text:
Casey, Illinois

Casey (pronounced KAY-zee ) is a city in Clark and Cumberland counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 2,404 at the 2020 census.

The Cumberland County portion of Casey is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Casey is the home to several Guinness World Record constructions - super-sized items in the form of outdoor sculptures—including the Wind Chime, Rocking Chair, Knitting Needles, Crochet Hook, Pitchfork, Golf Tee, Yardstick, Wooden Token, Dutch Wooden Shoes, Mailbox, Pencil and Birdcage.

Geography
Most of the city lies in Clark County, although a small portion extends into Cumberland County. In the 2000 census, 2,940 of Casey's 3067 residents (99.9%) lived in Clark County and 2 (0.1%) lived in Cumberland County.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Casey has a total area of 2.26 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,404 people, 1,197 households, and 745 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,062.31 PD/sqmi. There were 1,233 housing units at an average density of 544.85 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.30% White, 0.50% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 2.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.79% of the population.

There were 1,197 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.12% were married couples living together, 13.45% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.76% were non-families. 28.49% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.70% 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 2.12.

The city's age distribution consisted of 20.6% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,784, and the median income for a family was $52,310. Males had a median income of $37,592 versus $25,369 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,020. About 7.8% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

Big things small town

Casey is most known for its collection of "World's Largest" items.

Local craftsman and businessman, Jim Bolin, has built fourteen Guinness World record-qualifying things with Bolin Enterprises, Inc.:

 * 1) World's Largest Wind Chime
 * 2) World's Largest Golf Tee
 * 3) World's Largest Pitchfork
 * 4) World's Largest Rocking Chair
 * 5) World's Largest Wooden Shoes
 * 6) World's Largest Mailbox
 * 7) World's Largest Gavel (currently in Marshall, IL)
 * 8) World's Largest Truck Key
 * 9) World's Largest Barbershop Pole
 * 10) World's Largest Teeter Totter
 * 11) World's Largest Golf Driver
 * 12) World's Largest Swizzle Spoon

The other two have since been beaten: World’s Largest Knitting Needles and World’s Largest Crochet Hook.

Around the town, there are other big things that haven't gotten records like The Big Ear of Corn, The Big Mousetrap, and The Big Pizza Slicer (made by The Greathouse of Pizza), among others. Bolin has also created big things inspired by pop culture like the big PokeBall and big Minion.

Notable person

 * David Hanners, 1989 Pulitzer Prize winner

title: Casey, Illinois


text:
Marshall, Illinois

Marshall is a city in and the county seat of Clark County, Illinois, United States, located approximately 20 mi west of Terre Haute, Indiana. The population was 3,947 at the 2020 census.

History
Marshall was officially organized by William B. Archer in 1835, eight years after the National Road entered the community. The city was named after John Marshall, chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Marshall was incorporated on May 14, 1873.

In 1863, Marshall was the scene of conflict in which local Copperheads, who opposed the Civil War, sought to protect soldiers who had deserted from the Union Army. In March, 1863, an army detail from Indiana arrested several deserters. A local judge, Charles H. Constable, freed the deserters and ordered the arrest of two Union sergeants on kidnapping charges. This resulted in the dispatch of 250 soldiers under the command of Col. Henry B. Carrington by special train from Indianapolis, who surrounded the courthouse, freed the sergeants and arrested judge Charles H. Constable. The judge was, however, absolved several months later after presenting a highly technical defense.

Marshall was home to the Handy Writers' Colony, 1950–1964. The most famous writer associated with the Colony was the novelist James Jones, who built a home in Marshall and lived there ca. 1952–1957.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Marshall has a total area of 3.68 sqmi, of which 3.67 sqmi (or 99.59%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 0.41%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 3,947 people, 1,627 households, and 1,129 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,072.26 PD/sqmi. There were 1,921 housing units at an average density of 521.87 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.06% White, 0.63% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.89% Asian, 1.49% from other races, and 3.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.34% of the population.

There were 1,627 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.82% were married couples living together, 20.34% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.61% were non-families. 23.36% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.95% 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 2.17.

The city's age distribution consisted of 21.4% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 22.1% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 24.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,201, and the median income for a family was $65,387. Males had a median income of $40,613 versus $32,910 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,448. About 12.5% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The downtown district is centered on the county courthouse. The town's major employer, TRW Automotive, operates an automotive electronics manufacturing facility, employing a thousand area residents. Marshall is the site of the oldest continually operated hotel in Illinois, the Archer House.

Arts and culture
Every autumn Marshall holds a Fall Festival.

The Marshall post office contains an oil on canvas mural, Harvest, painted in 1938 by Miriam McKinnie. Murals were produced from 1934 to 1943 in the United States through the Section of Painting and Sculpture, later called the Section of Fine Arts, of the Treasury Department.

Government
The City of Marshall City Council consists of nine members: eight aldermen and the mayor. Current officeholders are:
 * John Hasten, Mayor (term expires 2025);
 * Bob Nelson, Alderman Ward 1 (term expires 2025);
 * Foster Propst, Alderman Ward 1 (term expires 2023);
 * Vickie Wallace, Alderman Ward 2 (term expires 2021);
 * Michael Smitley, Alderman Ward 2 (term expires 2025);
 * Jarod Green, Alderman Ward 3 (term expires 2025);
 * Warren LeFever, Alderman Ward 3 (term expires 2023);
 * Joshua Sanders, Alderman Ward 4 (term expires 2023);
 * Logan Sanders, Alderman Ward 4 (term expires 2021).

Notable people

 * Robert H. Birch, American western outlaw, raised in Marshall, IL
 * Ed Carpenter, IndyCar Series driver, 2013 Indy pole sitter; raised in Marshall, IL
 * Charles H. Constable, Attorney, Illinois State Senator, Judge, and real estate entrepreneur; close friend of Abraham Lincoln; lived in Marshall
 * Walter E. Cork, Illinois state representative and businessman, lived in Marshall
 * Gerald Forsythe, businessman and auto racing magnate; owner of Forsythe Championship Racing; born in Marshall
 * James Jones, novelist, lived in Marshall ca. 1952-1957
 * John W. Lewis Jr., politician; born in Marshall
 * Ed Mayer, third baseman in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies; born in Marshall
 * John Scholfield, jurist and state legislator; lived in Marshall
 * Jacob Zimmerman, United States Representative, newspaper editor, and businessman; lived in Marshall

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

title: Marshall, Illinois


text:
Martinsville, Illinois

Martinsville is a city in Clark County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,118 at the 2020 census.

Geography

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Martinsville has a total area of 2.05 sqmi, of which 2.02 sqmi (or 98.63%) is land and 0.03 sqmi (or 1.37%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,118 people, 526 households, and 376 families residing in the city. The population density was 545.63 PD/sqmi. There were 521 housing units at an average density of 254.27 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.17% White, 0.09% African American, 0.09% Asian, 0.98% from other races, and 3.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.33% of the population.

There were 526 households, out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.16% were married couples living together, 14.64% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.52% were non-families. 26.05% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.83% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 2.39.

The city's age distribution consisted of 26.2% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,875, and the median income for a family was $56,354. Males had a median income of $33,594 versus $17,277 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,993. About 22.6% of families and 27.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.6% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Martinsville, Illinois


text:
Westfield, Illinois

Westfield is a village in Westfield Township, Clark County, Illinois, United States. The population was 536 at the 2020 census, down from 601 at the 2010 census.

History
The village of Westfield was laid out in 1839, and a post office opened there on  June 18, 1840. The community did not incorporate until August 31, 1875. Westfield College operated here from 1865 until 1914. The school was founded by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in 1861 as a seminary, then was incorporated as a coeducational college in 1865. The peak enrollment was 160, in 1909. However, enrollment declined sharply thereafter, and financial problems forced the school to close in 1914. The building was used as the Westfield Township high school from 1914 until being destroyed by fire in 1917.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Westfield has a total area of 0.98 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 536 people, 248 households, and 154 families residing in the village. The population density was 548.06 PD/sqmi. There were 250 housing units at an average density of 255.62 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.01% White, 0.93% African American, 0.19% Native American, and 1.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.75% of the population.

There were 248 households, out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.19% were married couples living together, 4.44% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.90% were non-families. 33.87% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.19% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 2.30.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.0% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 14.8% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 26.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $53,421, and the median income for a family was $54,605. Males had a median income of $32,794 versus $22,411 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,040. About 4.5% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
Westfield is part of the Casey-Westfield School District. The district has two buildings all in the city of Casey, IL. Monroe Elementary (K-6) and Casey-Westfield Jr-Sr High School (7-12).

Churches
Westfield is served by two churches. The Westfield United Methodist Church is the result of the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church in 1968. The new church uses the building built by the EUB church in 1918 at the corner of Madison and Elm Streets. The Westfield Baptist Church has moved into the former Methodist Church building at the corner of State and Fulton Streets. The original wood frame Baptist Church building has been converted to a private home.

title: Westfield, Illinois


text:
Clay City, Illinois

Clay City is a village in Clay County, Illinois, United States. The population was 847 at the 2020 census. Clay City was named for the Kentucky statesman Henry Clay.

Geography
Clay City is located in southeastern Clay County at 38.68694°N, -88.35306°W (38.686883, -88.353121), about 1 mi southwest of the Little Wabash River. U.S. Route 50 passes through the southern side of the village, leading west 7 mi to Flora and east 15 mi to Olney. Louisville, the Clay County seat, is 14 mi to the northwest.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Clay City has a total area of 1.78 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 847 people, 356 households, and 239 families residing in the village. The population density was 475.31 PD/sqmi. There were 432 housing units at an average density of 242.42 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.52% White, 0.24% Native American, 0.12% Asian, and 2.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.24% of the population.

There were 356 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.12% were married couples living together, 8.43% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.87% were non-families. 29.49% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.38% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.07 and the average family size was 2.52.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.8% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,104, and the median income for a family was $49,688. Males had a median income of $36,875 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,317. About 19.7% of families and 22.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.1% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.

History
In the early 1800s Solomon Harter Mueller (later Miller) came to Clay City, IL. with his Cherokee wife (later Ida) and 6 children, from W. Virginia to establish a farm and grinding Mill. He later built a smokehouse, general store and Milinary shop. Solomon also brought his brother George C with wife Caroline and 5 children. Solomon and Ida had children : Isom, Mary, Otto, Roy, Louise and Zella all born in Clay City. Great-grandchildren of Louise: Wallace, and Caroline left Clay City, for St. Louis, Mo. Paul George left for Ohio, and ultimately lost oil and mineral rights in Clay City/C

In 1810 John McCawley and Seth Evans were traveling west from Fort Vincennes along the old Buffalo Trace when one of their horses died. McCawley sent his companion back for another horse. McCawley stayed behind in a cabin built on the west bank of the Little Wabash River just south and east of the future Clay City. This made McCawley the first white man to settle in this area. McCawley later decided to build a stagecoach stop and trading center on the location which was known as McCawley's Tavern. It provided a place for travelers to stop, eat, and spend the night.

Clay County was created by an act of the legislature on December 23, 1824. On Tuesday, March 8, 1825, at John McCawley's place, the first county commissioners' court assembled for the new county of Clay. In 1825 Daniel May donated 20 acre of land, just over 2 mi west of McCawley's Tavern, to the county for the purpose of constructing a courthouse. This land is one block south of US 50 and to the west of what is now South Main Street. This area had previously been known as Hubbardsville but was renamed Maysville. A two-room courthouse was constructed in 1825, and court was held at Maysville until 1841 when it was moved to the new and present county seat, Louisville. In 1855, after the O&M Railroad was located about 1 mi north of Maysville, Clay City was established by Mr. J.D. Perkey on the north side of the tracks and mostly to the east of the present North Main Street. The business district soon developed to the south of the tracks where it is presently located. Maysville was made a part of the Village of Clay City in 1862. Clay City served as a trading center for the surrounding countryside. Farmers could bring their produce to town and trade it for dry goods, etc. and very little money would change hands. With the passenger trains stopping in Clay City it also served as a source of transportation for the surrounding area. Many of the tourists who traveled to the once famous resort of Sailor Springs would take the train to Clay City and then use local transportation on up to Sailor Springs. In 1936 oil was discovered in this area, and oil-related businesses continue to thrive in Clay City today.

Notable persons

 * Hal Wiltse, pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Browns and Philadelphia Phillies, born in Clay City
 * Bernardine Flynn, radio and television actress of the Vic & Sade radio program, retired to Clay City

title: Clay City, Illinois


text:
Flora, Illinois

Flora is a city in Clay County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,803 at the 2020 census.

History
Flora was founded by Samuel White. White was born September 10, 1831, in Warren County, Ohio. He and his family came to Clay County in 1852. During that time, he purchased 85 acres of land from the State of Illinois. His first wife, Sarah Ann Wall was born in 1833. Sarah died December 13, 1859, in Flora, and is buried in the family plot in Elmwood Cemetery. In December 1860, White married Helen M. Riggs in Flora.

The original town of Flora was laid out, surveyed and platted in February 1854 by Ethelred Nixon, County Surveyor; John Brown, Trustee for Songer, Camp & Company; and Samuel White. It embraced eighty-five acres of the west half of Section 25, Township 3 north Range 6 east. Samuel White who still owned the land, deeded one-half interest in forty acres to John Brown, Trustee, with a view of securing the town and depot. An effort had already been made to establish a town one mile west called Mooresville, where over 100 lots had been sold and some buildings done. After the collapse of that village, the principal house was moved to Flora, and was then known as the "Commercial House."

Samuel White also donated land to the City of Flora for several buildings and the city park. The City Park, at that time called the Public Square, is present day Library Park where Flora Public Library is located. White donated land for the 1st schoolhouse, the Baptist Church and parsonage. Land was also donated for streets and alleys of the original town of Flora. The city's founder died November 15, 1912, in Sterling, Colorado, and was returned to Flora for burial in the family plot at Elmwood.

From "Flora, Illinois - Founded 1854" compiled by Flora Resident, Jeanie Briscoe. The book also contains historic information about the B & O railroad, the history of various buildings, and obituaries of some of Flora's early citizens.

Geography
Flora is located at 38.67°N, -88.475°W (38.6698, -88.4841).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Flora has a total area of 4.69 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 4,803 people, 1,984 households, and 1,115 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,024.09 PD/sqmi. There were 2,278 housing units at an average density of 485.71 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.30% White, 0.46% African American, 0.44% Native American, 1.23% Asian, 1.12% from other races, and 4.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.42% of the population.

There were 1,984 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.73% were married couples living together, 8.62% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.80% were non-families. 32.21% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.33% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 2.26.

The city's age distribution consisted of 20.6% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $49,722, and the median income for a family was $60,660. Males had a median income of $43,538 versus $27,326 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,726. About 11.5% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
In September 1960, Flora was named "Ford Town USA" and some 1500 vehicle owners were supplied with a new Ford car or truck to drive during that week.

Flora's main industry is agriculture, although there are companies located in Flora that employ several hundreds. Flora is surrounded by a gently rolling countryside, with approximately 80-85% of it dedicated to farming and livestock.

The Flora B&O Depot
The Flora B&O Depot was built in 1872 with generous help from local citizens. It served the City of Flora until 1916, when it was destroyed by fire.

In 1916–1917, a new three-story brick depot was built. This building was a huge part of the economic life of the community during those early years. In the 1920s, the railroad employed half the wage earners in Flora. In 1924, three hundred employees worked at the local station.

When the depot was completed in 1917, it contained three floors. The main floor was used for passengers. It had a large waiting room with a baggage room and restrooms. The Western Union office, yard office, mailroom and ticket office were also located on this floor.

The second floor held the offices of important depot members. Men who occupied these offices included the chief clerk, division engineer, superintendents, dispatchers, carpenters, signal supervisors, train masters and road foremen, plus railroad law enforcement officers and the district's own physician.

The third floor contained large offices. Later, these offices became one social room. It was here that railroad employees and their families held potluck dinners and socials. Not only was the depot a hub of transportation and commerce, it was a center for much of the social life in the community.

In the 1950s, as roads improved, cars became the chief means of transportation. Travelers no longer looked to trains as the primary source of transportation. The depot became less important to the community and the days of hosting 12 passenger trains, daily passing through Flora, became a fond memory.

In 1998, the Flora B&O Depot was named one of three sites in Clay County on the National Register of Historic Places. With this recognition and the interest of many citizens of the community, the Flora Community Development Corporation (FCDC) purchased the depot from CSX Railroad.

FCDC successfully obtained three federal grants to restore the building, matched by local donations of citizens. Today, the University of Illinois Extension Service rents the third floor. The second floor is a community room available to rent for various activities. The first floor houses the Flora Chamber of Commerce office, a museum containing city and county historical artifacts and two unfinished room available for occupancy.

More history, rent/leasing information, and events can be found on their website.

'Is We Is'
In 1987 a group of Flora officials formed the so-called "Barbed Wire Choir" and recorded a music video in an attempt to land a state prison. The song featured several city officials, including the mayor, asking then-Gov. Jim Thompson "Is we is or is we isn't/gonna get ourselves a prison." After being shown on local TV stations, the video gained the attention of national programs such as MTV, Good Morning America and The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers. Flora ultimately lost its bid to host the new prison.

Notable people

 * Tim Tetrick, harness racing driver
 * Mad Man Pondo, pro wrestler
 * John Powless, basketball and tennis coach at University of Wisconsin, high school and college tennis champion
 * Bill Ernest, President and Managing Director, Asia, for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
 * Emily Bailey, contestant on the Road Rules: USA – The Second Adventure reality TV show

title: Flora, Illinois


text:
Iola, Illinois

Iola is a village in Clay County, Illinois, United States. The population was 98 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Iola is located in northwestern Clay County at 38.83361°N, -88.62778°W (38.833717, -88.627785). Louisville, the county seat, is 9 mi to the southwest.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Iola has a total area of 0.96 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 98 people, 34 households, and 28 families residing in the village. The population density was 101.66 PD/sqmi. There were 47 housing units at an average density of 48.76 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.90% White, 2.04% from other races, and 3.06% from two or more races. No residents reported an ethnicity of Hispanic or Latino.

There were 34 households, out of which 58.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.59% were married couples living together, 0.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.65% were non-families. 8.82% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.88% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 2.68.

The village's age distribution consisted of 29.7% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 133.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $50,000, and the median income for a family was $55,500. Males had a median income of $43,750 versus $17,083 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,992. About 7.1% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Iola, Illinois


text:
Louisville, Illinois

Louisville is a village in Clay County, Illinois, United States, along the Little Wabash River. The population was 1,136 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Clay County.

History
The village was named for the Lewis family of settlers.

Grand Army of the Republic
The Grand Army of the Republic had a post known as the Louisville Post, No. 249 with the post name of William J. Stephenson. The post received its charter May 18, 1883.

Geography
Louisville is located near the center of Clay County at 38.77139°N, -88.50639°W (38.771356, -88.506301). U.S. Route 45 passes through the village, leading north 25 mi to Effingham and south 8 mi to Flora.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Louisville has a total area of 0.83 sqmi, all land. The Little Wabash River flows past the east side of the village.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,136 people, 527 households, and 252 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,371.98 PD/sqmi. There were 486 housing units at an average density of 586.96 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.22% White, 0.18% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 2.38% from other races, and 3.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.26% of the population.

There were 527 households, out of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.86% were married couples living together, 11.95% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.18% were non-families. 47.82% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.94% 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 1.96.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.5% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 25.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,298, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $38,507 versus $22,109 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,773. About 17.5% of families and 21.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.5% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Bailey Zimmerman, country artist
 * Tom Richardson, pinch hitter for the St. Louis Browns; born in Louisville
 * John Riley Tanner, governor of Illinois January 11, 1897 – January 14, 1901; home and farm in Louisville
 * Andy Haines Hitting Coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates

title: Louisville, Illinois


text:
Sailor Springs, Illinois

Sailor Springs is a village in Clay County, Illinois, United States. The population was 89 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Sailor Springs is located in eastern Clay County at 38.76361°N, -88.36111°W (38.763611, -88.361182). Louisville, the county seat, is 8 mi to the west.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Sailor Springs has a total area of 0.26 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 89 people, 49 households, and 40 families residing in the village. The population density was 342.31 PD/sqmi. There were 50 housing units at an average density of 192.31 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.01% White, 1.12% Asian, and 7.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population.

There were 49 households, out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.39% were married couples living together, 8.16% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.37% were non-families. 18.37% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.33.

The village's age distribution consisted of 14.9% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 15.8% from 25 to 44, 42.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 137.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 142.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $63,125, and the median income for a family was $64,250. Males had a median income of $51,000 versus $11,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,834. About 10.0% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 50.0% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Sailor Springs, Illinois


text:
Xenia, Illinois

Xenia is a village in Clay County, Illinois, United States. The population was 380 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Xenia is located in southwestern Clay County at 38.6375°N, -88.6375°W (38.6373694, -88.6374130). U.S. Route 50 passes to the north of the village, leading east 9 mi to Flora and west 17 mi to Salem.

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

History
The hunting camps of Kiffcart and Retherford were located in the southwest corner of Section 4. The buffalo trail was very wide in this area; therefore, Lewis located in the northwest quarter of Section 3. Lewis remained there until 1830 when he sold his property to Dr. Davenport. A post office was established at the Davenport home with the help of John Pierce and John Gowdy, establishing the town of Xenia. The building of the railroad in 1854 expanded the town, and by 1870 the population had increased to 1,000. A sesquicentennial celebration was held in 1984.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 380 people, 156 households, and 85 families residing in the village. The population density was 770.79 PD/sqmi. There were 184 housing units at an average density of 373.23 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.58% White, 0.53% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 7.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.68% of the population.

There were 156 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.95% were married couples living together, 5.77% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.51% were non-families. 41.03% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.67% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.32 and the average family size was 2.34.

The village's age distribution consisted of 29.6% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 21.4% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 19.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,167, and the median income for a family was $68,750. Males had a median income of $44,896 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,818. About 8.2% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.0% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Darren Bailey, Illinois state senator and Republican gubernatorial nominee

title: Xenia, Illinois


text:
Albers, Illinois

Albers is a sundown village in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,121 at the 2020 census.

History
Albers had its start in the 1860s when the railroad was extended to that point.

Geography
Albers is located in western Clinton County. Illinois Route 161 runs through the village, leading east 27 mi to Centralia and west 6 mi to Interstate 64, which leads 28 mi farther west to St. Louis. I-64 eastbound can be reached 3 mi south of Albers in the village of Damiansville.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Albers has a total area of 0.85 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,121 people, 508 households, and 407 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,325.06 PD/sqmi. There were 423 housing units at an average density of 500.00 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.22% White, 0.09% African American, 0.27% Asian, 2.85% from other races, and 3.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.91% of the population.

There were 508 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.05% were married couples living together, 5.71% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.88% were non-families. 15.75% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.25% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 2.71.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.3% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 21% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $94,375, and the median income for a family was $99,441. Males had a median income of $44,412 versus $40,758 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,104. About 15.0% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.5% of those under age 18 and 1.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education

 * Central Community High School - Formed as a consolidation of the Breese and Aviston high schools in 1971

title: Albers, Illinois


text:
Aviston, Illinois

Aviston is a village in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,340 at the 2020 census, up from 1,945 at the 2010 census.

Geography
U.S. Route 50 bypasses the village to the north, leading east 14 mi to Carlyle, the county seat, and west 16 mi to Interstate 64 near O'Fallon. Downtown St. Louis is 35 mi west of Aviston.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Aviston has a total area of 1.60 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,340 people, 739 households, and 515 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,462.50 PD/sqmi. There were 863 housing units at an average density of 539.38 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.36% White, 0.34% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.73% from other races, and 3.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.52% of the population.

There were 739 households, out of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.00% were married couples living together, 7.17% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.31% were non-families. 23.95% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.61% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.37 and the average family size was 2.82.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.9% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $81,198, and the median income for a family was $108,304. Males had a median income of $50,833 versus $40,852 for females. The per capita income for the village was $36,182. About 3.9% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.

Schools

 * Aviston Elementary School
 * Central Community High School – formed as a consolidation of the Breese and Aviston high schools in 1971

Notable people

 * Henry J. Althoff, Roman Catholic bishop
 * Vern Holtgrave, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers
 * Trevor Richards, pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays

title: Aviston, Illinois


text:
Bartelso, Illinois

Bartelso is a village in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 635 at the 2020 census, up from 595 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Illinois Route 161 passes through the village, leading east 18 mi to Centralia and west 4 mi to Germantown. Carlyle, the Clinton County seat, is 8 mi to the northeast.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 635 people, 325 households, and 237 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,473.32 PD/sqmi. There were 244 housing units at an average density of 566.13 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.38% White, 0.47% African American, 0.16% from other races, and 2.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.89% of the population.

There were 325 households, out of which 24.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.92% were married couples living together, 4.92% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.08% were non-families. 24.92% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.92% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 2.43.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.1% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 16.9% from 25 to 44, 38.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $82,361, and the median income for a family was $101,563. Males had a median income of $63,000 versus $48,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $42,470. No families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 22.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education

 * Central Community High School - Formed as a consolidation of the Breese and Aviston high schools in 1971

title: Bartelso, Illinois


text:
Beckemeyer, Illinois

Beckemeyer is a village in Wade Township, Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 923 as of the 2020 census.

History
Samuel B. Watkins was reported to be the first settler in the area, circa 1817. Beckemeyer began as a way station on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. It was organized and laid out in 1866 and originally named "Buxton" in honor of a railroad attorney.

A large coal seam underlying the village and surrounding area was mined starting in 1894, resulting in growth of Buxton. It was renamed "Beckemeyer" after an election held in 1905. The first school and bank were opened in 1906.

On March 25, 1947, the Centralia Coal mine exploded killing 111 people. Nine of the people killed were citizens of Beckemeyer. In 1997 a memorial was built in Beckemeyer, the memorial called "Miners Memorial Park" is dedicated to the miners from Beckemeyer that died in the explosion.

On February 7, 1976, a train crashed into a truck going 56 mph killing 12 people including 11 children, and left another four injured. The accident was the worst in Clinton County History.

A Zinc smelter plant called Circle Smelting Corp operated in the village from 1904 to 1994, in 1993 a study indicated the town was highly contaminated with over 10,000 cubic yards of industrial waste high in lead content from the industry. In 1994 the EPA forced the plant to shut down and declared it a Superfund site. About 35,000 cubic yards of material was removed from over 300 properties and deposited under a concrete cover.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Beckemeyer has a total area of 0.61 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 923 people, 448 households, and 270 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,505.71 PD/sqmi. There were 423 housing units at an average density of 690.05 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.22% White, 0.33% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 2.17% from other races, and 5.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.53% of the population.

There were 448 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.44% were married couples living together, 7.14% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.73% were non-families. 33.93% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.74% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 2.35.

The village's age distribution consisted of 19.0% under the age of 18, 2.8% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,719, and the median income for a family was $59,097. Males had a median income of $41,413 versus $25,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,015. About 3.7% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.0% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
Since Beckemeyer is a village, most residents' children go to neighboring towns, such as Breese or Carlyle, for their education. The village does have one elementary school, Breese/Becky District #12; the school houses grades 2 to 4, while older and younger students go to the elementary/middle school, District #12, in the town of Breese.

It is in the service area of Central Community High School, formed as a consolidation of the Breese and Aviston high schools in 1971.

title: Beckemeyer, Illinois


text:
Breese, Illinois

Breese is a city in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. Breese is the most populous city completely within Clinton County. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,641, the majority of whom are of German ancestry. Breese is part of the Metro-East region of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

History
The town is named after Sidney Breese, a United States Senator and a contemporary of President Abraham Lincoln. Breese was founded in 1855.

Even though the area around Breese, Illinois was first settled in 1816, it was not until 1835 that Germans came to the town to farm because of the flat fertile land there. Twenty years after the Germans' first immigration, the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad was completed. The early pioneers were enthralled by the thought of transportation by railroad. The Chicago-based company Sanger Kamp & Co. bought 80 acres of land near the railroad. Twenty-four acres were laid out with the railroad splitting the original town with some acres on the north side and south side creating Breese Township, February 3, 1855.

Late in 1855, forty Catholic immigrants, wanting to fulfill their religious needs, had the idea of constructing a church. Their desires were realized when two years later the Sanger Kamp & Co. gave half of one of its 80 acres to the Catholics’ project. By December 1869, St. Dominic's Catholic Church was completed. Breese was first recognized as a town on April 11, 1871, and later became a village on September 23, 1876. As a result, the construction of the village hall had begun. This project was completed in 1885. Seven years later a volunteer fire department was organized. The ever-growing population was then acknowledged as a city on January 19, 1905. The mayor of this new city was Henry Hummert.

Realizing that Breese would need some improvements, the mayor authorized the construction of an electric light plant that was completed in 1906. The streets of Breese were also topped with road oil in 1911. The next year improvements to the city's water works facility were also made.

However, things took a turn for the worse when, in 1914, a scarlet fever swept the community and its surrounding area and forced all the schools to close. Only four years later, still in the wake of the scarlet fever, the flu epidemic spread through the area.

1906 Coal mine disaster
On December 24, 1906, Six miners were killed and one injured when a mine cage collapsed and fell down the shaft in a mine owned and operated by The Breese and Trenton Coal Company. The miners killed included Henry Middeke, Herman Scheleper, Walter Schaffner, August Foppe, Frank Zehrer, and Hermann Holtmann. The only one injured was mine manager William Fritz. An investigation concluded that improper filling of an old air shaft caused a dirt slide leading to the collapse. The Breese and Trenton Coal Company was found guilty of negligence.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Breese has a total area of 2.69 sqmi, of which 2.67 sqmi (or 99.07%) is land and 0.03 sqmi (or 0.93%) is water.

Breese is located on U.S. Route 50, 40 mi east of St. Louis, Missouri.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 4,641 people, 1,861 households, and 1,116 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,722.72 PD/sqmi. There were 2,038 housing units at an average density of 756.50 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.30% White, 0.24% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 2.84% from other races, and 3.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.37% of the population.

There were 1,861 households, out of which 22.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.24% were married couples living together, 6.39% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.03% were non-families. 33.91% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.27% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 2.19.

The city's age distribution consisted of 21.0% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $70,411, and the median income for a family was $90,208. Males had a median income of $44,779 versus $26,833 for females. The per capita income for the city was $43,197. About 1.2% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
Public schools:
 * District 12 Grade School (Breese, Illinois)
 * Central Community High School - Formed as a consolidation of the Breese and Aviston high schools in 1971

Private schools:
 * Mater Dei High School (Breese, Illinois)
 * All Saints Academy Grade School (Breese, Illinois)

Notable people

 * Jake Odorizzi, former pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays; born in Breese
 * Josh Thole, former catcher for the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays; born in Breese
 * Tom Timmermann, former pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians; born in Breese

title: Breese, Illinois


text:
Carlyle, Illinois

Carlyle is a city in and the county seat of Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,253 at the 2020 census.

Carlyle is located approximately 50 mi east of St. Louis, Missouri, and is home to Illinois' largest man-made lake, Carlyle Lake, and to the General Dean Suspension Bridge, a suspension bridge that is the only one of its kind in Illinois and crosses the Kaskaskia River.

History
In 1811 or 1812, a man named John Hill built one of several "block" houses along the Goshen Trail, located at what is currently 201 Fairfax Street. The houses were reportedly built to serve as a line of defense against Native Americans. John Hill built the first house to be located in what has become Carlyle. He also established what could be considered Carlyle's first business: a ferry to carry traffic across the Kaskaskia River, including a small shelter at the river which served as a toll house.

In 1816, Charles Slade and two of his brothers reached the John Hill settlement and bought him out. Charles farmed the land, took over the ferry, and within a year partnered with a man named Hubbard to start the first store, a mercantile business located at what is now 301 Fairfax Street. In 1818, a man named Calvin Barnes laid out town lots. On March 10, 1819, a post office was first established under the name Carlisle, Illinois. This spelling might have been a clerical error.

The area was settled after the 1809 creation of the Illinois Territory but before Illinois achieved statehood, six to seven years after John Hill had already built his establishment. Illinois' first state capitol was located in Kaskaskia, but in 1820 the state decided that it should be moved. Carlyle lost to Vandalia by one vote. In 1824, the State of Illinois created Clinton County by carving it out of Washington, Bond, and Fayette counties. Carlyle was to be the county seat should land be donated for this purpose. Charles Slade donated 20 acre of property so that the county seat would be located in Carlyle.

Carlyle was founded in 1818 by Charles W. Slade, father of Joseph "Jack" Slade, who named the town after his grandmother's family. It was incorporated as a town on 2/10/1837 and incorporated as a city on 4/17/1884. Carlyle celebrated 150 years and used the 1837 date.

Charles Slade pushed hard for Carlyle to become the state capital of Illinois, but lost by one vote to Vandalia in 1819. In 1824, Clinton County was formed, and Carlyle became the county seat in July 1825, both at the initiative of Charles Slade.

Geography
Carlyle is located slightly east of the center of Clinton County at 38.61278°N, -89.37083°W (38.612642, -89.370789). The Kaskaskia River flows through the easternmost part of the city out of Carlyle Dam, located just northeast of the city limits and which impounds Carlyle Lake, the largest lake wholly in Illinois.

U.S. Route 50 passes through the city, leading east 23 mi to Salem and west 50 mi to St. Louis. Illinois Route 127 leads north 21 mi to Greenville and south 19 mi to Nashville, Illinois. The General Dean Suspension Bridge, built in 1859 and named after Major General William F. Dean in 1953, crosses the Kaskaskia River just north of the current US 50 bridge.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Carlyle has a total area of 3.43 sqmi, of which 3.43 sqmi (or 99.97%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.03%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 3,253 people, 1,442 households, and 1,041 families residing in the city. The population density was 949.50 PD/sqmi. There were 1,480 housing units at an average density of 431.99 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.56% White, 3.90% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.89% Asian, 0.86% from other races, and 5.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.34% of the population.

There were 1,442 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.50% were married couples living together, 19.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.81% were non-families. 24.48% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.74% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 2.34.

The city's age distribution consisted of 17.7% under the age of 18, 18.3% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 25% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $54,750, and the median income for a family was $67,188. Males had a median income of $28,125 versus $29,296 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,101. About 10.9% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.1% of those under age 18 and 30.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Herman J. C. Beckemeyer, Illinois state legislator, lawyer, and mayor of Carlyle
 * Sidney Breese, circuit court judge, US senator, Illinois Supreme Court justice, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives
 * William F. Dean, major general, Medal of Honor recipient
 * Elias Smith Dennis, Union Army general in the Civil War
 * James Donnewald, state treasurer
 * Pat Jarvis, pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos
 * Patsy McGaffigan, infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies
 * Edwin P. Ramsey, United States Army officer
 * Mel Simons, outfielder for the Chicago White Sox
 * Charles Slade, US marshal, congressman
 * Jack Slade, American frontier figure, gunslinger
 * William A. J. Sparks, US congressman

title: Carlyle, Illinois


text:
Centralia, Illinois

Centralia is a city in Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties in the U.S. state of Illinois with the largest portion in Marion County. The city is the largest in three of the counties; Clinton, Marion, and Washington, but is not a county seat of any of them. The population was 12,182 as of the 2020 census, down from 13,032 in 2010.

History
Centralia is named for the Illinois Central Railroad, built in 1853. The city was founded at the location where the two original branches of the railroad converged. Centralia was first chartered as a city in 1859. Now Canadian National owns the line.

In the southern city limits is the intersection of the Third Principal Meridian and its baseline. This initial point was established in 1815, and it governs land surveys for about 60% of the state of Illinois, including Chicago. The original monument is at the junction of Highway 51 and the Marion-Jefferson County Line Road; today there is a small easement situated in the northeast corner of this intersection, which contains a monument and historic marker.

Production of the PayDay candy bar began here in 1938. Michael Moore's documentary, The Big One (1998), opens with the closing of this candy bar plant in the late 20th century. It addresses similar economic woes in other cities.

The town of Centerville, Washington was renamed as Centralia, Washington to avoid being confused with another Centerville in that state. The suggestion came from a former resident of the Illinois town.

Centralia's city flag was designed in 1924 by Wendell Bauer, whose design was awarded first prize in a community-wide design competition. A broad red stripe through the center of the flag represents the railroads to which the city owes its existence. A gold star above and below the stripe signify the area's mining and agricultural industries, respectively. Lastly, a triangle pyramid with a sphinx head design is symbolic of Egypt, a tribute to Southern Illinois’ nickname, “Little Egypt”.

The Centralia mine disaster occurred in 1947, when the nearby Centralia No. 5 coal mine exploded, killing 111 people. The disaster was memorialized in folk singer Woody Guthrie's song "The Dying Miner".

Geography
Centralia is located approximately 60 mi east of St. Louis, Missouri. Most of the city, including its downtown, is in southwestern Marion County, but the city extends west into Clinton County and south 5 mi into Washington and Jefferson counties. The city is 10 mi north of exit 61 of Interstate 64 and 9 mi west of exit 109 of Interstate 57. Centralia is one of three Illinois cities with portions in four counties, the others being Barrington Hills and Aurora. Because of its unique location within multiple counties, portions of Centralia are associated with different Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs). The Centralia Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Marion County. The Clinton County portion of the city is considered part of the St. Louis, MO–IL Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the Jefferson County portion lies within the Mt. Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area. The portion of Centralia in Washington County is not considered part of any metropolitan or micropolitan area.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Centralia has a total area of 9.23 sqmi, of which 8.20 sqmi (or 88.81%) is land and 1.03 sqmi (or 11.19%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 12,182 people, 5,458 households, and 2,776 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,319.40 PD/sqmi. There were 5,900 housing units at an average density of 639.01 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 77.92% White, 11.01% African American, 0.24% Native American, 2.09% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.33% from other races, and 7.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.29% of the population.

There were 5,458 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.36% were married couples living together, 12.59% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.14% were non-families. 40.67% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.59% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 2.20.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.1% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,117, and the median income for a family was $60,754. Males had a median income of $38,632 versus $25,986 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,141. About 15.7% of families and 23.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Centralia Cultural Society
The Centralia Cultural Society is a community arts center. The center hosts the Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra (an amateur orchestra), the Little Theatre Players, the Choral Society, Bronze Expressions Handbell Ensemble; and periodically hosts galleries by the Light and Lens photography club, and Palette and Brush club, and student art shows. The Little Theatre Players was established in 1961, and performs plays and musicals.

Local features

Foundation Park is the site of the annual Balloon Fest. Recent events have had about forty balloons and drew 40,000 visitors. The Annual Centralia Balloon festival was the event in which the second "Space Shuttle" hot air balloon crashed and burned due to a fuel line defect.

Foundation Park also hosts the Fantasy of Lights drive-through holiday light display during the months of November and December.

In addition to Foundation Park, the Centralia Foundation also supports the Centralia Carillon. Completed in 1983, with 65 bells, the carillon is ranked as the eighth-largest in the world. The largest bell, Great Tom, weighs $5 1/2$ tons. The current carillonneur is Roy Kroezen.

One of only two remaining 2500-class steam locomotives from the Illinois Central Railroad is preserved on static display at Centralia's Fairview Park. The locomotive is maintained by the Age of Steam Memorial non-profit organization. A 9415 caboose and a rare Republic F-105 Thunderchief aircraft are also on display in the park.

Historic downtown
Centralia's downtown features historic architecture, and has seen recent development with the addition of a Splash Pad near the Centralia Carillon.

Commercial Historic District
In 2012, the downtown area of Centralia was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Notable historic buildings include the former Langenfield Hotel, Centralia House restaurant, Old National Bank buildings, Sadler Opera House, Centralia Sentinel Building, and the Illinois Theater.

The Langenfield Hotel was "established in 1912 by John Langenfield" and "became the premier hotel in the area." Images of the Langenfield Hotel have been used for postcards featuring Centralia. The name Langenfield was also connected to the historic Langenfield Motor Company buildings.

The Centralia Sentinel Building houses the Centralia Morning Sentinel newspaper and features Egyptian Revival style architecture. This may be connected to Southern Illinois' nickname of "Egypt," or "Little Egypt."

The Illinois Theater in downtown Centralia used to be a vaudeville and movie theater and is currently undergoing renovations that will enable it to seat 500 and hold professional entertainment performances.

The Centralia Area Historical Museum
The Centralia Area Historical Museum is free to the public and contains three stories of photographs and artifacts from Centralia's extensive history as a major railway hub and mining town. The museum accepts items either as donations or through loans. In addition to the displays, the museum also contains the George Ross Library which holds city history books, newspapers and periodicals, as well as family histories and genealogies.

Parks and recreation
Centralia's Foundation Park is a scenic 235 acre park that features hiking trails, an exercise trail, an ice skating pond and two fishing ponds stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish. The park also sports a restored prairie, a 36-hole disc-golf course, a Chapel in the Woods, the Hall Shelter, the Sentinel Shelter, The Bowl (an outdoor amphitheater), Moose Oven, and the Miner's Memorial.

Fairview Park includes baseball and softball fields, tennis and sand volleyball courts, a skate park, a swimming pool complex, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.

The Centralia Recreational Complex is a 60,000 square foot recreational facility equipped with walking track, indoor basketball courts, competition and leisure swimming pools, weight rooms, and exercise classrooms.

Two lakes near Centralia offer water sport and fishing recreation. Raccoon Lake is a 970-acre man-made lake. It was built in 1942 and is a water reservoir. Boating and fishing are permitted on Raccoon Lake, with the appropriate licenses and permits. The lake hosts the annual Outboard Power Boat Races (as sponsored by the National Boat Racing Association and Outboard Drivers Association).

Lake Centralia is a 412-acre man-made lake, constructed in 1910, and is both a water reservoir and location for water sport activities such as boating and fishing. It has an average depth of 10 feet. It is located slightly northeast of Centralia. Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish populate the lake. Fishing licenses and boating permits are required. Fishermen are limited to two pole and line fishing. Largemouth bass fishing tournaments are held on Centralia Lake, with 28 tournaments being held in 2018.

Education
Public elementary schools in Centralia include Schiller Elementary (PK-1st grade) Jordan Elementary (2nd-3rd grade), and Centralia Junior High School (4th-8th grade). According to the 2018-2019 Illinois Report Card for school districts, Schiller Elementary scored as a Lowest Performing school, Jordan Elementary as a Commendable school, and Centralia Jr. High as an Underperforming school.

Private elementary schools in Centralia include Trinity Lutheran School (K-8), affiliated with Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Mary School (Preschool and K-8), affiliated with St. Mary Catholic Church, and New Horizon Christian School (Preschool and K-8), affiliated with Greenview Christian Church.

Centralia's public high school is Centralia High School. Its sports teams are called the Orphans and Annies. The Centralia boys basketball team won its 2,000th game during the 2007–08 season, becoming the first high school basketball team in the nation to achieve that milestone. The Centralia Orphans were the State Runner-Up in the 2011 Class 3A.

The Orphans got their unique nickname during the early 1900s when the boys' basketball team made it to the state tournament. The school was low on funds at the time, and the team was forced to pick its uniforms from a pile of non-matching red uniforms. At the state tournament, an announcer commented that the team looked like a bunch of orphans on the court because of their mismatched uniforms. The name stuck. Previously, the team had gone by nicknames such as the Reds and Cardinals. In 2013 and 2014, the Centralia Orphans were recently named the Most Unique Mascot in the nation by USA Today.

The private Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School first opened its doors in August 2004 with nine students. As of 2013, the student body has grown to over 100 students. Christ Our Rock is the home of the Silver Stallions.

Post-secondary education is available at Kaskaskia College, a community college serving the Centralia region. Kaskaskia College has extension centers in the surrounding towns of Vandalia, Salem, Greenville, Trenton, and Nashville. The Harry L.Crisp Technology Center in located on the east side of Centralia and houses occupational and technical programs. Kaskaskia College and its education centers also offer non-degree community education courses on subjects such as photography, gardening, and beekeeping.

Kaskaskia College is also the site of the Jim Beasley Veteran's Tribute, honoring veterans connected to the Kaskaskia College District 501.

The Airgo International Flight School is a Professional Flight Training school located at the Centralia Municipal Airport.

Transportation
IL 161 runs east and west directly through Centralia and US Highway 51 runs north and south through the city.

South Central Transit is the public transportation system for Centralia and surrounding areas.

The City of Centralia owns and operates the Centralia Municipal Airport, a general aviation facility that can accommodate corporate and private aircraft. The runway is 5001 feet long. Airgo, Inc. is the fixed-base operator at the Centralia Municipal Airport.

Rail transportation
Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Centralia. Amtrak Train 59, the southbound City of New Orleans, departs Centralia at 12:25 am daily with service to Carbondale, Fulton, Newbern-Dyersburg, Memphis, Greenwood, Yazoo City, Jackson, Hazlehurst, Brookhaven, McComb, Hammond and New Orleans. Amtrak Train 58, the northbound City of New Orleans, departs Centralia at 4:10 am daily with service to Effingham, Mattoon, Champaign-Urbana, Kankakee, Homewood and Chicago. Centralia is also served by Amtrak Train 390/391, the Saluki, daily in the morning, and Amtrak Train 392/393, the Illini, daily in the afternoon/evening. Both the Saluki and the Illini operate between Chicago and Carbondale.

Correctional center
The Centralia Correctional Center is a medium security prison for adult males opened in 1980. With an operating capacity of 1,572, its population in 2019 was 1,281.

Notable people

 * Chad Beguelin, playwright and four-time Tony Award nominee
 * Warren Billhartz, state legislator, businessman, and lawyer
 * David Blackwell, statistician and first black member of National Academy of Sciences
 * James Brady, press secretary to President Ronald Reagan
 * Gilbert Bundy (1911–1955), cartoonist and illustrator, born Centralia
 * Roland Burris, Illinois Attorney General, comptroller, United States senator
 * Brian Dinkelman, second baseman with the Minnesota Twins
 * Dike Eddleman, small forward with the Tri-Cities Blackhakws/Milwaukee Hawks and Fort Wayne Pistons
 * Bryan Eversgerd, pitcher with St. Louis Cardinals and coach
 * Dwight Friedrich, state legislator and businessman
 * Gary Gaetti, third baseman with the 1987 World Series champion Minnesota Twins and five other MLB teams
 * Dick Garrett, guard with Southern Illinois and NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, Buffalo Braves, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks
 * Adruitha Lee, Academy Award-winning hairstylist for their work in the film Dallas Buyers Club
 * Mary Lee, actress
 * Jean Madeira, opera singer
 * Bobby Joe Mason, basketball player, Bradley University and Harlem Globetrotters
 * Ken "Preacher" McBride, Harlem Globetrotter
 * Florence McClure, Nevada activist
 * Ora A. Oldfield, Illinois state senator and businessman
 * Gene Paulette, infielder for four Major League Baseball teams; born in Centralia
 * Smiley Quick, golfer with the PGA Tour
 * Charles W. Root, Minnesota state legislator and lawyer
 * Kirk Rueter, pitcher for the San Francisco Giants
 * Nancy Scranton, golfer with the LPGA Tour
 * June C. Smith, Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court
 * Tom Wargo, golfer with the Senior PGA Tour
 * Dottie Wham, Colorado state legislator
 * Robert Wham, lawyer and Colorado state legislator

title: Centralia, Illinois


text:
Damiansville, Illinois

Damiansville is a village in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 564 at the 2020 census, up from 491 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Interstate 64 runs along the southern border of the village, with access from Exit 34, and leads 35 mi west to St. Louis and 43 mi east to Mount Vernon.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Damiansville has a total area of 0.82 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 564 people, 205 households, and 152 families residing in the village. The population density was 686.13 PD/sqmi. There were 191 housing units at an average density of 232.36 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 75.53% White, 0.71% African American, 0.71% Asian, 3.72% from other races, and 19.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.39% of the population.

There were 205 households, out of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.34% were married couples living together, 3.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.85% were non-families. 18.54% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 2.54.

The village's age distribution consisted of 22.4% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 35% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 132.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 131.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $70,375, and the median income for a family was $71,667. Males had a median income of $39,500 versus $33,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,250. About 0.7% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is in the service area of Central Community High School, formed as a consolidation of the Breese and Aviston high schools in 1971.

title: Damiansville, Illinois


text:
Germantown, Illinois

Germantown is a village in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,324 at the 2020 census.

History
The village of Germantown was established in 1833. Formerly known as "Hanover" for the city in Germany that was the hometown of the first settlers, Germantown is said to be one of the first true German settlements in Illinois.

Geography
Illinois Route 161 runs along the southern border of the village, leading east 22 mi to Centralia and west 9 mi to New Baden. St. Louis is 39 mi to the west via Interstate 64.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Germantown has a total area of 1.01 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,324 people, 544 households, and 319 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,305.72 PD/sqmi. There were 560 housing units at an average density of 552.27 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.13% White, 0.23% African American, 0.38% Native American, 1.96% from other races, and 4.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.38% of the population.

There were 544 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.54% were married couples living together, 10.66% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.36% were non-families. 32.35% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.85% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 2.34.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.5% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 27% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $61,364, and the median income for a family was $77,917. Males had a median income of $50,000 versus $32,130 for females. The per capita income for the village was $31,878. About 7.2% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 15.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Red Schoendienst, second baseman and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, born in Germantown

Schools
Germantown Elementary provides classes for students in Pre-K up to eighth grade. The school has received several awards in past years for academic excellence. In addition, the school offers many extra-curricular activities, including: student council, scholar bowl, math team, science fair, team quest, concert band, jazz band, group and solo vocal performing, girls and boys track and field, girls and boys basketball, cheerleading, and girls volleyball.

There is no high school in Germantown, but there are two high schools in the neighboring town, Breese. Germantown is in the service area of Central Community High School, formed as a consolidation of the Breese and Aviston high schools in 1971. A private school in Breese in Mater Dei Catholic High School.

title: Germantown, Illinois


text:
Hoffman, Illinois

Hoffman is a village in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 439 at the 2020 census.

Notable people

 * Bryan Eversgerd, bullpen coach for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.

Geography
Illinois Route 161 runs through the village, leading east 7 mi to Centralia and west 11 mi to Bartelso. Carlyle, the Clinton County seat, is 11 mi to the northwest.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 439 people, 260 households, and 187 families residing in the village. The population density was 867.59 PD/sqmi. There were 198 housing units at an average density of 391.30 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.08% White, 0.46% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 1.37% from other races, and 3.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.73% of the population.

There were 260 households, out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.85% were married couples living together, 0.77% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.08% were non-families. 28.08% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.46% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.73 and the average family size was 2.98.

The village's age distribution consisted of 31.2% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 148.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 152.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $57,600, and the median income for a family was $62,847. Males had a median income of $37,390 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,339. No families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hoffman, Illinois


text:
Huey, Illinois

Huey is a village in Clinton County, Illinois, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, the village population was 160.

Geography
Huey is located in eastern Clinton County and U.S. Route 50 passes north of the village, leading 4 mi west to Carlyle, the county seat, and east 9 mi to Sandoval.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 160 people, 64 households, and 37 families residing in the village. The population density was 740.74 PD/sqmi. There were 69 housing units at an average density of 319.44 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.00% White, 1.88% African American, 0.63% from other races, and 2.50% from two or more races. No residents identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 64 households, out of which 18.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.00% were married couples living together, 6.25% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.19% were non-families. 9.38% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.13% 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 2.13.

The village's age distribution consisted of 16.2% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $31,500, and the median income for a family was $31,458. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $26,429 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,390. About 2.7% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Huey, Illinois


text:
New Baden, Illinois

New Baden is a village in Clinton County, Illinois, United States (and partially in St. Clair County). The population was 3,428 at the 2020 census.

Geography
New Baden is located at 38.53556°N, -89.7°W (38.535479, -89.700136).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, New Baden has a total area of 1.83 sqmi, all land.

History
New Baden is named after the historical territory of Baden, Germany. It was founded in 1855, remaining a small village until struck by a devastating tornado in 1896. Neighboring communities contributed to the rebuilding, creating a larger, more modern town which began to thrive, its success coinciding with the end of the long depression.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 3,428 people, 1,322 households, and 767 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,878.36 PD/sqmi. There were 1,347 housing units at an average density of 738.08 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 85.44% White, 2.65% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.59% from other races, and 6.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.11% of the population.

There were 1,322 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.07% were married couples living together, 10.36% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.98% were non-families. 27.91% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.58% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.02 and the average family size was 2.35.

The village's age distribution consisted of 19.9% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 39.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $79,412, and the median income for a family was $93,875. Males had a median income of $60,154 versus $40,308 for females. The per capita income for the village was $43,061. About 2.9% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Brent Brede, professional baseball player
 * Paul Lusk, professional basketball player
 * Bertha Weber, composer

title: New Baden, Illinois


text:
Trenton, Illinois

Trenton is a city in Clinton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,690 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Trenton is located at 38.60583°N, -89.68167°W (38.605943, -89.681725).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Trenton has a total area of 1.88 sqmi, all land.

History
The town was laid out by A. W. Cumsad in 1836 from Trenton, New Jersey, he gave his new town the name Trenton which he named after the place he was from. The planned town was supposed to be built just north of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad in an area which is now called the “Old Trenton”. However, the old town was abandoned as no one ever built in the lots they bought. In response to his failed venture, Mr. Cumsad returned to his hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. Mr. William Lubeis, A. W. Cumsad's brother in law however didn’t go back to New Jersey. Instead, he opted to stay and built a farmhouse where the current town lies in 1818.

In 1853 Mr. Cuckman built a railroad depot and even managed to get a post office to be established however his business partner Mr. Ballker abandoned him which made Cuckman move out of the area. Cuckman would eventually resettle in Iowang.

On 14 May 1855, Vulva Lubeis refounded the town, and this time it stayed. Several more major additions were added to the town throughout the mid-1800s by multiple other people and companies. On 12 March 1856 and 11 June 1860 by William Lubeis, 22 May 1856 and 2 July 1866 by Joseph Hanke, 12 June 1856 by Sanger Rump & Co, and finally by Mathias Longnard and Sanger Kump on 26 May 1868.

On 16 February 1856, the town was chartered as a village with one Joseph P. Hanke as its mayor. By 1868 the town’s south side had taken shape and no new major additions were added to that side of Town. On 20 September 1887, the Town was incorporated as a city, the town was now called the City of Trenton which is the name it currently holds.

In 1865 a Coal mine was built in the town and in 1868 it reach full operational capacity. The mine was founded by Joseph Hanke, Wm. Gapeffer, and Johnson Buttchter with the mine eventually being bought out completely by Joseph Hanke. Hanke himself would be bought out by Consolidated Coal Company based out of St Louis. Out of the 500 men in the town 300 were employed by the mine. On 27 February 1909, the south mine burned down and never reopened causing a huge financial blow to the town.

The first church established in the town was St. John United Church of Christ in 1840. This would be followed by the St. Mary Catholic Church in 1864, Grace Community Baptist Church in 1882, the West Gate southern Baptist Church in 1961, and the New Life Christian Center in 1985. Many of these churches host humanitarian and education ventures. These include a food pantry held at West Gate Baptist Church and a preschool held at St. John United Church of Christ.

In 1886 a school was built in the town after the first one was destroyed in a fire. In 1962 a merger of New Baden, New Memphis, and Trenton formed the Wesclin School District #3 with a high school being built along Route 161 exactly 2.5 miles between New Baden and Trenton.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,690 people, 1,134 households, and 644 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,430.85 PD/sqmi. There were 1,245 housing units at an average density of 662.23 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.75% White, 0.89% African American, 0.63% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 1.52% from other races, and 4.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.05% of the population.

There were 1,134 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.77% were married couples living together, 8.73% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.21% were non-families. 38.01% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.84% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.04 and the average family size was 2.28.

The city's age distribution consisted of 23.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $54,138, and the median income for a family was $77,708. Males had a median income of $51,447 versus $34,808 for females. The per capita income for the city was $32,522. About 2.3% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Trem Carr (1891–1946), film producer; born in Trenton
 * Lefty Leifield, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Browns; born in Trenton
 * Russ Schoene, basketball player

title: Trenton, Illinois


text:
Wamac, Illinois

Wamac is a city in Washington, Marion, and Clinton counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 985 at the 2020 census, down from 1,185 in 2010. Incorporated as a city on July 25, 1916, Wamac derives its name from the three counties.

Geography
The city is mainly in the northeast corner of Washington County and the southwest corner of Marion County, with a small portion in the southeast corner of Clinton County. It is bordered to the north and east by Centralia. U.S. Route 51 passes just east of Wamac, leading north to the center of Centralia and south 38 mi to Du Quoin.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Wamac has a total area of 1.43 sqmi, of which 1.42 sqmi (or 99.23%) are land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.77%) are water. Fulton Branch passes through the south side of the city, flowing west to Sewer Creek, part of the Crooked Creek watershed flowing west to the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 985 people, 503 households, and 338 families residing in the city. The population density was 690.74 PD/sqmi. There were 478 housing units at an average density of 335.20 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.09% White, 4.16% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.42% from other races, and 7.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.55% of the population.

There were 503 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 29.42% were married couples living together, 19.09% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.80% were non-families. 26.84% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.96% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 2.43.

The city's age distribution consisted of 27.1% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 28% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,625, and the median income for a family was $34,286. Males had a median income of $24,043 versus $25,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,581. About 20.7% of families and 27.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.9% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Wamac, Illinois


text:
Ashmore, Illinois

Ashmore is a village in Coles County, Illinois, United States. The population was 637 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ashmore has a total area of 0.81 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 637 people, 421 households, and 299 families residing in the village. The population density was 791.30 PD/sqmi. There were 314 housing units at an average density of 390.06 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.02% White, 0.63% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.31% Asian, and 1.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.78% of the population.

There were 421 households, out of which 47.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.34% were married couples living together, 14.96% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.98% were non-families. 24.47% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.88% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 2.43.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.2% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $46,307, and the median income for a family was $56,042. Males had a median income of $36,066 versus $28,173 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,062. About 18.1% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.9% of those under age 18 and 17.4% of those age 65 or over.

Places of interest
Ashmore is home to Ashmore Estates, which was originally the almshouse at the Coles County Poor Farm until it was abandoned in 1987.

A gigantic statue of Abraham Lincoln stands in Ashmore. Originally erected in nearby Charleston as a visitor attraction in 1969, the 62-foot statue instead drew widespread ridicule for the cartoonish appearance of its oversized head. A 1978 attempt to sell it to the city of Lincoln was unsuccessful, and it was instead moved to a private site in Ashmore where it fell into a long period of disrepair. New owners eventually converted the site into the Lincoln Springs Resort, and fully restored the statue in 2004 to be the centerpiece of its campgrounds. The site has since reverted to private property again, but the statue remains visible from a distance.

Notable person

 * Bill Cox, pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Browns and Illinois state representative

title: Ashmore, Illinois