winslow Panther Football team won the Class 1A State Championships in 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. The Le-Win/Stockton wrestling coop also won the IHSA class 1A State Wrestling Championship in 2017, 2019, and 2020.

Notable people

 * Harry Boeke (1883–1936), Illinois state senator and businessman, was born in Lena.
 * Bertha Fowler (1866-1952), educator, preacher, deaconess
 * Charles N. Fowler, congressman from New Jersey's 5th district (1895-1911)
 * Joe Lobdell, offensive lineman with the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts
 * Richard J Oberle, well known politician from the Town of Middleton in Wisconsin

Recreation

 * Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park The park is a 715 acre state park surrounding and including Lake Le-Aqua-Na
 * Wolf Hollow Golf Course
 * Stage Coach Golf Course

title: Lena, Illinois


text:
Orangeville, Illinois

Orangeville is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The town's sign lists the population at 800 as of January 2021. The population in 2020 was 738. The population according to the 2010 census was 793, up from 751 in 2000. Using the 2020 population of 738 Orangeville is the 741st largest city in Illinois and the 11,650th largest city in the United States. Orangeville is currently declining at a rate of -0.94% annually and its population has decreased by -6.94% since the 2010 census. The area's earliest white settlers arrived in the year 1833, and the village was platted in 1851 by John Bower, who is considered the village founder. In 1867 Orangeville was incorporated as a village. The town's central business district contains several 19th century commercial buildings, many of which were built during the railroad boom of 1888–1914. By the time the Great Depression was ongoing, business in Orangeville had started to decline, with the last bank closing in 1932. In 1956 another bank started operating in the village and is still in town today. Some recent infrastructure jumps have restored some of the village's old decor.

Orangeville is about two miles (3 km) south of the Illinois – Wisconsin border and about 35 mi west of Rockford, Illinois. Orangeville is located directly off of Illinois Route 26 between Monroe, Wisconsin and Freeport, Illinois. The town itself is located in farmland surrounded by vale and rises from Richland Creek on its west end, down High Street and into the central business district, where the Central House hotel occupies the highest lot. Public education in Orangeville is the responsibility of Orangeville Community School District #203 which previously operated an elementary school on the south side and a combination junior and senior high school on the east side. In 2019 the district combined the elementary school with the joint high school on the east side to create the Orangeville High School. The previous elementary school was converted to a multi-family complex.

Early history
Before 1837, the area was occupied by Native Americans who utilized it for hunting grounds; the Sioux tribe had a camp near Oneco. Game that populated the Orangeville area included buffalo and deer. John H. Curtis purchased the 80 acre of land, which included the area that would eventually become Orangeville, on January 1, 1838, at the United States General Land Office in Dixon. Curtis constructed a dam on Richland Creek, and on the creek's west bank erected a gristmill and a saw mill. Curtis died in 1843 and both mills stood idle until John Bower arrived in 1846, with his family, after having visited the area the year before. Bower purchased the 80 acre and the mills.

Throughout the 1830s and 1840s farmers from New York and Pennsylvania, known as the Pennsylvania Dutch, arrived to settle the area around present-day Orangeville. Of the first 14 settlers to the area, 13 were Pennsylvania Dutch, the 14th was a German immigrant. A Dr. Thomas Van Valsah led a wagon train from Pennsylvania to Stephenson County in 1837.

The village of Orangeville was founded by John Bower, popularly confused as "Bowers." Bower came to Stephenson County in 1845 and, on October 16, 1846, bought the land that would be platted as Orangeville from for $950. Bower built the Union House in 1849 on a portion of what became Orangeville in 1851. Though the town was platted by Bower in 1851, it was not incorporated until 1867. A drawing of the plat was done by surveyor Marcus Montelius and indicated that Orangeville has always been known as Orangeville; several publications have asserted that the town began as Bowersville or Bowers Mills and underwent a name change in 1854. It is possible that the incorrect name Bowersville was a misremembered version of "Bower's mill". The plat also showed 48 original town lots.

At the outset, Bower brought "wagon loads" of lumber from Galena and Chicago to the settlement, and by 1849 he had reconstructed and improved the gristmill. The mill was completed in 1850 at a cost of $8,000. Charles Moore, who would become the first President of the village when it was incorporated, came to the town, lured by Bower's efforts, in 1849. George Hamilton built a store and soon farmers began to build houses, by 1850 a stagecoach served the area. In September 1852 construction began on Orangeville's first church.

By 1854, Orangeville was in competition with the village of Oneco as a growing center of commerce. That year, the federal government decided that population growth in the two villages warranted the establishment of a post office. On an appointed day, residents of both villages lined up on the sides of the street according to which town they supported as the location for the post office. Orangeville won by a narrow margin.

Arrival of the railroad
After its incorporation the village continued to prosper, the downtown district was mostly complete by the 1870s, with all commercial lots purchased and improved. Mel Trotter who established a chain of rescue missions during his lifetime, was born in the village on May 16, 1870, and lived there until he was five years old when his family moved to Polo, Illinois. By 1877, the village population was up to 300 and in 1883 the Orangeville Alert, the first village newspaper, was established. In 1887, the Illinois Central Railroad decided to link Freeport to Madison, Wisconsin. The only incorporated village along that line was Orangeville, the railroad came in 1888 and led to commercial building boom. This building boom directly resulted in 14 new buildings being erected downtown, all brick buildings downtown save the 1906 Wagner Building and the 1899 R.W. Moore Building were a result of the railroad. Between 1888 and 1914, numerous business developed along the corridor of Main and High Streets, those included: restaurants, drug stores, barber shops, banks, watch and clock repair shops, cigar factory, funeral parlor and casket factory, among several others.

Great Depression
In 1928, just before the onset of the Great Depression, Illinois State Highway 74 (later Illinois Route 26) was rerouted through the eastern part of Orangeville, bypassing the downtown business district. Though the downtown district no longer had a major thoroughfare passing through it, many of the business were able to survive, at least initially. By 1928, the decline in the business community of Orangeville was evident; the bypass, coupled with the depression continued to negatively affect the village. In 1932, the People's State Bank, the last open bank in Orangeville, closed its doors.

Geography
Orangeville is located at 42.46694°N, -89.64611°W (42.466900, -89.646003). According to the 2010 census, Orangeville has a total area of 0.63 sqmi, all land. The village of Orangeville is located in northern Stephenson County, about two miles (3 km) south of the Illinois-Wisconsin border directly off of Illinois Route 26. The village is 11 mi south of Monroe, Wisconsin, 12 mi north of Freeport, 35 mi west of Rockford and 60 mi east of Dubuque, Iowa.

The village is located in a vale which is surrounded by farmland. At the western end, and lowest end, of town Richland Creek runs north–south and is paralleled by the old Illinois Central Railroad bed. The railroad bed is now part of the Jane Addams Trail. High Street, which runs through the historic downtown is the primary east–west route through the village and Main Street, which intersects High Street at its highest point, becomes Freeport Road and leads to the city of Freeport.

Cityscape

The central business district is along High and Main Streets, and forms downtown Orangeville. High Street slopes uphill from the Richland Creek and is populated by historic, 19th century buildings. At the summit of High Street's slope is the Central House, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. In total, four of the five structures on the National Register in Orangeville, are found along High Street; the Union House and the Orangeville Masonic Hall are the other two. Other historic buildings in the approximately three block area include the 1888 Musser Building, and the 1906 Wagner Building.

The first commercial brick building to be constructed in the main business district was the Central House, which operated as a hotel from its construction during the 1860s until its conversion to a single family residence in the 1930s. All other buildings were erected around Central House, which was specifically located and designed to be the center piece of downtown Orangeville. The People's State Bank was the last major commercial building constructed in historic downtown Orangeville. In 1932 People's State Bank closed its doors. In 1956 Community Bank of Orangeville opened for business in the downtown area. In 1980 Community Bank moved to the current church street location on the south end of town. Community Bank of Orangeville is the village's only operating bank.

in 2020, the old Elementary School located on East St. was converted to a 33,000 sq ft. Multi-Family apartment building. The renovations include 20 studio apartments with utilities as well as common areas.

Social and fraternal organizations
Social and fraternal organizations have played a major role in the community and the social history of Orangeville. There have been several organizations in Orangeville throughout its history and in 1876 the local Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (AF and AM) Lodge erected the Orangeville Masonic Hall. Though the building was originally constructed to serve as the meeting hall for the local AF and AM Lodge, from its opening it has always been used by all of Orangeville's fraternal organizations.

The Orangeville AF and AM Lodge 687 was chartered October 1, 1872, and its sister organization, Eastern Star, Willow Chapter #434 was founded in 1899. The group held its meetings on the second floor of the Masonic Hall and the first floor was reserved for entertainment and social functions. The Lodge is still active in Orangeville today. The Orangeville Independent Order of Odd Fellows, (IOOF) J.R. Scruggs Lodge 372 was formed on October 18, 1868. The Orangeville IOOF Lodge assisted the March 10, 1896, establishment of their sister organization, the Rebekah Lodge. The IOOF has faced dwindling membership and, in 2002, the Orangeville chapter had less than 50 members.

Orangeville Lodge No. 133 of the International Organization of Good Templars was established in 1867, as a temperance lodge, but it soon dissolved. Other short-lived lodges include the Grand Army of the Republic Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, and various other temperance lodges. Regardless of their longevity, each of these groups met in the same Orangeville Masonic Hall.

As of late 2014, Orangeville became famous for receiving the Guinness World Record for world's tallest dairy cow. The cow's name is Blosom and is a resident at the Hanson Farm.

Demographics
Using the 2020 census population of 738 Orangeville is the 741st largest city in Illinois and the 11,650th largest city in the United States. Orangeville is currently declining at a rate of -0.94% annually and its population has decreased by -6.94% since the 2010 census.

As of the census of 2000, there were 751 people, 297 households, and 209 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,168.9 PD/sqmi. There were 316 housing units at an average density of 491.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.60% White, 0.13% African American, and 0.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.93% of the population. There were 297 households, out of which 39.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $39,875, and the median income for a family was $45,000. Males had a median income of $30,670 versus $23,646 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,437. About 1.4% of families and 3.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education in Orangeville is provided by Orangeville Community School District #203. The district maintains a single building referred to as the Orangeville Illinois CUSD. This building houses the district's elementary school Orangeville Elementary School as well as the junior and senior high school, Orangeville Jr/Sr High SchoolOrangeville High School. The high school team mascots are the Broncos. The district is administrated by a seven-member Board of Education, which includes three officers, a president, a vice president, and a secretary.

Notable people

 * Art Young, cartoonist

title: Orangeville, Illinois


text:
Pearl City, Illinois

Pearl City is an incorporated village in Stephenson County, Illinois, with a population of 838 at the 2010 census, up from 780 in 2000.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 780 people, 293 households, and 225 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,376.7 PD/sqmi. There were 314 housing units at an average density of 554.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.21% White, 0.38% African American, 0.13% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 0.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.64% of the population.

There were 293 households, out of which 44.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males. Population of 803 in 2011.

The median income for a household in the village was $43,929, and the median income for a family was $55,096. Males had a median income of $35,313 versus $24,141 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,256. About 4.1% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 18.6% of those age 65 or over.

Geography
Pearl City is located at 42.26639°N, -89.82722°W (42.266179, -89.827185). It is located approximately 12 mi west of Freeport and 40 mi east of Galena. It is a part of the Freeport Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Stephenson County.

According to the 2010 census, Pearl City has a total area of 0.649 sqmi, of which 0.64 sqmi (or 98.61%) is land and 0.009 sqmi (or 1.39%) is water.

The village is situated on Illinois Route 73, which runs south to Lanark and north to the Wisconsin border through Lena and Winslow.

Pearl City is located approximately six miles south of U.S. Route 20, which traverses the US from Boston in the east to Newport, Oregon in the west.

Local organizations
Pearl City is home to three churches, Zion Community, St. John's Lutheran, and Pearl City Methodist. There are two local 4-H clubs, The Pearl City Hornets, and the Pearl Valley Rangers. Civic organizations include Post 1014 of the American Legion and Club 261 of the Lions Club.

Notable people

 * Robert E. Brinkmeier (1922–2007) was an American politician, businessman and educator
 * Forrest Iandola is an American computer scientist and entrepreneur

title: Pearl City, Illinois


text:
Ridott, Illinois

Ridott is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the village population was 164, up from 158 in 2000.

History
Originally called Cochranville, Ridott was renamed in 1863 after Ridott Township. A post office was established as Cochranville in 1860, and renamed Ridott in 1861.

Geography
Ridott is located at 42.29722°N, -89.47667°W (42.297101, -89.476529).

According to the 2010 census, Ridott has a total area of 0.1 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 159 people, 62 households, and 47 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,518.9 PD/sqmi. There were 68 housing units at an average density of 649.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 62 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.0% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 17.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the village, the population was distributed as follows: 25.8% were under the age of 18, 4.4% were between 18 and 24, 32.1% were from 25 to 44, 24.5% were from 45 to 64, and 13.2% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.9 males. Among females aged 18 and over, there were 103.4 males for every 100 females.

The median income for a household in the village was $41,875, and the median income for a family was $46,042. Males had a median income of $29,750 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,846. None of the families and 2.9% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 12.9% of those over 64.

title: Ridott, Illinois


text:
Rock City, Illinois

Rock City is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois. The population was 315 at the 2010 census, up from 313 in 2000.

Geography
Rock City is located at 42.41278°N, -89.46806°W (42.412685, -89.468058).

According to the 2010 census, Rock City has a total area of 0.15 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
2010 U.S. Census

At the 2010 census, there were 315 people which is an increase of 0.6% from the 2000 census. This breaks down as 174 males and 141 females. A total of 307 people were Non-Hispanic or Latino. By race, there were 305 people indicated as white with the remaining 10 indicated as being identified by two or more races.

There were a total of 128 housing units with 123 occupied. Of the 128 households, 47.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median household income was $56,731, and the median family income was $71,250. Males had a median income of $40,446 versus $26,250 for females.

The three largest employers in Rock City are Pregl Services, US Bank, and Tri-District Ambulance.

2000 U.S. Census

At the 2000 census, there were 313 people, 120 households, and 81 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,195.7 PD/sqmi. There were 122 housing units at an average density of 855.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.68% White, and 0.32% from two or more races.

There were 120 households, of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.24.

Age distribution was 31.0% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median household income was $46,250, and the median family income was $51,750. Males had a median income of $35,417 versus $25,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,920. About 3.4% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 5.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Rock City, Illinois


text:
Winslow, Illinois

Winslow is a village in Stephenson County, Illinois. The population was 338 at the 2010 census, down from 345 in 2000.

Government
Mayor of Winslow is Ronald Piña. The Treasurer is Jennifer Milliken and the Clerk is Holly Krupke.

Geography
Winslow is located at 42.49056°N, -89.79194°W (42.490470, -89.792060).

According to the 2010 census, Winslow has a total area of 0.45 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 345 people, 134 households, and 95 families residing in the village. The population density was 773.1 PD/sqmi. There were 150 housing units at an average density of 336.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.52% White, 1.16% Native American, 0.29% Asian, and 2.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.32% of the population.

There were 134 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.4% were non-families. 24.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,679, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $28,214 versus $24,844 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,595. About 5.5% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Albion Ballenger (1861–1921), Seventh-day Adventist minister and author
 * William Frank Carver, expert marksman and owner of a Wild West exhibition in the early twentieth century; born in Winslow

title: Winslow, Illinois


text:
Armington, Illinois

Armington is a village in Tazewell County, Illinois, United States. The population was 368 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Armington has a total area of 0.29 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 368 people, 135 households, and 98 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,283.7 PD/sqmi. There were 152 housing units at an average density of 530.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.46% White, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.72% of the population.

There were 135 households, out of which 39.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 34.0% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $39,583, and the median income for a family was $47,708. Males had a median income of $39,306 versus $24,167 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,866. About 3.1% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.3% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Armington, Illinois