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Jacksonville, Illinois

Jacksonville is a city in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,616 at the 2020 census, down from 19,446 in 2010. It is the county seat of Morgan County. It is home to Illinois College, Illinois School for the Deaf, and the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, and was formerly home to MacMurray College. Jacksonville is the principal city of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Morgan and Scott counties.

History
Jacksonville was established by European Americans on a 160 acre tract of land in the center of Morgan County in 1825, two years after the county was founded. The founders of Jacksonville were settlers from New England. They were descended from the English Puritans who had settled New England in the 1600s and were part of a wave of New England farmers who headed west into what was then the wilds of the Northwest Territory during the early 1800s. Most of them arrived as a result of the completion of the Erie Canal and the end of the Black Hawk War. When they arrived in what is now Jacksonville, there was nothing but dense virgin forest and wild prairie. The "Yankee" New Englanders laid out farms, constructed roads, erected government buildings and established post routes. They brought with them values such as a passion for education, establishing many schools, as well as staunch support for abolitionism. They were mostly members of the Congregationalist Church, though some were Episcopalian. Due to the Second Great Awakening, some of them had converted to Methodism and Presbyterianism, while some others became Baptist, before moving to what is now Jacksonville. Jacksonville, like some other parts of Illinois, would be culturally very continuous with early New England culture for most of its early history.

The town was laid out on a treeless prairie and along a state road that ran from Springfield to the Illinois River.

The town grew at a rapid rate, and a town square was quickly developed. In 1829, the Presbyterian Reverend John M. Ellis worked to found a new "seminary of learning" in the new state of Illinois. A group of Congregational students at Yale College heard about his plans and headed westward to establish the new school. These students were a part of the famous "Yale Bands", groups of students who established several colleges in the frontier, what is now the Midwest. Illinois College was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the Midwest. A new courthouse was built on the square, churches were constructed, railroads were planned, and stores and taverns were built. By 1834, Jacksonville had the largest population of any city in the state of Illinois, vastly outnumbering Chicago (only founded the year before). In the 1830s, the town was on the path of Native Americans who were being forcibly removed by the federal government to west of the Mississippi. The Potawatomi passed through here in 1838 on what they called their Trail of Death as they were forced from their traditional homelands to the dry and barren Indian Territory to the west.

Jacksonville's education complex and standing in the state were developed by the establishment of state institutions: the Illinois School for the Deaf and what is now called the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired. The Illinois Conference Female Academy was founded for education for girls; it later developed as MacMurray College. By 1850, Illinois College had issued Illinois' first college degrees and opened the first medical school in the state. Because of this, Jacksonville earned the nickname of "Athens of the West".

In 1851, Illinois opened its first state mental hospital in Jacksonville; it became a major employer for the area.

The attorney Abraham Lincoln occasionally had legal business in Jacksonville, frequently acting either as co-counsel or opposing counsel with David A. Smith, a Jacksonville resident. In what is now Central Park, Lincoln delivered a strong antislavery speech on September 6, 1856, in support of the presidential campaign of John C. Frémont, lasting over two hours. A mural depicting the event has been painted on the side of a building at the southwest corner of the square.

Built in 1840, the Woodlawn Farm became an important stop on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves escaping the terrors of slavery in the South. This historical site is open tours in the summer.

One of Lincoln's early political rivals, Stephen A. Douglas settled in Jacksonville in 1833 where he first got involved in local politics. He quickly rose the ranks of Illinois politics and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1842.

1900 to present
Between 1892 and 1910, Jacksonville was home to minor league baseball, as the Jacksonville Jacks and Jacksonville Lunatics played in eight different minor leagues. Jacksonville teams played at League Park on Finley Street.

In 1911 as part of the progressive movement, Jacksonville adopted the city commission form of government, the first mayor being George W. Davis.

In the summer of 1965, in order to keep up with customer demand for records by the Beatles, the wildly popular English band, Capitol Records opened a vinyl record pressing plant on the western outskirts of Jacksonville, at 1 Capitol Way. The plant produced a number of highly collectible pressings. This plant eventually served the Capitol Records Club, producing vinyl LPs and later audiocassettes, CDs, and DVDs of a number of artists.

At its peak, operating as EMI Records (owner of Capitol), the plant employed over 1,000 workers. It was a significant location in the music industry. For example, all seven albums released by country western artist Garth Brooks sold more than 50 million copies. EMI held a "thank-you" luncheon for 1,000 workers at the Jacksonville plant on March 10, 1995. A decade later, in 2004 EMI ceased manufacturing operations at Jacksonville.

Geography
Jacksonville is located at 39.73194°N, -90.23444°W (39.731936, −90.234394). It is 32 mi west of Springfield, the state capital, and 70 mi east of Hannibal, Missouri.

Interstate 72 passes to the south of the city, with access from Exits 64 and 68. U.S. Route 67 passes just west of the city limits, leading south 64 mi to Alton and north 66 mi to Macomb. Illinois Route 104 passes through Jacksonville as Morton Avenue, leading southeast 18 mi to Waverly, while Illinois Route 267 runs south from Jacksonville, leading 27 mi to Greenfield. Illinois Route 78 leads north from Jacksonville 16 mi to Virginia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Jacksonville has a total area of 10.76 sqmi, of which 0.20 sqmi, or 1.83%, are water. The city sits in the middle of mostly flat, fertile farmland. One branch of Mauvaisterre Creek empties into Lake Mauvaisterre, a small reservoir surrounded on three sides by parkland. 4 mi south of the city lies Lake Jacksonville, a 476 acre lake with 18.6 mi of shoreline. Lake Jacksonville was named the "Number One Fishing Spot in Illinois" by Field & Stream magazine.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 19,446 people, 7,357 households, and 4,174 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,905 PD/sqmi. There were 8,162 housing units at an average density of 805.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 85.3% White, 10.2% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3% of the population.

There were 7,357 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.8% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.3% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.0% under the age of 18, 14.2% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,670, and the median income for a family was $56,343. Males had a median income of $42,409 versus $30,208 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,245. About 11.9% of families and 18% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.

Business

Jacksonville is the home of the Eli Bridge Company, manufacturer of Ferris wheels and other amusement rides such as the Scrambler. W.E. Sullivan founded the firm with the introduction of his first portable "Big Eli" Wheel on the Jacksonville Square on May 23, 1900. He was inspired to make this portable version of the famous amusement ride after visiting the World's Columbian Exposition and seeing the original Ferris Wheel created by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.

Jacksonville was once home to the J. Capps & Son Company, one of the largest manufacturers of textiles and clothing in the United States, and owned by the Capps family, which was intermarried with the family of Jacob Bunn and John Whitfield Bunn of Springfield, Illinois, and Chicago.

Reynolds Group Holdings (formerly Mobil Plastics, Tenneco, Pactiv) and Nestlé Beverage Co. have facilities in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville was also home to a food processing plant for ACH Food Companies from 1952 to 2008.

Education

Jacksonville is home to one private four-year college, Illinois College. Illinois College is the second oldest college in Illinois, founded in 1829 (and the first to grant a degree – 1835) by one of the famous Yale Bands—students from Yale College who traveled westward to found new colleges. It briefly served as the state's first medical school from 1843 to 1848, and became co-educational in 1903. Beecher Hall, the first college building erected in Illinois, is named after its first president, Edward Beecher, brother to Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Jacksonville was also the home of the now-closed private four-year college, MacMurray College from 1846 to 2020.

Jacksonville is also home to three state-run institutions, including the Illinois School for the Deaf, the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, and the Jacksonville Correctional Center. Lincoln Land Community College's Western Region Education Center is also located in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is home to three high schools, two private, and one public, including Routt Catholic High School. Jacksonville School District 117 provides education for the city and much of the county with six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, Jacksonville High School.

Media
The city's daily newspaper, the Jacksonville Journal-Courier, is the oldest continuously published newspaper in Illinois (since 1830).

The city also has a weekly newspaper, The Source.

Several radio stations operate in Jacksonville- WCIC 90.7-FM, WLDS 1180-AM, WEAI 107.1-FM, WJVO 105.5-FM, and WJIL, which simulcasts on 102.9-FM and 1550-AM.

NOAA Weather Radio station WXM90 transmits from Lynnville and is licensed to NOAA's Central Illinois National Weather Service Forecast Office at Lincoln and St. Louis, broadcasting on a frequency of 162.525 mHz (channel 6 on most newer weather radios, and most SAME weather radios). The station activates the SAME tone alarm feature and a 1050 Hz tone activating older radios (except for AMBER Alerts, using the SAME feature only) for hazardous weather and non-weather warnings and emergencies, along with selected weather watches, for the Illinois counties of Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Greene, Morgan, Pike, and Scott. Weather permitting, a tone alarm test of both the SAME and 1050 Hz tone features are conducted every Wednesday between 11 am and Noon.

Health care
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, formerly known as Passavant Area Hospital, is the prime source of medical treatment in the area.

The Jacksonville Developmental Center, a state facility, operated here from 1851 to November 2012.

Culture

In 2005, Sufjan Stevens released Illinois, a concept album making reference to various people and places associated with the state. Its fifth track, "Jacksonville," refers to various landmarks in the town, such as Nichols Park. It also contains a story about A. W. Jackson, a "colored preacher" urban legend supposes the town is named after, as well as President Andrew Jackson (President from 1829 to 1837) after whom the town's officials say it is actually named.

The Grammy-winning album Stones in the Road by singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter features the song "John Doe #24" that describes a series of events that occurred in Jacksonville relating to the person on whose life the song is based. The song tells the story of a blind and deaf man who was found wandering the streets in Jacksonville in 1945. The man was hospitalized for diabetes and kept in various institutions until he died nearly 50 years later in 1993. During his 48 years of institutionalization, nobody ever found out his name, nor did anyone who knew or was related to him come to Jacksonville to establish his identity. It was speculated that he was originally from New Orleans, but this was never verified. Likewise, how he came to Jacksonville remains a mystery to this day.

Cultural offerings include the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the Jacksonville Theatre Guild, the Art Association of Jacksonville and its David Strawn Art Gallery, as well as many public events and activities hosted by MacMurray College and Illinois College. Recent additions to the cultural scene include the Imagine Foundation and the Eclectic art gallery, both located in the city's downtown. The Jacksonville Area Museum, located just outside the downtown area, is home to many historical artifacts and is the repository of the MacMurray College Archive collection.

Jacksonville also holds the unusual distinction of having a large number of pipe organs for a city of its size – eleven in all – found at various local churches, as well as both of its four-year colleges.

A notable Portuguese American community has existed on the outskirts of Jacksonville since the nineteenth century. The origins of this community can be traced to 1838, when a Scottish reverend named Robert Reid Kalley visited the Portuguese island of Madeira and converted a number of the locals to Protestantism. These Madeiran Protestants faced discrimination and alienation due to being Protestant in a largely Catholic community, causing the converts to relocate from Madeira to the Caribbean island of Trinidad before coming to the United States in 1849 and settling near Jacksonville.

Attractions
Jacksonville Speedway is a dirt racetrack on the Morgan County Fairgrounds that was first established in 1912. The track was originally a flat 1/2 mile track but was later replaced by the current banked 1/4 mile configuration. Though the racetrack was close to closing its doors in the early 2010s, it attracted the World of Outlaws racing series which attracted lots of fans and increased business. It has a grandstand that can seat 2,000 people.

Nichols Park is a park on the south side of Jacksonville. It has a playground, golf course, lake, and community pool.

During the month of December, The Farmers State Bank and Trust building in downtown Jacksonville can be seen displaying the "World's Tallest Advent Calendar" by displaying the 24 days leading up to Christmas in the windows of the East side of the building.

title: Jacksonville, Illinois


text:
Lynnville, Illinois

Lynnville is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 96 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Lynnville is in western Morgan County, 8 mi west-southwest of Jacksonville, the county seat. Interstate 72 and U.S. Route 36 pass 1/2 mi south of the village, but with no direct access. The former alignment of U.S. Route 36 passes the same distance north of the village.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Lynnville has a total area of 0.08 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 137 people, 55 households, and 38 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,737.1 PD/sqmi. There were 57 housing units at an average density of 722.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.27% White and 0.73% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 55 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.9% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 13.9% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,000, and the median income for a family was $40,313. Males had a median income of $19,375 versus $21,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,919. There were none of the families and 1.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

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

title: Lynnville, Illinois


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Meredosia, Illinois

Meredosia is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 826 at the 2020 census, down from 1,044 in 2010. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Meredosia is in far northwestern Morgan County, on the east bank of the Illinois River, the border with Pike County. Illinois Route 104 passes through the village as its Main Street, leading east and then southeast 21 mi to Jacksonville, the county seat, and west across the river and 50 mi to Quincy.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Meredosia has a total area of 0.90 sqmi, of which 0.04 sqmi, or 4.11%, are water.

The Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge is directly north of the village, within the Illinois River floodplain.

Marais d'Osier, meaning willow swamp, was the original French name given to the area in the early 1800s.

Closing of Power Ameren power station
In 2011, Ameren Energy Resources Company announced the closure of its power station in Meredosia. The closure resulted in a loss of over 50 jobs, a major economic hit for the small community. The plant closure was related to the cost of meeting environmental regulations. The plant may reopen at some point as a facility to test clean coal technology, according to Ameren.

New bridge
In June 2018 the community celebrated the opening of a new bridge over the Illinois River. The former bridge, constructed in 1936, had become too narrow for modern traffic, and was dismantled during the summer of 2018. The bridge not only links Meredosia to Quincy, Illinois, but serves as an important transportation link between western Illinois and the center of the state.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,041 people, 450 households, and 301 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,130.3 PD/sqmi. There were 486 housing units at an average density of 527.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.90% White, and 0.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.10% of the population.

There were 450 households, out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,961, and the median income for a family was $40,917. Males had a median income of $31,979 versus $16,842 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,391. About 5.8% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Meredosia, Illinois


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Murrayville, Illinois

Murrayville is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 567 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Murrayville is in southern Morgan County, 11 mi south of Jacksonville, the county seat. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Murrayville has a total area of 0.50 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 644 people, 243 households, and 182 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,292.4 PD/sqmi. There were 250 housing units at an average density of 501.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.38% White, and 0.62% from two or more races.

There were 243 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.8% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,917, and the median income for a family was $50,476. Males had a median income of $31,563 versus $23,594 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,353. About 5.7% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Warren Wright, Illinois State Treasurer, was born in Murrayville.

title: Murrayville, Illinois


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South Jacksonville, Illinois

South Jacksonville is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,302 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
South Jacksonville is in central Morgan County and is bordered to the north by the city of Jacksonville, the county seat. Illinois Route 267 (Main Street) runs through the village center, leading north as Jacksonville's Main Street 2 mi to the city center and south 6 mi to Woodson. The Interstate 72/U.S. Route 36 freeway runs along the southern edge of the village, with access from Exit 64 (IL 267). I-72/US-36 leads east 35 mi to Springfield, the state capital, and west 64 mi to Hannibal, Missouri.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Jacksonville has a total area of 2.32 sqmi, of which 0.05 sqmi, or 2.29%, are water. Mauvaise Terre Creek flows northward through the east side of the village, passing through Mauvaise Terre Lake, a reservoir. The creek is a tributary of the Illinois River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,475 people, 1,584 households, and 982 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,102.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,648 housing units at an average density of 997.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.32% White, 1.04% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.75% of the population.

There were 1,584 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.4% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,548, and the median income for a family was $46,373. Males had a median income of $31,827 versus $26,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,973. About 3.8% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

Tourism
The Prairie Land Heritage Museum in the northwest corner of the village is an open-air museum centered around traditional farming methods and antique machinery. One notable attraction at the museum is its narrow gauge George Waters Memorial Railroad, powered by a real steam locomotive built by Crown Metal Products.

title: South Jacksonville, Illinois


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Waverly, Illinois

Waverly, founded in 1836, is the second largest city in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,194 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area. The town was named after the Waverley novels of Sir Walter Scott.

Geography
Waverly is in southeastern Morgan County, 26 mi southwest of Springfield, the state capital. Illinois Route 104 passes through the city as Elm Street, leading northwest 19 mi to Jacksonville, the county seat, and east 11 mi to Auburn. Illinois Route 111 has its northern terminus at IL 104 on the west side of Waverly; it leads south 11 mi to Palmyra.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Waverly has a total area of 1.04 sqmi, all land. Almost all of the city drains south to tributaries of Apple Creek, a west-flowing tributary of the Illinois River. The northeast corner of the city drains toward the South Fork of Lick Creek, a northeast-flowing stream that is part of the Sangamon River watershed.

Waverly is the geographical center of the Illinois Community College District #526, which is served by Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield.

Demographics
The estimated median household income in 2019: $51,630, $36,111 in 2000. The estimated per capita income in 2019: $25,548, $18,205 in 2000. The estimated median house or condo value in 2019: $83,532, $56,400 in 2000. The percentage of residents living in poverty in 2019: 7.6%. 40.1% of students that attend Waverly Community Unit School District 6, are listed as low income students: students eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches, live in substitute care, or whose families receive public aid.

Sports
Waverly is the home of the Waverly Holiday Tournament, the longest running Class 1A holiday basketball tournament in the state of Illinois, for high school boys' basketball in December every year since 1951.

Notable people

 * Herk Harvey, film director, Carnival of Souls
 * Ralph C. Smedley, founder of Toastmasters International

title: Waverly, Illinois


text:
Woodson, Illinois

Woodson is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 498 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The village was platted on May 2, 1859, and incorporated on April 9, 1894. The village is named after Judge David M. Woodson.

Geography
Woodson is located south of Lake Jacksonville and south of combined U.S. Route 36 and Interstate 72. It lies mainly on the east side of State Highway 267, which leads north 7 mi to Jacksonville, the Morgan county seat, and south 20 mi to Greenfield.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Woodson has a total area of 0.39 sqmi, all land. Spoon Creek runs along the northern edge of the village, flowing west toward Sandy Creek, a southwest-flowing tributary of the Illinois River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 559 people, 209 households, and 165 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,442.6 PD/sqmi. There were 219 housing units at an average density of 565.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.96% White, 0.72% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.54% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.89% of the population.

There were 209 households, out of which 44.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.1% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $41,500, and the median income for a family was $44,375. Males had a median income of $35,435 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,175. About 4.2% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Woodson, Illinois


text:
Allenville, Illinois

Allenville is a village in Moultrie County, Illinois, United States. The population was 132 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Allenville is in southeastern Moultrie County along Illinois Route 121, which leads northwest 7 mi to Sullivan, the county seat, and southeast 11 mi to Mattoon.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Allenville has a total area of 0.61 sqmi, all land. Coon Creek runs through the west side of the village, flowing north toward the Kaskaskia River in Lake Shelbyville.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 154 people, 61 households, and 42 families residing in the village. The population density was 264.4 PD/sqmi. There were 72 housing units at an average density of 123.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 61 households, out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.7% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 16.9% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 38.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $46,146, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,586. About 4.0% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen or sixty five or over.

title: Allenville, Illinois


text:
Bethany, Illinois

Bethany is a village in Moultrie County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,255 at the 2020 census, down from 1,352 in 2010.

Geography
Bethany is in western Moultrie County along Illinois Route 121, which runs along the northern and eastern sides of the village. IL 121 leads southeast 8 mi to Sullivan, the county seat, and northwest 19 mi to Decatur.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bethany has a total area of 0.98 sqmi, of which 0.002 sqmi, or 0.20%, are water. Marrowbone Creek runs through the western and southern parts of the village, flowing southeast toward the West Okaw River, part of the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,287 people, 544 households, and 386 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,323.6 PD/sqmi. There were 580 housing units at an average density of 596.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.99% White, 0.08% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.31% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.23% of the population.

There were 544 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $34,091, and the median income for a family was $44,276. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $20,603 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,888. About 5.7% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.0% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Bethany is home to Okaw Valley Community Unit School District 302. Okaw Valley is a K-12 district that was created in 2001 when the schools of Bethany and Findlay consolidated their individual school districts. The elementary and high school are located in Bethany while the middle school is located in Findlay. Okaw Valley's school sports teams have the nickname "Timberwolves" and compete in the “Lincoln Prairie Conference.”

Notable people

 * Wesley Livsey Jones, U.S. senator of Washington state 1909-32; born in Bethany
 * Paige Robinson, WNBA player for the Dallas Wings

title: Bethany, Illinois


text:
Dalton City, Illinois

Dalton City is a village in Moultrie County, Illinois, United States. It is in the center of the state near the Macon County line. The population was 454 at the 2020 census, down from 544 in 2010.

History
Dalton City was incorporated as a village on September 15, 1877. The village was the birthplace of Henry Gleason, a 20th-century ecologist and taxonomist.

Geography
Dalton City is in northwestern Moultrie County, with its western border following the Macon County line. The village is located along Route 121 at its intersection with Route 128. IL 121 runs along the northern and eastern edges of the village, leading southeast 6 mi to Bethany and 13 mi to Sullivan, the Moultrie county seat, while to the northwest it leads six miles to Mount Zion and 13 miles to Decatur. IL 128 runs along the west side of the village, leading south 22 mi to Shelbyville.

According to the 2010 census, Dalton City has a total area of 0.53 sqmi, all land. It is within the West Okaw River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 581 people, 212 households, and 170 families residing in the village. The population density was 941.7 PD/sqmi. There were 224 housing units at an average density of 363.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.62% White, 0.52% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.17% from other races, and 0.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.55% of the population.

There were 212 households, out of which 44.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.8% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.8% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.2% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $48,958, and the median income for a family was $53,224. Males had a median income of $36,094 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,946. About 2.8% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.8% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Since the Cutback Amendment, Dalton City has been part of the 101st district of the Illinois House of Representatives.

title: Dalton City, Illinois


text:
Gays, Illinois

Gays is a village in Moultrie County, Illinois, United States. The population was 218 at the 2020 census, down from 281 in 2010.

Geography
Gays is in the southeast corner of Moultrie County, along Illinois Route 16, which leads east 6 mi to Mattoon and west-southwest 17 mi to Shelbyville. Sullivan, the Moultrie county seat, is 14 mi to the northwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Gays has a total area of 0.39 sqmi, all land.

Climate
Gays is located in Central Illinois, with a humid climate. Winters are cold and dry, spring brings severe weather, including the threat of tornadoes.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 259 people, 99 households, and 76 families residing in the village. The population density was 633.5 PD/sqmi. There were 104 housing units at an average density of 254.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.46% White and 1.54% Pacific Islander.

There were 99 households, out of which 41.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.7% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,500, and the median income for a family was $42,813. Males had a median income of $29,688 versus $21,944 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,131. About 2.5% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

Arts and culture
A two-story outhouse is located in the town. It was built in 1869 for apartments that were attached to a general store. The top floor was used by the apartment dwellers while the bottom floor was used by patrons of the store. Although the store and apartments were demolished, the outhouse remained. Each level has two seats, so the outhouse could be used by four at a time. Waste from the top level dropped behind a false wall into a pit. It is located at the corner of N Pine Street and Front Street. 39.45889°N, -88.49553°W

West of the outhouse is the former site of what was claimed to be Hitler's bicycle. A rusty bicycle once hung on a pole with a sign that read "Hitler's Bike (1932)".

title: Gays, Illinois


text:
Lovington, Illinois

Lovington is a village in Moultrie County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,069 at the 2020 census. Lovington was named after Andrew Love, the first postmaster in the area.

Geography
Lovington is in northern Moultrie County, along Illinois Route 32, which follows South County Street and West Springfield Street through the village. IL 32 leads south 9 mi to Sullivan, the county seat, and northwest 8 mi to La Place. Illinois Route 133 has its western terminus at IL 32 on the southern border of Lovington; Route 133 leads east 8 mi to Arthur.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Lovington has a total area of 0.54 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,222 people, 504 households, and 338 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,518.4 PD/sqmi. There were 536 housing units at an average density of 666.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.77% White, 0.25% African American, 0.57% Native American, 0.25% Asian, and 0.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.33% of the population.

There were 504 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $34,115, and the median income for a family was $41,544. Males had a median income of $31,786 versus $20,800 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,311. About 6.5% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

High school
Lovington High School was shut down in 2012, and the building that had stood since 1909 was torn down after the district annexed into Arthur, Illinois. The new high school encompasses the surrounding towns and is called Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond (ALAH) High School.

Notable persons

 * Stephen Ambrose, historian, biographer of Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon
 * Chas McFarland, a professional basketball player for the Akita Northern Happinets of Japan
 * Don Shroyer, former head football coach for Millikin University

title: Lovington, Illinois


text:
Sullivan, Illinois

Sullivan is a city in Moultrie County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,413 at the time of the 2020 census. It is the county seat and largest city of Moultrie County. Sullivan is named after Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, where Fort Moultrie is located.

History
Sullivan was founded in 1845 as Asa's Point. Two years after Sullivan was founded, the first official courthouse of the county was built. It was a simple two-story brick building with a hipped roof, and the county jail was housed in the basement. The village would come alive with gossip when court was in session. Abraham Lincoln passed through this first courthouse many times from 1849 to 1852, as he practiced law in the Moultrie County circuit court. The present courthouse (the county's third) contains a mural depicting this first courthouse.

In the opinion of early local leaders, Sullivan was not a logical site for a county seat. The village of Nelson (which no longer exists) had already been developed, and the prairie on which Sullivan would be built lacked proper drainage and was a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. In 1844, however, it was determined that centrally-located Sullivan was to be the county seat.

The original village consisted of 40 acre (25 city blocks) bounded by Jackson Street on the north, Water Street on the south, Douglas (now Worth) Street on the east, and Hamilton Street on the west. Sullivan's first school was built in 1846, with the first church being built in 1848.

When Abraham Lincoln was campaigning for the state senate against Stephen A. Douglas, he gave a speech in Freeland Grove (now the Sullivan Civic Center parking lot). Freeland Grove was bounded by Wyman Park, Main Street, Strain Street, and Worth Street. A small monument facing Wyman Park near Main Street commemorates Lincoln's 1858 speech. During this campaign, a riot broke out on the town square between the supporters of Lincoln and the supporters of Douglas.

In 1864, a fire destroyed the first courthouse and a second, larger one was built that was in use until 1904, when it was demolished and the third, present-day courthouse was built. Along with the first courthouse building, hundreds of county records were lost.

Sullivan was home to the Titus Opera House, built in 1871, which was located on the north side of the town square. On the second and third floors of the building, the large auditorium, balcony, and box seats could accommodate up to 800 patrons. The opera house was among the finest in the area, and it hosted a concert given by the great Venezuelan pianist Teresa Carreño. The opera house was built by a businessman and Civil War veteran named Joseph Titus as both an attraction for high society and a "playground" for his young daughter, Winifred, who grew up to become a talented pianist and singer. She toured Europe during her career, even performing at the legendary Palais Garnier in Paris. In the early morning of February 20, 1910, the Titus Opera House caught fire and tragically burned to the ground. This marked the end of a live entertainment era in Sullivan until Guy S. Little Jr. founded The Little Theatre on the Square decades later.

Wyman Park, one of two parks on the north side of Sullivan, has an intriguing past. Albert Wyman, a man who immigrated to the United States from Germany, owned a shoe repair and sales shop on the west end of the town square. During the time Wyman was alive, Sullivan lacked a public park, so in his will he endowed much of his business profit to the city in order to purchase land for a park. While Wyman's will prohibited any kind of sales from occurring on the grounds of the new park, concession stands were built next to the baseball diamonds in the 1960s.

The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society, formerly located in downtown Sullivan, now on the southern end of town on South Hamilton Street, houses a small museum of the county's past.

Geography
Sullivan is located south of the center of Moultrie County. Illinois Routes 32 and 121 pass through the city center. IL 121 leads northwest 28 mi to Decatur and southeast 17 mi to Mattoon, while IL 32 leads north 9 mi to Lovington and south 11 mi to Windsor.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Sullivan has a total area of 2.78 sqmi, of which 0.01 sqmi, or 0.29%, are water. Asa Creek crosses the east side of the city, flowing south to the Kaskaskia River in Lake Shelbyville.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,326 people, 1,820 households, and 1,188 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,121.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,945 housing units at an average density of 953.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.68% White, 0.30% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.39% of the population.

There were 1,820 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.7% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city the population was spread out, with 22.8% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,197, and the median income for a family was $41,894. Males had a median income of $31,754 versus $20,631 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,693. About 5.4% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Sullivan is home to several companies. Agri-Fab, a manufacturer of lawn and garden attachments, and Hydro-Gear, a drivetrain manufacturer, have their corporate headquarters located in Sullivan along with factories. Sullivan is also home to Metro Communications and the First Community Bank of Moultrie County which first started in 1905 as a national bank under the name of First National Bank of Sullivan.

Education
Sullivan is home to Sullivan Community Unit School District 300 which includes  Sullivan High School, where the sports teams have the name  "Redskins."

The official school song is Northwestern University's "Go Northwestern," and the fight song is entitled "Hail Red and Black." The school fight song has lyrics written by a Sullivan High School alumnus, but the music was composed by Dr. Paul Van Buskirk Yoder, a notable composer, arranger, and band director of the twentieth century.

The Little Theatre on the Square
The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan is a non-profit; it received $20,000 from President Barack Obama's 2009 economic stimulus package,. In 2013, it received $23,200 from the Illinois Arts Council for general operating expenses.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial
When Abraham Lincoln was campaigning for senate against Stephen A. Douglas, he gave a speech on September 20, 1858, in Freeland's Grove (now Wyman Park), and today there is a monument commemorating his speech at the approximate location.

Huntsburger Hood Ornament Collection
A sample of the 700+ vintage hood ornaments of Lynn Huntsburger's collection, located in the board room of the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library.

Ward Museum
The Ward Museum at Mason Point, a nursing home just east of Sullivan, displays a collection of items collected from around the world by the Ward family, including one of the largest collections of seashells in the nation. The Wards' collection went on display in 1948, and the collection has remained intact since then. It was featured on an episode of the TV show Illinois Adventure. The museum was established by Abraham Lincoln "Link" Ward, a farmer, livestock dealer, and auctioneer, as well as his wife, Cora Anne (Hinterly) Ward. In addition to seashells, the museum contains over 1,000 pieces of antique glassware, including 400 antique goblets. Frontier life items include wooden wheel clocks, circa 1830, copper-toed shoes, spinning wheels, and broadaxes. The museum was established in 1948; Cora Ward died in 1967, and the executor of her estate burned the catalog compilation, so the origin of the over 5,000 items donated by the couple, who travelled widely, is unknown.

Nixon rally and buffalo burger
During the 1960 presidential election, then-Vice President Richard Nixon held a campaign rally in Sullivan. He discarded a half-eaten buffalo burger that was the product of the slaughter of buffalo owned by the City of Sullivan and housed at their street maintenance facility. The discarded burger was retrieved by Sullivan resident Steve Jenne, who preserved it. Jenne exhibited the burger on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1988 and was a guest on I've Got a Secret in 2006.

Notable people

 * Albert J. Beveridge, historian and U.S. senator
 * Steve Buxton, NFL football player
 * Gregory Cochran, physicist, anthropologist, and writer
 * William Granville Cochran, Illinois state judge and legislator
 * John R. Eden, attorney and congressman
 * Tiny Hill, bandleader
 * R. Eden Martin, lawyer
 * Samuel W. Moulton, attorney and congressman
 * Gary Noffke, artist
 * Harold Pogue, football player
 * Art Schwind, Major League Baseball player, 1912
 * William Irving Shuman, businessman and politician
 * Douglas Wilson, interior designer on Trading Spaces; former owner of Doug Wilson's Jibby's

title: Sullivan, Illinois


text:
Adeline, Illinois

Adeline is a village in Maryland Township, Ogle County, Illinois, United States, along the Leaf River. The population was 85 at the 2010 census, down from 139 in 2000.

History
Adeline was laid out in 1845. The village's name honors the wife of Thomas J. Turner, a state legislator.

Geography
Adeline is located at 42.1425°N, -89.49056°W (42.142382, -89.490633). According to the 2010 census, Adeline has a total area of 0.26 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 139 people, 50 households, and 39 families residing in the village. The population density was 517.1 PD/sqmi. There were 50 housing units at an average density of 186.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.12% White, 0.72% Native American, 2.16% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.88% of the population.

There were 50 households, out of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.0% were non-families. 16.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $59,583, and the median income for a family was $61,250. Males had a median income of $44,688 versus $36,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,301. There were 4.5% of families and 2.8% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 33.3% of those over 64.

title: Adeline, Illinois


text:
Byron, Illinois

Byron is a city in Ogle County, Illinois, United States, probably best known as the location of the Byron Nuclear Generating Station, one of the last nuclear power plants commissioned in the United States. Byron is located in Byron Township, along the Rock River. The population was 3,753 at the 2010 census, up from 2,917 at the 2000 census. The town bills itself as the "Gateway to the Rock River Valley".

History
The city that is now Byron was founded when a settler rode through the area on his way from Galena to Midway.

Geography
Byron is located in Byron Township at the junction of Illinois Route 72 and Illinois Route 2. Byron's topography includes a man-made prairie and the Rock River that passes through the town. It is generally flat and is ideal for farming in most regions. According to the 2010 census, Byron has a total area of 3.572 sqmi, of which 3.57 sqmi (or 99.94%) is land and 0.002 sqmi (or 0.06%) is water.

Byron's average temperature in the spring tends to be 50–65 degrees with considerable rain. Summer tends to be 75–100 degrees with moderate humidity. Fall tends to be 35–65 degrees with leaves falling in mid-October. Winter tends to be cold, with temperatures averaging from freezing to ten or fifteen degrees below freezing in January.

The Iowa, Chicago, and Eastern Railroad passes by the town as well.

Economy
The Byron Nuclear Generating Station, currently owned by Constellation Energy, is just south of Byron. It began operations in 1985, after ten years of construction. The station provides a great deal of the electricity used in northern Illinois.

Education
There are three schools: Mary Morgan Elementary School, Byron Middle School, and Byron High School (pre-K-12) serving approximately 2,500 students. Byron High School placed fourth in the Illinois State Finals Academic Challenge in 2001.

Mary Morgan Elementary School was named an "Exemplary High Performing School" by the U.S. Department of Education's National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, awarded in 2017.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,917 people, 1,119 households, and 747 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,179.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,166 housing units at an average density of 471.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.70% White, 0.41% African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.31% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population. According to a special census taken in 2006, the population of the city has increased to 3,779 since the 2000 census.

There were 1,119 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.2% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,027, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $40,568 versus $23,221 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,164. About 6.9% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government
Byron is divided into four wards, each of which elects two alderman, giving the city an eight-member council. The eight members of the council are organized into five committees with specific responsibilities, necessarily, given the number of council members, committee memberships overlap.

Elected separately, by the whole city, is the mayor. The mayor's powers include the right to appoint members of the five standing committees, and to preside over council meetings. He may also call special meetings of the council. The mayor receives an annual salary of $9000.

The city also has other elected officials, including a city clerk and a treasurer. There are also unelected paid positions; these are filled by appointment of the mayor. These include the comptroller and the city attorney.

Despite the fact that Byron has a mayor-council system of government, the municipal code for Byron contains a provision whereby a city administrator may be appointed, if the mayor and council so desire. To date, this provision has not been placed into effect.

Festivals

 * Turkey Testicle Festival is an annual tradition since 1979.
 * ByronFest is a carnival held throughout downtown Byron, and other venues, each year in mid-July.

Notable people

 * Trisha Paytas, an American YouTuber, model, and singer.
 * Troy Drake, an offensive tackle with NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins
 * Tom Billeter, men's basketball head coach for Augustana University since 2003
 * Wilson Irvine, painter
 * Joseph Medill McCormick, congressman and senator
 * Francis K. Newcomer, Brigadier general in the United States Army, Governor of the Panama Canal Zone from 1948 to 1952
 * Albert Goodwill Spalding, professional baseball player, manager and co-founder of A.G. Spalding sporting goods company

title: Byron, Illinois


text:
Creston, Illinois

Creston is a village in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 627 at the 2020 census, down from 662 in 2010.

History
Creston was named for its supposed location on the highest point of land between Chicago and the Mississippi River.

Geography
Creston is located at 41.93083°N, -88.96556°W (41.930816, -88.965554).

According to the 2010 census, Creston has a total area of 1.14 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 543 people, 195 households, and 154 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,299.3 PD/sqmi. There were 204 housing units at an average density of 488.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.58% White, 1.10% African American, 0.37% Asian, 1.10% from other races, and 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.34% of the population.

There were 195 households, out of which 37.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.0% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.8% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,000, and the median income for a family was $44,688. Males had a median income of $32,321 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,927. About 5.1% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age of 18 and 2.9% of those 65 and over.

Notable person

 * Knute Hill, congressman from Washington, born in Creston

title: Creston, Illinois


text:
Davis Junction, Illinois

Davis Junction is a village in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,512 at the 2020 census. Named for Jeremiah Davis, it is located where the Illinois Railway Rockford Line and the Canadian Pacific Railway (ex-Milwaukee Road/Soo Line Railroad) Chicago Subdivision intersect along Illinois Route 72. It is the site of the Orchard Hills Landfill - one of the largest in the United States.

History
Jeremiah Davis laid out Davis Junction in the 1870s, and named the settlement for himself. A post office has been in operation at Davis Junction since 1875.

Geography
Davis Junction is located at 42.10194°N, -89.09361°W (42.101928, -89.093696).

According to the 2010 census, Davis Junction has a total area of 4.24 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 491 people, 165 households, and 132 families residing in Davis Junction. The population density was 129.6 PD/sqmi. There were 172 housing units at an average density of 45.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.37% White, 0.41% Asian, 0.41% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 165 households, out of which 47.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 15.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size was 3.37.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 34.0% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 37.9% from 25 to 44, 13.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,375, and the median income for a family was $51,250. Males had a median income of $36,875 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,915. About 2.5% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 23.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Charles W. Baker (1876-1963), Illinois state legislator and farmer, owned a farm in Davis Junction.

title: Davis Junction, Illinois


text:
Forreston, Illinois

Forreston is a village in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,446 at the 2010 census, down from 1,469 in 2000.

History
Forreston was platted in 1854, and named for the forests near the original town site.

Brought on by the town's predominant population of German-ancestry, the annual "Sauerkraut Days" was a popular free-food festival held in the city limits of Forreston. Sauerkraut Days has recently been started up again, taking place in August with food and a car show.

Geography
Forreston is located at 42.12583°N, -89.58°W (42.125700, -89.579955).

According to the 2010 census, Forreston has a total area of 0.9 sqmi, all land. It is 100 miles west of Chicago.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,469 people, 594 households, and 414 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,767.4 PD/sqmi. There were 632 housing units at an average density of 760.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.25% White, 0.14% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.23% of the population.

There were 594 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,554, and the median income for a family was $44,853. Males had a median income of $35,463 versus $21,086 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,958. About 7.4% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Forreston has its own school district, Forrestville Valley School District 221. The district operates Forreston Elementary, Middle, and High schools, as well as German Valley preschool and kindergarten.

title: Forreston, Illinois


text:
Hillcrest, Illinois

Hillcrest is a village located in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. The 2010 census lists its population at 1,326, up from 1,158 in 2000.

Geography
Hillcrest is located at 41.95306°N, -89.06833°W (41.952924, −89.068216).

According to the 2010 census, Hillcrest has a total area of 3.16 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 1,158 people, 342 households and 297 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,080.8 PD/sqmi. There were 353 housing units at an average density of 634.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 88.51% White, 0.35% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 9.67% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 21.24% of the population.

There were 342 households, of which 52.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.7% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.9% were non-families. 10.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.39 and the average family size was 3.61.

Age distribution was 36.4% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 5.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

The median household income was $49,821, and the median family income was $49,375. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $22,885 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,340. About 5.3% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Hillcrest, Illinois


text:
Leaf River, Illinois

Leaf River is a village in Leaf River Township, Ogle County, Illinois, United States, along a stream of the same name. The population was 443 at the 2010 census, down from 555 in 2000.

Geography
Leaf River is located at 42.12639°N, -89.40306°W (42.126350, -89.402976).

According to the 2010 census, Leaf River has a total area of 0.83 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 555 people, 214 households, and 154 families residing in the village. The population density was 647.6 PD/sqmi. There were 235 housing units at an average density of 274.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.20% White, 1.62% African American and 0.18% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.

There were 214 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,528, and the median income for a family was $40,268. Males had a median income of $33,958 versus $21,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,620. About 2.5% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.1% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Facilities
The village is the home of Camp Kupugani, a private multicultural summer camp for boys and girls.

title: Leaf River, Illinois


text:
Mount Morris, Illinois

Mount Morris is a village in Mount Morris Township, Ogle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,998 at the 2010 census, down from 3,013 in 2000.

Geography
Mount Morris is located at 42.0475°N, -89.43389°W (42.047614, -89.433972).

According to the 2010 census, Mount Morris has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, all land.

The village is crossed from east to west by Illinois Route 64. Route 64 continues eastward to Chicago and westward into Iowa, where it keeps its numeric designation.

History
Mt. Morris is home of the Illinois Freedom Bell, which is located in the town square. The area that is now the town square used to be the campus of one of Illinois' first institutes of higher learning, Mount Morris College. It was first a Methodist school and was later affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. The college closed due to hard economic times. The village's old Junior High School, while undergoing demolition, caught fire and burned forcing the school district to be merged with the Oregon School District in 1993. On February 12, 2004, the Rahn Elementary School was lost to fire. This resulted in the reorganization of the Oregon School District. The former Oregon city elementary and middle schools were merged into a single elementary school. The Mt. Morris Highschool has since been used as the middle school for the district. The town is also home of a very large group of lustron homes in IL. These can be located on First street (5 houses), Hannah avenue (3 houses), and Sunset lane (5 houses). The town has a total of 18 lustrons. The houses were built here to meet a shortage of housing for a local printing company.

Recreation
Parks include Dillehay Park, Mounder Park, and Zickuhr Park. Dillehay Park is located in the southeast portion of the village. Zickuhr Park is located in the western part of town, and has one softball diamond, basketball courts, and an array of playground equipment. Mounder Park houses a skating park, a pavilion, and the playground equipment that was donated and relocated by the school after the Rahn Elementary School fire.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,013 people, 1,259 households, and 810 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,585.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,337 housing units at an average density of 1,147.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.15% White, 0.17% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 1.00% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.75% of the population.

There were 1,259 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $41,333, and the median income for a family was $51,019. Males had a median income of $39,323 versus $20,840 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,326. About 6.0% of families and 6.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Akiane Kramarik, painter; born in Mount Morris
 * Henry C. Newcomer, U.S. Army brigadier general, raised in Mount Morris
 * Nels Potter, pitcher for five Major League Baseball teams; born in Mount Morris
 * Nelson Thomas Potter, Jr., university professor and scholar
 * Ralph Waldo Trine, educator and philosopher
 * W. H. L. Wallace, Civil War general; lived in Mount Morris
 * Elaine A. (Roe) Pieper, U.S. Army Second lieutenant, and one of four Army Nurses to receive the Silver Star in World War II. Resided in Mount Morris

title: Mount Morris, Illinois


text:
Oregon, Illinois

Oregon is a city in and the county seat of Ogle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,721 in 2010.

History
The land Oregon, Illinois was founded on was previously held by the Potawatomi and Winnebago Indian tribes. In fact, later, settlers discovered that the area contained a large number of Indian mounds, most 10-12 ft in diameter.

Ogle County was a New England settlement. The original founders of Oregon and Rochelle consisted entirely of settlers from New England. These people were "Yankees", that is to say they were descended from the English Puritans who settled New England in the 1600s. They were part of a wave of New England farmers who headed west into what was then the wilds of the Northwest Territory during the early 1800s. Most of them arrived as a result of the completion of the Erie Canal. When they arrived in what is now Bureau County there to forest and prairie ecosystems, the New Englanders laid out farms, constructed roads, erected government buildings and established post routes. They brought with them many of their Yankee New England values, such as a passion for education, establishing many schools as well as staunch support for abolitionism. They were mostly members of the Congregationalist Church though some were Episcopalian. Culturally Bureau County, like much of northern Illinois would be culturally very continuous with early New England culture, for most of its history.

The first European to visit the land was pioneer John Phelps. Phelps first visited the area in 1829 and returned in 1833 hoping to find a suitable site to settle. Phelps found a forest and river-fed valley which impressed him enough that he built his cabin there. Other pioneers followed Phelps to this site, and Phelps helped create the first church, school, grocery store, blacksmith shop, and post office in Oregon. By December 4, 1838, due in large part to the efforts of Phelps and his brothers B.T. Phelps and G.W. Phelps, the land was claimed, subdivided and certified by the Ogle County clerk as Oregon City. The name Oregon means "River of the West".

In 1839, Oregon City was renamed Florence after a visitor compared the scenic beauty of the Rock River to the Italian city of the same name. Florence was used for only about three years when the city opted to revert to its original name, without the word "city," in 1843. By 1847 the town had a general store, sawmill, ferry, 44 households and a population of 225. The population continued to grow through the 1850s and 1860s, a fact demonstrated by the increasing number of churches in those decades and the building of a railroad in 1871. Industry followed the railroad and Oregon became home to an oatmeal mill, furniture factory, chair factory, flour mill and a foundry, Paragon Foundry, which operated until the 1960s.

The city of Oregon was first organized under an act of the Illinois General Assembly which was approved on April 1, 1869. By the 1870s the town of Oregon and nearby area was home to around 2,000 people. James Gale was elected the city's first mayor on March 21, 1870 and four other men, Christian Lehman, W.W. Bennett, George M. Dwight and George P. Jacobs, were chosen as aldermen. On March 29, 1873 the city was reorganized because of an act of the Illinois legislature which allowed the municipalities to incorporate as cities and villages. In 1920, the Oregon City Hall was constructed on the perimeter of the city's commercial district and it has been the center of city government ever since. The Ogle County Courthouse was built in 1891 on the corner of Washington Street and Fourth Street (Illinois Route 64 and Illinois Route 2).

Between 1908 and 1911, on a site just north of the city, sculptor Lorado Taft erected a 50-foot tall statue he had designed and originally named The Eternal Indian. Located on a bluff overlooking the Rock River valley, the sculpture is now known as the Black Hawk Statue, named after Black Hawk, a chief of the Sauk Indian tribe that once inhabited the area.

The city of Oregon annexed nearby Daysville, Illinois, in 1993.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Oregon has a total area of 2.028 sqmi, of which 1.96 sqmi (or 96.65%) is land and 0.068 sqmi (or 3.35%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,721 citizens, 1,630 households, and 941 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,998.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,789 housing units at an average density of 880.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, .9% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2% of the population.

There were 1,630 households, out of which 22.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% were husband-wife families, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were nonfamily households. 36.3% of householders lived alone, 20.1% of which were female and 16.1% male. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 79.6% over the age of 18, with 19.6% aged 65 years or older. The median age was 43.5 years.

The median income for a household in the city was $47,971 and the median income for a family was $60,625. Males employed full-time had a median income of $49,958 versus $29,792 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,832.

11.9% of all residents lived below the poverty level, including 11.6% of families with related children under the age of 18. Of families with a female householder with related children under 18 years and no husband present, 34.4% lived below the poverty line.

Culture
Oregon has a rich history in the arts. As of Feb. 2021, renovations are planned for the historic building known as the Oregon Coliseum, which will create a new museum and cultural center.

The community hosts several major events a year, including the annual Autumn On Parade Candlelight Walk ShamROCK The Town and more

The Arts
In 1898, sculptor Lorado Taft founded the Eagle's Nest Art Colony on a bluff overlooking the Rock River, north of Oregon. Taft and his art colony began to exert an influence on the city of Oregon and its culture. The artists who gathered during the summer at Eagle's Nest would leave a mark on the city below them. One result of the colony's location near Oregon was the inclusion of a second story art gallery in the Oregon Public Library when it was built in 1908. Art colony members were required to contribute to the local culture by giving art shows, lectures and plays. In 1904, Taft created The Blind and then began focusing on more monumental works including The Eternal Indian located just north of Oregon in Illinois' Lowden State Park. Several other Taft works are located in and around Oregon, including The Soldiers' Monument on the courthouse lawn.

Notable people

 * Norene Arnold, All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
 * Neva Burright, Illinois harness racing driver and first woman to win a Grand Circuit race
 * James H. Cartwright, Illinois Supreme Court justice
 * Sherman Landers, 5th place triple jumper for the 1920 Summer Olympics Team
 * Frank Loomis, gold medal and world record-setting 400m hurdler for the 1920 Summer Olympics Team
 * Frank Orren Lowden, the 25th Governor of Illinois, kept an estate on the river just outside Oregon
 * Fred Roat, third baseman for the Pittsburgh Alleghenys and Chicago Colts
 * Lorado Taft, sculptor and friend of Frank Lloyd Wright

title: Oregon, Illinois


text:
Polo, Illinois

Polo is a city in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,355 at the 2010 census, down from 2,477 in 2000.

History
The community was named after Marco Polo. Polo was incorporated on February 16, 1857.

Geography
Polo is located at 41.98694°N, -89.57722°W (41.986852, -89.577100).

According to the 2010 census, Polo has a total area of 1.36 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,477 people, 1,007 households, and 654 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,886.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,081 housing units at an average density of 823.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.39% White, 0.04% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.65% from other races, and 0.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.57% of the population.

There were 1,007 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,833, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $37,857 versus $24,135 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,604. About 7.2% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Polo has its own school district, Polo School District 222, which includes Polo Community High School, Aplington Middle School which grades are through 6th to 8th, and Centennial Elementary School which is Preschool to 5th.

Christ Lutheran School, located in nearby Sterling, serves students of various religious backgrounds from Polo to Walnut and from Morrison to Dixon. As part of the largest network of Protestant schools in the US, CLS provides an education for students from age 3 through 8th grade that is focused on all of the core academic subjects while remaining true to the Bible.

Library
The Polo Public Library at 302 West Mason Street in Polo is operated by the Polo Public Library District. The building is one of several Carnegie libraries on the National Register of Historic Places. The library was established in 1871 as an association which charged a membership fee and was transferred to the town under the new name Buffalo Township Free Public Library in 1891.

Notable people

 * George Perkins Clinton (1867–1937), botanist and mycologist
 * George Peek, economist
 * Kathleen Weaver, writer and editor

title: Polo, Illinois


text:
Rochelle, Illinois

Rochelle is a city in Ogle County, Illinois. The population was 9,446 at the 2020 census. Rochelle is approximately 80 mi west of Chicago and 25 mi south of Rockford.

History
Originally named Hickory Grove, the town sits at the intersection of two rail lines, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the Union Pacific. Having a number of granaries holding corn, wheat and other crops for shipping eastward, the town was an important rail link for farmers. After World War II, Rochelle grew, becoming a center for Swift Meat Packing and Del Monte canned vegetables such as asparagus, corn, green beans, and peas.

The community is home to the popular Rochelle Railroad Park where visitors from across the country come to watch passing trains at the intersection of the BNSF and Union Pacific Railroads; the Chicagoland Skydiving Center and Flight Deck Restaurant; and the Kennay Farms Distillery just west of Rochelle.

On April 9, 2015, parts of the city suffered damage when an EF4 tornado struck near the outskirts of the town.

Geography
Rochelle is located along the Kyte River (commonly, if inaccurately, known to most locals as "Kyte Creek"). It is also located near the junction of Interstates 39 and 88.

According to the 2010 census, Rochelle has a total area of 12.919 sqmi, of which 12.9 sqmi (or 99.85%) is land and 0.019 sqmi (or 0.15%) is water.

2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,424 people, 3,688 households, and 2,415 families living in the city. The population density was 1,260.9 PD/sqmi. There were 3,895 housing units at an average density of 521.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 86.81% White, 1.14% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.92% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 8.69% from other races, and 1.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.16% of the population.

There were 3,688 households, out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. Of all households 29.3% were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,984, and the median income for a family was $46,563. Males had a median income of $35,890 versus $25,058 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,139. About 7.6% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Rochelle is served by two separate school districts. Rochelle Community Consolidated District 231 serves Rochelle and limited areas just outside town. District 231 has four elementary schools serving grades K–5: Abraham Lincoln Elementary, Central Elementary, Floyd J. Tilton Elementary, and Phillip May Elementary. The district also operates one middle school, Rochelle Middle School, serving grades 6–8. Rochelle Township High School District 212 operates Rochelle Township High School. About half of the high school's students come from Rochelle and District 231; the remaining students come from a number of outlying communities, including Kings, Steward, Creston, Hillcrest, Esmond, and Lindenwood.

There is also a private school named, St. Paul Lutheran School which enrolls children from the age of three, and up through the eighth grade.

Transportation
Rochelle Railroad Park has spawned many imitators, such as the Railroad Platform in Folkston, Georgia. For many years the Whitcomb Locomotive Works, founded by George Dexter Whitcomb, manufactured industrial locomotives as well as the Partin Palmer automobile, in Rochelle.

Rochelle is also home to Union Pacific's Global III Intermodal Facility. At the time it opened it was Union Pacific's largest intermodal facility. Construction on the state-of-the-art facility was completed in 2003. On May 2, 2019, it was announced the yard would be closing in July 2019.

The Illinois River Energy ethanol plant is located in Rochelle.

Rochelle owns and operates Rochelle Municipal Airport.

Hub
Rochelle is known as the "Hub City" because of its location at the intersection of several major transportation routes. The first transcontinental highway in the United States, the Lincoln Highway, passed through Rochelle, as did US-51, one of the first highways to go the full north–south length of the United States. Both these roads have diminished in importance (and are now state highways 38 and 251, respectively), but Rochelle continues to be crossed by major highways, especially Interstates 88 and 39. Besides roadways, Rochelle is also crossed by two major rail lines; the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway mainlines cross inside of the city limits. The effect, as seen on a map, was one of the spokes of an old wagon wheel meeting at the "hub", and thus the nickname was born. Today, dozens of businesses carry the moniker "Hub City", including furniture stores, shopping centers, realty firms, dry cleaners, and many others. Additionally, he local high school's teams are known as the "Hubs".

Rochelle was once a stop for passenger trains operated by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and its successor, the Burlington Northern, such as North Coast Limited. The town saw its last passenger train in 1971, and in 2007, the depot, which had been built in 1921, was demolished.

Notable people

 * Joan Allen, actress
 * Joanna Baker, professor of ancient languages
 * Delos W. Baxter, Illinois state senator, lawyer, and mayor of Rochelle
 * Stan Campbell, pro football player
 * Mabel Craft Deering, journalist, born in Rochelle
 * William Gehring, Professor of Cognitive Psychology and one of the discoverers of Error Related Negativity
 * Lloyd Ingraham, actor
 * Paul R. Lawrence, Harvard professor and pioneer of contingency theory
 * William W. May, American athlete, competed in the 1908 London Olympics, Rochelle Township High School graduate and 1905 State Champion in the 50 yard dash
 * Abram B. Steele, lawyer and politician
 * Daniel Van Kirk, comedian
 * Judith C. Toth, member of the Maryland House of Delegates (1975–1990)

Notable buildings

 * William H. Holcomb House
 * City and Town Hall
 * Flagg Township Public Library
 * The Hub Theater

title: Rochelle, Illinois


text:
Stillman Valley, Illinois

Stillman Valley is a village in Marion Township, Ogle County, Illinois, United States. It lies east of Byron, south of Rockford and west of Davis Junction. The population was 1,120 at the 2010 census, up from 1,048 in 2000. The village is located on the Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad, on the old Chicago Great Western Railway before it merged and was pulled up. Also, Illinois Route 72 runs through the village. It is near the site of the first battle of the Black Hawk War of 1832. The war memorial for the Battle of Stillman's Run is located in this village.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Stillman Valley has a total area of 0.54 sqmi, all land.

History
Stillman Valley was founded by European-American settlers in north central Illinois in 1876. A creek running through the community was named after Major Stillman of the Illinois Militia who on May 14, 1832, led troops in what became the first named battle of the Black Hawk War. The battle and the creek were called "Stillman's Run" after Stillman and his men fled the battlefield in the belief that they had been attacked by a superior force of Chief Black Hawk's warriors. The day after the battle, Abraham Lincoln was with the militia who buried the dead soldiers from the battle. The village was named after Stillman Creek; the valley serves as the watershed for the creek, hence the name Stillman Valley.

The Stillman's Run Battle Site and burial ground are in present-day Stillman Valley. A large memorial to this battle was erected in 1901. It reads, in part: "Here, on May 14, 1832, the first engagement of the Black Hawk War took place. When 275 Illinois militiamen under Maj. Isaiah Stillman were put to flight by Black Hawk and his warriors."

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,048 people, 395 households, and 295 families residing in the village. The population density was 735.7 /sq mi (284.1 /km$2$). There were 417 housing units at an average density of 292.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.23% White, 0.29% African American, 0.67% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.48% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.43% of the population.

There were 395 households, out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.5% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $46,845, and the median income for a family was $54,792. Males had a median income of $36,635 versus $28,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,036. About 4.6% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over. They are state champions in high school football 1999, 2000, 2003, 2009, and 2013.

Political representation
Stillman Valley has a Board of Trustees who serve alternating four-year terms. The Village President (by statute this is synonymous with the term "Mayor") serves a four-year term as well. The Village President (as of May 2013) is the Honorable Becky Waltrip; her first term ends in 2017. Becky Waltrip is the first woman elected as Village President. Ogle County Election Results
 * 16th Congressional District represented by Adam Kinzinger. Adam Kinzinger Official Website
 * Illinois Senate District 45 represented by Tim Bivins.
 * Illinois Representative District 90 represented by Tom Demmer.
 * Illinois Election Information

Previous village presidents

 * Jim Mays served from 2005 - 2013 (2 terms)
 * James Leather served from 1984 - 2004 (20 years service)
 * Stillman Valley elected Mike Blomgren, an 18-year-old high school senior, as its mayor in 1976.

Schools
Stillman Valley is in the Meridian Unified School District (District #223) The school district has four schools and covers approximately 125 sqmi. The schools are Highland Grade School, Monroe Center School, Meridian Junior High School and Stillman Valley High School. The high school is well known in Illinois for excellent academic and sports programs. A November 28, 2009, headline from the Rockford Register Star proclaims it, "Valley of The Champions" in reference to the boys football program with state championships in 1999, 2000, 2003, 2009, and 2013.

Notable people

 * John A. Atwood, businessman and Illinois state legislator
 * George Bird, center fielder with the Rockford Forest Citys
 * Dan Godfread, center with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets
 * Frank White, the eighth Governor of North Dakota
 * Joshua White, businessman and Illinois state legislator

title: Stillman Valley, Illinois