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East Alton, Illinois

East Alton is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,786 at the 2020 census, down from 6,301 in 2010.

History
East Alton was incorporated as a village in 1893 (some say 1894).

William Cobb, namesake of Cobb Street, was one of the first mayors, from 1895 to 1896, and again in 1902–1905.

Like many River Bend communities, the town dates back to when European settlers came to the area in the early 19th century. And it wasn't always East Alton — the community was known as Emerald, Milton Settlement and Alton Junction. Alton Junction was also known as Wann Junction, famous locally for being the site of a horrific rail disaster.

Geography
East Alton is located in northwestern Madison County at 38.88333°N, -90.10611°W (38.883397, -90.106113). It is bordered to the northwest by the city of Alton, to the east by unincorporated Rosewood Heights, to the southeast by the city of Wood River, and to the southwest by the Mississippi River, with West Alton, Missouri, on the opposite shore.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, East Alton has a total area of 5.48 sqmi, of which 5.32 sqmi are land and 0.16 sqmi, or 2.87%, are water. The Wood River flows through the northern and western parts of the village and forms the village's western border (with Alton) for some of its distance. The river joins the Mississippi in the southern part of the village.

Illinois Route 3 (Lewis and Clark Boulevard) passes through the southwest part of the village, leading northwest into Alton and south 21 mi to East St. Louis. Illinois Route 143 (Berm Highway) follows the Mississippi along the village's southern edge, leading northwest to the center of Alton and east to the center of Wood River. Illinois Routes 111 and 140 run together along the northern border of the village, leading west into Alton and east into Bethalto.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,830 people, 2,965 households, and 1,787 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,241.3 PD/sqmi. There were 3,171 housing units at an average density of 576.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.72% White, 0.94% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 2,965 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $28,404, and the median income for a family was $35,655. Males had a median income of $36,770 versus $20,865 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,572. About 7.8% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Industry
East Alton is home to the Olin Corporation, a manufacturer of ammunition. Olin has a major impact on East Alton and its surrounding communities. A part of town called the Defense Area was built during the 1940s and until recently was used for low income housing. Replacing the Defense Area is Emerald Ridge, which consists of 46 new single-family homes. The impact of Olin had spread into town sports: East Alton Middle School's athletic teams were originally named the Bullets.

The EPA was overseeing the cleanup of a Olin Corp. facility in East Alton by 2021, taking public comments on Olin's proposed cleanup plan to contaminated soil and groundwater in July 2021.

Points of interest
East Alton is located in the Greater Metropolitan area of St. Louis, Missouri. Thus, all the attractions and facilities of that major city are equally available to residents of East Alton and nearby communities. Additionally, East Alton is minutes away from the origination point of the Journey of Discovery (Lewis and Clark Expedition) located in nearby Hartford, Illinois. Educational institutions in the area include Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the SIUE Dental School in Alton, Principia College in Elsah and Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey.

Van Preter Park is the main park in East Alton. This 13.8 acre park consists of four baseball diamonds, two playground units, two small pavilions and one large pavilion.

Bill Tite Memorial - Lions Park is located on the north side of the Keasler Recreation Complex. The entrance is in the 300 block of Ohio Street. This park consists of a large playground unit, two swing set units with toddler seats, a climbing unit, see-saw rider, two large multiple play stations, picnic tables, park benches, barbecue grills, and green space. The park underwent improvements in late 2015.

The East Alton Post Office contains a mural, The Letter, painted in 1937 by Frances Foy. Murals were produced from 1934 to 1943 in the United States through the Section of Painting and Sculpture, later called the Section of Fine Arts, of the Treasury Department.

The East Alton History Museum officially opened on March 4, 2017, and is located in the Fred H. Bright Jr. Vital Services Building, 119 N. Main Street. The building, which houses the East Alton Police department, was renamed the same day in honor of the former Mayor.

Notable people

 * Joe Astroth, catcher for the Athletics when they were based in Philadelphia and Kansas City
 * Fred Olsen invented the ball propellant manufacturing process here.

title: East Alton, Illinois


text:
Edwardsville, Illinois

Edwardsville is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 26,808. The city was named in honor of Ninian Edwards, then Governor of the Illinois Territory. Edwardsville is a part of Southern Illinois and the Metro East region within Greater St. Louis, located 18 mi northeast of downtown St. Louis.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the Edwardsville Arts Center, the Edwardsville Journal, the Madison County Record, and the Edwardsville Intelligencer are based here. Edwardsville High School and Metro-East Lutheran High School serve students in the area. Edwardsville also serves as the headquarters for Prairie Farms Dairy, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the United States and ranked in the top 10 of the largest privately-held companies in the St. Louis region. The city is part of the Edwardsville School District, which also includes the villages of Glen Carbon, Hamel and Moro, as well as the township areas around them.

History
Edwardsville was incorporated in 1818. The first European-American settler was Thomas Kirkpatrick, who came in 1805, laid out a community, and served as the Justice of the Peace. He named the community after his friend Ninian Edwards, then territorial governor of Illinois. (Illinois did not become a state until 1818.) The Edwards Trace, a key trail in the settlement of Central Illinois, used Edwardsville as a northward launching point.

In 1868 The Bank of Edwardsville was founded. It was purchased by Champaign, Illinois-based Busey Bank in 2019.

In 1890, St. Louis industrialist N.O. Nelson chose a tract of land just south of Edwardsville to build plumbing factories. He also built a model workers' cooperative village called Leclaire. He offered workers fair wages with reasonable working hours and a share of the profits. He named the village in honor of the French economist Edme-Jean Leclaire. The village also provided educational and recreational opportunities and made it financially possible for anyone to own a home. Unlike company towns such as Pullman near Chicago, the welfare and quality of life for the workers and their families was a major concern.

In 1934, the Village of Leclaire was incorporated into the City of Edwardsville. The area has a lake and park, baseball field, and the Edwardsville Children's Museum in the former Rudolph D. Specht memorial schoolhouse. Several Nelson factory buildings were renovated and adapted for use as the historic N. O. Nelson Campus of Lewis and Clark Community College. The recognized Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Each year on the third Sunday in October, the Friends of Leclaire host the annual Leclaire Parkfest with food, live heritage music, historic displays & tours, artisans, children's activities, a book sale, and more.

In 1983, Edwardsville's historic Saint Louis Street was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Dating back to 1809, this Historic District has a mile-long visual landscape. More than 50 historic homes date from the middle 19th century to early 20th century. The protection and preservation of Saint Louis Street is overseen by the Historic Saint Louis Street Association.

Five Illinois governors came from Edwardsville: namesake Ninian Edwards, who became a territorial governor in 1809 and later served as governor from 1826 to 1830; Edward Coles, elected in 1822 and a strong opponent of slavery; John Reynolds, governor from 1830 to 1834; Thomas Ford, governor from 1842 to 1846; and Charles Deneen, governor from 1909 to 1913.

Former president Abraham Lincoln was in Edwardsville twice, as an attorney in the 1814 courthouse and a speaker outside the 1857 courthouse on Sept. 11, 1858. The present county courthouse, a square, four-story neoclassical structure of white marble that rises to six stories at the back section, was constructed from 1913 to 1915.

A 2010 issue of Family Circle magazine named Edwardsville third of their "Top 10 Best Towns for Families".

Edwardsville was heavily affected by the tornado outbreak of December 10–11, 2021. An Amazon warehouse collapsed after being hit by an EF3 tornado and six workers were killed and many others injured.

Geography and climate
According to the 2010 census, Edwardsville has an area of 20.165 sqmi, of which 19.56 sqmi (or 97%) is land and 0.605 sqmi (or 3%) is water.

In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Edwardsville have ranged from a low of 19 °F in January to a high of 90 °F in July, although a record low of -27 °F was recorded in January 1977 and a record high of 114 °F was recorded in July 2012. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.99 in in January to 4.24 in in May. Climate Zone 4A per the International Energy Conservation Code.

Demographics
As of the census of 2020, 26,808 people, 8,814 households, and 5,291 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,549.2 PD/sqmi. There were 8,331 housing units at an average density of 600.6 /sqmi. The city's racial makeup was 87.70% White, 8.66% African American, 1.69% Asian, 0.28% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population. There were 10,000 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44, and the average family size was 2.99.

The population was spread out, with 22.6% under the age of 18, 16.0% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.

The city's median household income was $50,921, and the median family income was $65,555. Males had a median income of $47,045 versus $29,280 for females. The city's per capita income was $26,510. About 5.0% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation

 * MCT Trails: Madison County Transit has developed more than 125 mi of scenic bikeways that weave throughout the communities of Edwardsville, nearby Glen Carbon and beyond, and connects its MCTTrail system with its public bus system. The trails are mostly asphalt. Maps of the trails, which connect to neighborhoods, schools, business districts, SIUE, parks, and more, are available on kiosks throughout the trail system or online at www.mcttrails.org.
 * Watershed Nature Center: 46 acre wildlife preserve. The interpretive center displays native Illinois plants and animals and has education about the environment. Programming for children and adults is available.
 * SIUE Campus: Located on 2660 acre, the SIUE campus is one of the largest college campuses in the United States. The property includes rolling hills, acres of forests, and extensive fields.
 * Edwardsville Parks: Plummer Family Park, Winston Brown Sports Complex, Vadalabene Park, Brent Leh Dog Park, Springer Woods, Hoppe Park, Leon Corlew Splash Pad, RP Lumber Center, Leclaire Field, Joe Glik Park, City Park, Edwardsville Township Park, Leclaire Park, Lusk Memorial Park, and Rotary Park.
 * Arts & Culture: Edwardsville Arts Center, Wildey Theater, Edwardsville Children's Museum, Madison County Historical Museum, Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities.
 * Lakes: Leclaire Lake, Dunlap Lake, and Tower Lake.

Print

 * Daily newspaper: The Edwardsville Intelligencer (daily and Saturday only)

Radio

 * WSIE-FM 88.7, radio station of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
 * WRYT-AM 1080, religious programming (Covenant Network—Roman Catholic).
 * Edwardsville is also served by most St. Louis, Missouri, radio stations.

Television

 * ECTV Channel 10, local channel available on Charter Cable in Glen Carbon and Edwardsville.

Pop culture
Scenes for the movie The Lucky Ones, starring Tim Robbins and Rachel McAdams, were filmed in downtown Edwardsville in June 2007. However, the scene filmed was set in Denver, Colorado, and banners were hung on Edwardsville's Main Street that read, "Welcome to Denver."

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne recorded "Cocaine" and "Shaky Town" in Edwardsville's Holiday Inn Room 124 for his album Running on Empty. The Holiday Inn at 3080 S. Route 157 was torn down and rebuilt as a Comfort Suites.

A collection of poetry by Nigerian writer Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún, Edwardsville by Heart (Wisdom's Bottom Press, November 2018), was based on the time the author spent in Edwardsville for three years as a Fulbright Scholar and student. The book was described by Howard Rambsy II of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as “an artistic map disguised as a volume of poetry”, and by Ainehi Edoro, writing in Brittle Paper, as "a magical meeting place of travelogue, memoir, and poetry."

An episode of the TV series House Hunters was filmed in Edwardsville and aired in January 2018. The episode featured a local couple, Zach and Hannah, who grew up and went to school in Edwardsville.

Notable people

 * John Hicks Adams, gunslinger and Wild West lawman
 * William H. Berry, Treasurer of Pennsylvania, Mayor of Chester, Pennsylvania
 * John Bischoff, Major League Baseball player
 * Max L. Bowler, Illinois state representative
 * Evelyn M. Bowles, Illinois state senator
 * Hedy Burress, actress (He's Just Not That Into You, Foxfire, If These Walls Could Talk, and Valentine)
 * Edward Coles, businessman and the second governor of Illinois
 * Charles S. Deneen, US senator and the 23rd governor of Illinois
 * Ninian Edwards, US senator, judge, governor of the Illinois Territory, and the third governor of Illinois; Edwardsville is named after him.
 * A. J. Epenesa, Professional Football player for the NFL. Drafted no. 54 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills
 * Thomas Ford, Illinois Supreme Court judge, author, and the eighth governor of Illinois
 * Earl E. Herrin, Illinois state representative
 * Jason Isringhausen, pitcher with five MLB teams; lived in Edwardsville
 * Mannie Jackson, chairman and CEO of the Harlem Globetrotters; purchased the team in 1993
 * Thomas Judy, Illinois legislator
 * Charles E. Lippincott, California State Senator and Illinois Auditor
 * Mark Little, outfielder with five Major League Baseball teams; born in Edwardsville
 * Kate Martin (basketball), Guard WNBA, Drafted #18 overall in 2024 by the Las Vegas Aces. Played college basketball at Iowa, 2 Final 4s 2024 and 2023. Played basketball for Edwardsville High School, going 122–6.
 * José Martínez, first baseman/outfielder for the New York Mets; Lived in Edwardsville
 * Laurie Metcalf, actress (Jackie Harris on Roseanne)
 * Joseph P. Newsham, lawyer and US congressman from Louisiana
 * Billie Poole, jazz singer
 * John Reynolds, speaker of the Illinois House, US congressman, Illinois Supreme Court justice, and the fourth governor of Illinois
 * AJ Schnack, director of Kurt Cobain: About a Son
 * Jesse L. Simpson, Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court
 * James W. Stephenson, American militia officer and politician from the state of Illinois. He was born in Virginia but spent most of his youth in Edwardsville.
 * Sam M. Vadalabene, Illinois state legislator
 * Lee Wheat, pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics and Kansas City Athletics; born in Edwardsville
 * Rudolph G. Wilson, first black school board member/president in the city's history and educational leader for more than 45 years.

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

title: Edwardsville, Illinois


text:
Fairmont City, Illinois

Fairmont City is a village in St. Clair and Madison counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,265 at the 2020 census, down from 2,635 in 2010. In the 1990s Fairmont City's Hispanic population doubled, and as of 2020, over 79% of the population was of Hispanic descent.

Geography
Fairmont City is located in northwestern St. Clair County at 38.65111°N, -90.09972°W (38.651200, -90.099788). A small part of the village extends north into southwestern Madison County. The community is bordered to the northwest by Brooklyn, to the north by Madison, to the northeast by Pontoon Beach, to the east by Collinsville, to the southeast by Caseyville, to the south by Washington Park, and to the southwest by East St. Louis. The village limits extend west 3 mi from the main portion of Fairmont City to touch the Mississippi River directly across from St. Louis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Fairmont City has a total area of 6.55 sqmi, of which 6.21 sqmi are land and 0.34 sqmi, or 5.22%, are water.

Fairmont City is built atop portions of the Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sam Chucalo Mound, one of the mounds, is in the western part of the village. Other mounds are in the eastern part of the village within Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

In April 2016, the US Environmental Protection Agency added the Old American Zinc Fairmont City site to the National Priorities List following the Illinois EPA discovering high levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium and zinc in soil samples. Collected soil samples from properties and alleyways showed residue of arsenic, cadmium and zinc.

Fairmont City is 5 mi east of the Gateway Arch of St. Louis. Sunset often provides picturesque views of the arch and St. Louis' skyline. Collinsville Road runs the length of the village. This route once contained an accumulation of vintage, in situ roadside Americana advertising signage, most of which has not been removed or destroyed over time.

National City, a former company town to the west of Fairmont City, dissolved in 1997 and was annexed by Fairmont City.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,436 people, 871 households, and 580 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,013.1 PD/sqmi. There were 939 housing units at an average density of 390.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 41.54% White, 1.23% African American, 0.94% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 27.50% from other races, and 3.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 55.38% of the population.

There were 871 households, out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.4% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.45.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,070, and the median income for a family was $31,296. Males had a median income of $21,766 versus $21,576 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,203. About 14.7% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.5% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.

Village services
The Fairmont City Library was International Grand Prize First Place for the Libraryaware for Library-community interaction in 2017, beating out the Kansas City Public Library and Catawba County Library in North Carolina.

Notable people

 * Johnny Wyrostek, baseball player and Fairmont City Mayor from 1967 till his death in 1986.

title: Fairmont City, Illinois


text:
Glen Carbon, Illinois

Glen Carbon is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States, 14 mi northeast of St. Louis. The population was 13,842 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1801, Colonel Samuel Judy received a military grant for 100 acre of land near the base of the bluffs just north of Judys Branch, and became one of the first permanent settlers of Madison County. The land was called Goshen Settlement, after the biblical land of Goshen. It was renamed "Glen Carbon" to reflect its coal mining heritage.

Glen Carbon was incorporated as a village in 1892. It operated many coal mines until the last one shut down in 1934. Another industry was the St. Louis brick company, which burned down in the 1930s; then, right after being rebuilt, it burned down and was never rebuilt again.

Glen Carbon residents served during World War I. The city's Doughboy statue, which honors the sacrifice made by two of its residents, has been selected as part of a national competition for restoration as part of the nation's World War I centennial activities.

Three railroads once served Glen Carbon. The Illinois Central Railroad, now the Ronald J. Foster Sr. Heritage Bike Trail, became one of the first rails to trails projects in the US, in 1992. The other two lines were the Norfolk Southern line and the Chicago and North Western line, which ran parallel with each other the entire way through Glen Carbon, and stopped operating in Glen Carbon in March 2000. The Nickel Plate Bike Trail follows both of those right-of-ways, switching back and forth between the NS and CNW lines the whole way through Glen Carbon.

Heritage Museum
Originally built in 1914, this building began as School Street in what is considered "Old Town" Glen Carbon.

Exhibits include:
 * Artifacts that stress the importance of the railroads and coal mines
 * Military memorabilia from Glen Carbon's veterans
 * Historical photograph collection
 * Baseball memorabilia
 * Military memorabilia owned by World War II drama actor Colin W. Houston
 * Native American stone tool collection

Yanda Log Cabin
The Yanda Log Cabin is a satellite addition to the Heritage Museum. In February 2017, the cabin received a historical recognition plaque from the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century organization. The Yanda Log Cabin was built around 1853 by William and Anna Zrala Yanda. They immigrated from Bohemia, Austria and plied their blacksmithing trade on this offshoot of the Goshen Road. The family handed the home down through the generations before selling it in the 1940s.

In 1989, the home was scheduled to serve as a practice burn for the local fire department. The Historical and Museum Commission found out about this and worked to save the building. The Village of Glen Carbon purchased the cabin so that it could be restored by volunteers and used as a gathering place for residents.

Geography
Glen Carbon is located southwest of the center of Madison County at 38.75972°N, -89.96917°W (38.759801, -89.969204). It is bordered to the north by Edwardsville, the county seat, to the southeast by Troy, to the south by Maryville, and to the west by Pontoon Beach. Interstate 270 passes through the village north of its center, with access from exits 9 and 12. I-270 leads west 19 mi to Florissant, Missouri, and east 4 mi to Interstate 70, which continues east 50 mi to Vandalia. Illinois Route 157 passes through the west side of the village, leading northeast 6 mi to the center of Edwardsville and south 5 mi to the west side of Collinsville, while Illinois Route 159 passes through the east side of the village, leading north to the center of Edwardsville and south 6 mi to the center of Collinsville.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Glen Carbon has a total area of 10.37 sqmi, of which 10.26 sqmi are land and 0.12 sqmi, or 1.12%, are water. Judys Branch passes through the village just south of its center, leading west into the Mississippi River valley lowlands.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,425 people, 4,011 households, and 2,815 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,405.5 PD/sqmi. There were 4,236 housing units at an average density of 571.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.09% White, 6.96% African American, 0.20% Native American, 2.12% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.50% of the population.

There were 4,011 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $55,841, and the median income for a family was $72,182. Males had a median income of $50,086 versus $31,689 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,374. About 3.2% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation
The Village of Glen Carbon operates three parks and the Ronald J. Foster Sr. Heritage Trail, an 11 mi trail dedicated to the former mayor in 1991. It follows the old Illinois Central Railroad right-of-way that once served Glen Carbon. In November 2021, Madison County Transit and the Glen Carbon Historical and Museum Commission worked to establish historical markers along the trail that highlight places of importance to Glen Carbon's early history. The signs include information about the sites and photos.

Miner Park
Miner Park is located in the Old Town section. The entrance to the park is located between the American Legion Post and the Glen Carbon Centennial Library. This is the main park in Glen Carbon, with direct access to the Nickel Plate Bike Trail, a 15 mi trail that follows the old Chicago & North Western and Norfolk Southern rights-of-way. The CNW & NS Railroads served Glen Carbon until March 2000.

The facilities available are:
 * Comfort stations
 * Barbecue grills
 * Passive areas to view wildlife
 * Variety of playground equipment
 * Sheltered pavilions
 * Band stand for special events
 * Lighted baseball fields
 * Large parking lot
 * Basketball
 * Concession stand for baseball games
 * Sandbox
 * Benches
 * Old caboose with signal by it
 * Kiddie Play set
 * Beautiful entrance with historic signs about Glen Carbon and colorful flowers
 * Tennis courts
 * A tetherball

Schon Park
Schon Park is the newest park in Glen Carbon. It was opened in 2013, with pavilions, benches, a walking trail and a pond within its limits. The park sits on 36 acres of land, across from St. Cecelia Church and Village Hall on Glen Carbon Road. The ground breaking for the second phase of the park was on May 25, 2018. The second phase construction will include the building of concrete paths, parking lot, underground utilities, a restroom facility and playground. The final plan for the park includes bicycle and walking trails, baseball diamond, batting cages, basketball and tennis courts, splash pad, toddler playground and concession stand.

Facilities:
 * Playground
 * Restroom Facility
 * Bicycle and walking trails
 * Parking Area
 * Access to Ronald J. Foster Sr. Heritage Trail

Village Hall Park
Village Hall Park is a 3 acre facility located directly behind the Village Hall at 151 North Main Street. This park is the main sporting and recreational complex in Glen Carbon.

Facilities:
 * Tennis courts
 * Lighted baseball field
 * Concession stand
 * Comfort stations
 * Little folks playground
 * Sheltered pavilions

Citizen Park
Citizen Park was formerly located behind Fire Station #1 and off Main Street in Old Town. It serves as the construction site to the new Fire Station #1. Its groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 18, 2018. The entrance to the Ronald J. Foster Sr. Heritage Trail remains open and available.

Glen Carbon Centennial Library
In 2002 village residents passed a $2.6 million bond issue to build a new library. After nearly two years of construction, the library opened its 14,000 square foot facility on October 4, 2004, located on Main Street adjacent to the town's historic covered bridge. The library was featured in the Spring 2006 ILA Reporter article highlighting innovative library buildings, and was named the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Library Journal's Best Small Library in America 2010.

Education
Glen Carbon is served by the Edwardsville Community Unit District 7 School System of elementary, middle and high school education. It is one of the top-rated school districts in Illinois, educating students since 1864.

Glen Carbon is also home to Father McGivney Catholic High School, which was established in 2012. In 2015, the school earned its first state title in Bass Fishing.

Notable people

 * Glenn Bradford, Illinois politician and lawyer
 * A. J. Epenesa, University of Iowa football defensive lineman
 * Johnny Lucas, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox; born in Glen Carbon

title: Glen Carbon, Illinois


text:
Godfrey, Illinois

Godfrey is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 17,825 at the 2020 census. Godfrey is located within the River Bend portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

History
The village is named for Captain Benjamin Godfrey, a native New Englander, who arrived in the area in 1832. 1838 saw the establishment of the Monticello Female Seminary, later renamed Monticello College. Captain Godfrey, the father of eight daughters, was an advocate of higher education for women and made a large donation of funds and land for the college. Monticello operated as a two-year college for women until the campus was sold in 1970 to establish Lewis and Clark Community College. Monticello's final class graduated in 1971.

The nearby mouth of the Missouri River was the starting point for the expedition of Lewis and Clark.

Geography
Godfrey is located in the northwest corner of Madison County at 38.94806°N, -90.20278°W (38.948097, -90.202886). It is bordered to the southeast by the city of Alton, to the east by Foster Township, to the north and west by Jersey County, and to the south by the Mississippi River, across which is the city of West Alton, Missouri. Godfrey is 32 mi by road north of downtown St. Louis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Godfrey has a total area of 36.4 sqmi, of which 34.4 sqmi are land and 2.0 sqmi, or 5.39%, are water.

The southwestern edge of the village is a wall of 200 ft limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River. Approximately 12 mi upstream is the mouth of the Illinois River. The Missouri River empties into the Mississippi 10 mi downstream. Godfrey retains the status of a village and is a mixture of small business, agriculture, and upper middle class housing developments.

Several highways cross the village. U.S. Route 67 passes through the village center, leading south into Alton and thence into Missouri, while to the north it leads 14 mi to Jerseyville. Illinois Route 3 passes through the southern part of the village, leading southeast into the north part of Alton and west 17 mi to Grafton. Illinois Route 100 follows the Mississippi River along the southern edge of the village, leading east into the center of Alton and west-northwest 12 mi to Grafton. Illinois Route 267 splits off from US 67 north of the village center and leads northeast 6 mi to Brighton. Finally, Illinois Route 255, a four-lane expressway, has its northern terminus at US 67 in Godfrey; it leads southeast 20 mi to Interstates 255 and 270 in Pontoon Beach.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 16,286 people, 6,427 households, and 4,698 families living in the village. The population density was 472.3 PD/sqmi. There were 6,694 housing units at an average density of 194.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.06% White, 4.04% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.98%.

Of the 6,427 households 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.2% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.9% were non-families. 23.3% of households were one person and 11.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.90.

The age distribution was 22.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median household income was $50,342 and the median family income was $57,971. Males had a median income of $43,017 versus $27,870 for females. The per capita income for the village was $25,292. About 3.2% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 2.5% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Zoe Akins, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and playwright; attended school in Godfrey
 * Craig Hentrich, NFL punter, 1994-2009
 * John Madson, freelance naturalist, tallgrass prairie ecosystems
 * Ellis Wainwright, brewer, art collector and socialite

title: Godfrey, Illinois


text:
Granite City, Illinois

Granite City is a city in Madison County, Illinois, United States, within the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. The population was 27,549 at the 2020 census, making it the third-largest city in the Metro East and Southern Illinois regions, behind Belleville and O'Fallon. Officially founded in 1896, Granite City was named by the Niedringhaus brothers, William and Frederick, who established it as a steel making company town for the manufacture of graniteware kitchen utensils.

Early settlement
The area was settled much earlier than Granite City's official founding. In the early 19th century, settlers began to farm the rich fertile grounds to the east of St. Louis. Around 1801, the area saw the establishment of Six Mile Settlement, a farming area that occupied the area of present-day Granite City, six miles (10 km) from St. Louis. Soon after, around 1806, the National Road was to be constructed through the area, but it was never completed. By 1817, the area became known as Six Mile Prairie, to distinguish it from Six Mile Township. By 1854, the first railroad was built. In 1856, the area known as Six Mile would be changed to Kinder.

Granite ware
Granite City was founded in 1896 to be a planned company city similar to Pullman, Illinois, by German immigrant brothers Frederick G. Niedringhaus and William Niedringhaus for their Granite ware kitchen supplies factory.

Since 1866, the Niedringhaus brothers had been operating the St. Louis Stamping Company, an iron works company, that made kitchen utensils in St. Louis, Missouri. In the 1870s, William discovered an enamelware process in Europe whereby metal utensils could be coated with enamel to make them lighter and more resistant to oxidation. At the time, most enamelware was usually just one color as the additions of any colors to the process was inefficient. On June 1, 1878, William applied for Patent 207543 to improve the efficiency whereby a pattern could be applied to enamelware while the enamel was still wet simply by placing a thin piece of paper with an oxidized pattern on top of it. The paper would fall off in the drying process and the pattern would be embedded. The brothers' pattern made the utensils resemble granite. The resulting product was enormously popular.

The brothers opened the Granite Iron Rolling Mills in St. Louis to provide tin (imported from Wales) to its prospering kitchen supplies manufacturer. The imported tin had a $22 per ton tariff.

Frederick ran for Congress in Missouri in 1888. During his one term in the 51st Congress, he successfully urged the passage of a new tariff of 50 percent of value on imported iron and tin. With the increased tariff, the U.S. steel industry (including their iron plant) took off.

As they planned expansion of their Bessemer process steel works, they were blocked by the city of St. Louis which did not want the expansion. As well, the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis planned to tax coal crossing the Mississippi River into Missouri.

Another large factory in the city was owned by the Commonwealth Steel Company, a business founded on philanthropic principles in 1901 and acquired by the General Steel Castings Corporation in 1929.

Company town
In 1891, the brothers bought 3500 acre from business tycoon Lars Kovala. This land extended from the Mississippi River across the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad tracks for their new Granite City.

With the help of the St. Louis City Engineer, a street grid was laid out with streets listed in alphabetic order plus numbered streets, and the only exception being Niedringhaus Avenue.

The Niedringhaus family required that its employees live in the town. Houses were purchased with Niedringhaus mortgages. Unlike Pullman, however, they did not exert major control over the day-to-day lives of their employees and left the government of the city up to the residents.

African-Americans were not allowed in the community and instead congregated in Brooklyn, Illinois.

The plant would later grow to occupy 1250000 sqft and employ more than 4,000 people. The plant prospered until the 1950s when aluminum, stainless steel, and pyrex replaced iron-based utensils.

The granite pattern in kitchen utensils, particularly in roasting pans, remains very popular.

Early history
In 1896, Granite City was officially incorporated as a City within Madison County, Illinois. The first seven years went as planned with rapid growth. Henry Fossiek was hired as the first policeman, a School Board of Directors was appointed by the Mayor, four schools opened, the 1st Church of the Concordian Lutheran Church was built, Stamping Company changed its name to National Enameling & Stamping Company (NESCO), and lots were sold for a new subdivision to be named ‘Granite Park’ (More commonly known as West Granite, today). Then in 1903, a massive flood covered all of West Granite while the rest of the town stayed relatively dry.

In 1906, ten thousand persons emigrated to Granite City from Macedonia, Bulgaria, Hungary and other parts of Central and Eastern Europe, during a two-year period. The majority of these immigrants, primarily those from the country of Hungary, moved to present-day Lincoln Place. At the time, this area was called ‘Hungary Hollow’. During the Panic of 1907, the neighborhood of Hungary Hollow was nicknamed ‘Hungry Hollow’, as many immigrants starved during this period. The following year, one of the founding fathers of the city and of NESCO, William Niedringhaus, would die, leading to the beginning of a new era in both the company and the city's future.

It was also during this period that St. Joseph Catholic Church was organized and a canal and levee system were built. Methody Bulgarian Church in America was built in Hungary Hollow for the large number of Bulgarians (incl. many Macedonian Bulgarians) living there. At the time, Granite City had the largest concentration of Bulgarians in the country and boasted the only American newspaper printed in the Bulgarian language.

After the 1915 Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, thousands of Armenians fled Armenia and migrated to the United States. The promise of jobs at steel mills in Granite City created a thriving Armenian community in the town, with many Armenians settling in Lincoln Place. Since then, they have kept a church and community center, along with the Granite City "Antranig" Chapter of the Armenian Youth Federation.

Around 1903, Granite City expelled its African American residents. In 1967, the Congress of Racial Equality alleged that Granite City was a sundown town. Mayor Donald Partney acknowledged that the city was commonly understood to have a sundown ordinance but denied that it was official.

2000s history
, several large manufacturing corporations operate in the city, including U.S. Steel, Precoat Metals, Capri-Sun, Kraft Foods, Heidtman Steel, Prairie Farms, and American Steel. The clothing retailer Glik's is also headquartered in Granite City. In July 2018, President Donald Trump visited the city to deliver a speech about industry growth at the U.S Steel plant.

Geography
Granite City is located at 38.71778°N, -90.12944°W (38.717849, -90.129529), adjacent to the Chain of Rocks Canal on the Upper Mississippi River, bordering Horseshoe Lake on its southeastern side. The city sits in the American Bottom, a wide, flat and fertile plain. Although at risk during the Great Flood of 1993, the city never flooded and is protected by a series of levees along both the Mississippi River and Chain of Rocks Canal.

Granite City is located within a few miles of five interstate highways. Interstate 270 passes through the northern edge of the city and Interstates 255, 70, 55, and 64 all pass just to the south and east of the city.

Route 3 is a major thoroughfare along the western edge of the city and provides access to downtown St. Louis across the recently renovated McKinley Bridge.

According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 20.70 sqmi, of which 19.29 sqmi (or 93.19%) is land and 1.41 sqmi (or 6.81%) is water.

Cityscape
Granite City can be divided into seven areas: Downtown, East Granite, West Granite, North Granite, Nameoki Strip, Bellemore Area and the Wilson Park Area. Most retailers and dining facilities are located on the Nameoki Strip, surrounding Nameoki Road.

The Wilson park area is home to the recently renovated Coolidge Middle School, former Niedringhaus Elementary School, and Granite City High School as well as the city's crown jewel, Wilson Park. Wilson Park is sometimes called the "heart" of Granite City and is known for its nicely kept "turn of the [20th] century" homes.

East Granite is less defined, but is mostly modern residential subdivisions as well as both St. Elizabeth and Holy Family Catholic Schools. East Granite is north of the blast furnace at US Steel. US Steel's complex was formerly known as the Granite City Steel Co.

Downtown is at the southwestern part of the city and is home to much of the city's industry, including the Granite City Steel Works. Downtown Granite suffered a downturn in the 1970s, which vacated much of its commercial buildings and in turn, urban decay began. More recently, there have been revitalization efforts to revive the downtown area, although they are still in their early stages. These efforts are modeled on nearby cities such as Belleville, IL, Edwardsville, IL, and St. Charles, MO. Revitalization efforts include installing tree-filled medians on Niedringhaus Avenue, adding recreational businesses such as the three-screen Granite City Theater, repaving streets, granting tax incentives, and adding new zoning restrictions. The original design of what is currently downtown Granite City is based on the City of Washington D.C.

West Granite is located west of downtown across the railroad lines. West Granite contains both industrial and lower income residential areas and has been struggling to fight its above average crime rate. While Wilson Park may be the Heart of Granite City, West Granite is the History. Attracted by the promise of plentiful jobs, many immigrants from Central-Eastern Europe, primarily Bulgaria, Ottoman Macedonia and Hungary, migrated to the City in search of good jobs with decent wages. The vast majority of these immigrants settled into housing to the west of the downtown area in a place that would come to be known as ‘Hungary Hollow.’ By 1916 the multi-national residents of Hungary Hollow applied for and were granted an official name change to Lincoln Place.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 29,849 people, 12,214 households, and 7,791 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,547.5 people per square mile (597.5/km$2$). There were 13,578 housing units at an average density of 703.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.5% White, 6.5% Black or African American, 1.0% American Indian or Alaska Native (Native American), 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.3% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.0% of the population.

There were 12,214 households, out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of householders living alone, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.

In the city the population age range was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 13.3% from 15 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 15% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city in 2014 was $43,759, and the median income for a family was $57,596. Males over age 16 had a median income of $46,390 versus $36,989 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,397. About 14.8% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.7% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

Recreation
The Granite City Park District owns 13 parks. Wilson Park is the most notable. A 1.4 mi paved trail encircles the 74 acre park which contains a pool, ice rink, park office, skate park, food and beverage stand, tennis courts, several pavilions, baseball fields, and a wedding area. The Park District offers baseball, flag football, tennis, soccer, basketball, and hockey programs for the youth.

Every summer around July 4, Wilson Park hosts the Patriots in the Park program. The program includes live entertainment, carriage rides, carnival rides, food & beverage stands, and the second largest fireworks display in the St. Louis area.

Madison County Transit provides an outstanding 85 mi network of newly paved, well maintained bikeways throughout the county as well as Granite City.

The new YMCA, part of the River's Edge Development was recently completed. The complex includes aquatics programs, a youth center, weightlifting, batting cages, basketball/tennis courts, and a child care center.

There are also two golf courses near Granite City. The Legacy Golf Course and the Arlington Golf Course both offer eighteen hole championship courses. Horseshoe Lake State Park wraps around Horseshoe Lake, a 2400 acre natural lake, the largest lake in the St. Louis area. The park provides a place for picnicking, cycling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and small boating. Hunting is allowed during hunting season and a small primitive campground is located on Walker's Island.

There are 2 roller skating rinks in the area and Confluence Crush Roller Derby practices in the adjacent village of Pontoon Beach.

Railroad service
The Port Harbor Railroad (reporting marks: PHRR) provides railroad service to industrial businesses located at America's Central Port in Granite City. The PHRR connects with the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis at "WR Tower," a major railroad junction located at the intersection of Niedringhaus Avenue and 16th Street. The railway carries everything from steel and aluminum products to foods, lumber, paper, chemicals, minerals, grains and other products.

Education
Granite City Community Unit School District 9 enrolls 7100 students from the city and its surrounding area. The district operates five elementary schools (Frohardt, Mitchell, Wilson, Prather, and Maryville) One intermediate school (Grigsby) One Junior High (Coolidge) and one high school (Granite City High School (GCHS)). Recently, the high school underwent a 14 million dollar renovation. The district is notable for its wide array of sports, clubs, and technical programs. Recently, the track, baseball field, and high school gymnasium were renovated. The high school has achieved a 96.3% graduation rate, nearly 10% higher than the state average. Granite City High School was the 1940 State champions in basketball. Granite City High has won ten boys' soccer state championships in 1972, 1976–1980, 1982, 1987, 1989, and 1990, and the girls' soccer team won the 2011 state championship. In addition, the Warrior wrestling team were co-champions in 1965 and currently have more dual meet victories than any other high school in the country. The baseball team were runners-up in 1963.

Two private Catholic K-8 schools, Holy Family and St. Elizabeth, are also located in the city.

Alternative schools include the Coordinated Youth on Madison Avenue next to the Gateway Regional Medical Center and attached to the same building as the WIC Service. Another Coordinated Youth location is on W 3rd St near the old army depot.

The Sam Wolf Granite City Campus (SWGCC) of Southwestern Illinois College is located at the northern end of the city.

Notable people

 * George Becker, American labor leader and president of the United Steelworkers
 * John Bischoff, Major League Baseball catcher for Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox
 * Harry Boyles, Major League Baseball pitcher for Chicago White Sox
 * Glenn Bradford, Illinois politician and lawyer
 * Robert Olen Butler, Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction writer
 * Julie Curry, politician
 * Lucian W. Dressel, an American winemaker who wrote the application to have Augusta, Missouri, designated as America's first wine district
 * L. J. Fort, linebacker for NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens
 * Owen Friend, former Major League Baseball second baseman for St. Louis Browns, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs
 * Andrew Goodpaster, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO and Four Star U.S. Army General
 * Kevin Greene, former National Football League linebacker
 * Orville Hodge, politician
 * James D. Holloway, Illinois state representative
 * Matt Hughes, former UFC welterweight champion
 * Charlie Jackson, Major League Baseball outfielder for Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates
 * Robbie Lawler, former Elite XC middleweight champion
 * Carl Linhart, baseball player
 * Dal Maxvill, former MLB shortstop, Gold Glove winner, and Cardinals general manager
 * Ruben Mendoza, soccer player, two-time US Olympian, two-time US World Cup Team member
 * Andy Phillip, basketball Hall of Fame
 * Murphy Lee, rapper
 * Jason Robertson, AIDS activist whose family was forced to move out of town due to local harassment and bullying
 * Kenneth Shaw, educator
 * Ralph T. Smith, former Senator
 * Anna Stonum, graphic designer and disability rights activist
 * Stephen Trittschuh, Major League Soccer (MISL, APSL, MLS) defender, member of the US Men's National Soccer Team
 * Anna M. Valencia, Chicago City Clerk
 * Whip Wilson, actor in Western films

title: Granite City, Illinois


text:
Grantfork, Illinois

Grantfork is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 341 as of the 2020 census. It is part of the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

Geography
Grantfork is located in eastern Madison County at 38.83043°N, -89.66621°W. Illinois Route 160 passes through the west side of the village, leading south 6 mi to Highland and north 4 mi to Illinois Route 140. Edwardsville, the county seat, is 16 mi to the west, and downtown St. Louis is 36 mi to the southwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Grantfork has a total area of 0.38 sqmi, of which 0.008 sqmi, or 2.13%, are water. The East Fork of Silver Creek, part of the Kaskaskia River watershed leading south to the Mississippi River, passes through the southeast corner of the village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 254 people, 101 households, and 67 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,112.1 PD/sqmi. There were 103 housing units at an average density of 451.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.21% White, 0.39% Native American, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.39% of the population.

There were 101 households, out of which 37.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.1% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,917, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $36,563 versus $21,458 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,415. About 3.1% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen or sixty five or over.

Notable person

 * Rube Peters, pitcher for the Chicago White Sox and Brooklyn Tip-Tops; born in Grantfork

title: Grantfork, Illinois


text:
Hamel, Illinois

Hamel is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 929 at the 2020 census, up from 816 in 2010. It is a part of the Illinois Metro East portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

Geography
Hamel is located in northeastern Madison County at 38.8875°N, -89.84389°W (38.887524, -89.843949). Interstate 55 passes through the east side of the village, leading southwest 30 mi to St. Louis and north 65 mi to Springfield, the Illinois capital. Illinois Route 140 passes through the center of Hamel as State Street, leading east 23 mi to Greenville and west 19 mi to Alton.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hamel has a total area of 1.20 sqmi, of which 0.01 sqmi, or 0.75%, are water. Hamel is drained to the south by tributaries of Silver Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 570 people, 233 households, and 170 families living in the village. The population density was 491.3 PD/sqmi. There were 242 housing units at an average density of 208.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.25% White, 0.35% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.53% of the population.

There were 233 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,750, and the median income for a family was $55,694. Males had a median income of $41,023 versus $24,028 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,062. About 4.0% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hamel, Illinois


text:
Hartford, Illinois

Hartford is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States, on the Mississippi River near the mouth of the Missouri River. The population was 1,185 at the 2020 census, down from 1,429 in 2010. Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1803-04 there, near what has been designated the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site.

Geography
Hartford is located in western Madison County at 38.82444°N, -90.0925°W (38.824498, -90.092509). It is approximately 15 mi north of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, and it is bordered to the west by the Mississippi River, across which are St. Charles County and St. Louis County, Missouri. The Missouri River joins the Mississippi across from the southwest corner of the village, about 1 mi southwest of the village center. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is within the village limits, directly across from the Missouri River confluence.

Hartford is bordered to the north by the city of Wood River, to the east by the village of South Roxana, and to the south by Granite City. Illinois Route 3 passes through the west side of the village, leading northwest 7 mi to Alton and south 17 mi to East St. Louis. Illinois Route 111 runs along the eastern border of Hartford, leading north 2 mi to the center of Wood River and south 13 mi to Fairmont City.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hartford has a total area of 5.44 sqmi, of which 5.17 sqmi are land and 0.27 sqmi, or 4.97%, are water. The Cahokia Creek Diversion Channel passes through the southern part of the village limits, reaching the Mississippi River at the Lewis and Clark Historic Site.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,545 people, 650 households, and 434 families residing in the village. The population density was 396.4 PD/sqmi. There were 710 housing units at an average density of 182.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.45% White, 0.13% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 0.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.71% of the population.

There were 650 households, of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $33,828, and the median income for a family was $40,652. Males had a median income of $31,694 versus $20,156 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,160. About 10.3% of families and 13.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.8% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Underground gas plume
Numerous oil refineries have occupied the area for many years. An estimated 4 million gallons of gasoline have seeped into the ground under Hartford. The village filed suit on July 21, 2008, against multiple parties over the underground gas plume.

Chemetco, Inc
The copper smelter Chemetco operated nearby for around 30 years, ending in 2001. The corporation was found guilty of Clean Water Act offenses after its sustained pollution of Long Lake, a tributary of the Mississippi River, over a ten-year period. This ended following the detection by EPA inspectors of a secret hazardous waste pipe in September 1996. The location, just south of Hartford near the community of Mitchell, was listed as a Superfund priority cleanup site March 4, 2010.

Notable people
Hartford is the birthplace of actor Clint Walker, known for the television series Cheyenne and for the movies The Ten Commandments and The Dirty Dozen.

title: Hartford, Illinois


text:
Highland, Illinois

Highland is a city in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 9,991 at the 2020 census. Highland began as a Swiss settlement and derived its name from later German immigrants.

Highland is a sister city of Sursee in Switzerland.

Highland is a part of the Metro-East region of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

History
Highland was settled in the early 19th century by Swiss-German settlers. The town was founded in 1837 and celebrated its 175th Jubilee in 2012. It was first named Helvetia (pronounced hellveesha) in accordance with the heritage of the town's Swiss-German founding members. The town voted to change its name to the English version, "Highland", in the early 20th century, as well as stopping production of its German language newspaper, in part to avoid negativity towards those of Germanic heritage at the advent of the First World War. Around the same time, a small town in northern Illinois also started calling itself Highland. Eventually, the town in northern Illinois became Highland Park.

Highland has a rich history including extended visits by such notables as Abraham Lincoln. On November 21, 1915, the Liberty Bell passed through Highland on its nationwide tour returning to Pennsylvania from the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.

Geography
Highland is in southeastern Madison County, 30 mi east of St. Louis. U.S. Route 40 passes through the city north of downtown, leading west 11 mi to Troy and on to St. Louis, and to the northeast 20 mi to Greenville. Illinois Route 160 passes through the center of Highland, leading north 6 mi to Grantfork and south 10 mi to Trenton, while Illinois Route 143 leads northwest 6 mi to Marine and northeast 5 mi to Pierron. Interstate 70 passes through the northern part of the city limits, with access from Exit 24 (IL 143) to the west and Exit 30 (US 40) to the east.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Highland has a total area of 7.84 sqmi, of which 6.81 sqmi are land and 1.03 sqmi, or 13.13%, are water. The city drains to the south to Sugar Creek, a tributary of the Kaskaskia River, and to the northwest to the East Fork of Silver Creek, another tributary of the Kaskaskia. Highland Silver Lake is a reservoir constructed on the East Fork; the Highland city limits extend north 5 mi to the southern border of Grantfork to enclose the entire lake.

Economy
Highland has been home to businesses that include Pet Milk and the Wicks Organ Company. For the past 60 years, Highland Supply Corporation has been producing and selling floral grass - a traditional decorative product used to line Easter baskets. Highland is also home to The Korte Company (builder of many large and well-known buildings including Universal Studios in Florida).

Government
The current mayor is Kevin B. Hemann.

Highland is in the process of implementing citywide availability of a municipal broadband network using Fiber to the home technology.

Education
The Highland Community Unit School District serves Highland area students including those from Alhambra, Illinois, Grantfork, Illinois, and New Douglas, Illinois. Kindergarten through sixth grade schools are located in each of the districts municipalities while the district's middle and high schools are located in Highland. Starting in August 2014 6th grade is located at the Highland Middle School. In September 2014, the district's teachers staged a strike for the first time in the district's history.

Additionally, Highland has a local parochial school named St. Paul Catholic School offering Kindergarten through eighth grade education.

The Louis Latzer Memorial Public Library has a collection of more than 48,000 print volumes, a substantial media collection, and public computer access along with access to subscription databases and a genealogy collection. It is also a member of the Illinois Heartland Library System.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 9,919 people, 4,013 households, and 2,633 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,561.1 PD/sqmi. There were 3,610 housing units at an average density of 667.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.00% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 4,013 households and 2,633 families. 50.3% of the families have children 18 years old or younger. There are 2,017 husband-wife families. 29.5% of all the households were made up of one  individual and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 23% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.8 years. Of the total population 4,714 are males and 5,205 are females.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,524, and the median income for a family was $52,240. Males had a median income of $36,536 versus $25,620 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,101. About 3.6% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Sports
Highland Speedway is a 1/4 mile dirt oval racetrack that hosts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and DIRTcar Summer Nationals races in addition to weekly races.

Mentions in popular media
Highland is the setting for the first song on the Illinois album by Sufjan Stevens, titled 'Concerning the UFO sighting near Highland, Illinois', in which Stevens mentions a 21st-century UFO sighting by the owner of the local mini-golf course.

Highland was also mentioned on The Daily Show on February 9, 2006. A report mentioned local pharmacist and state legislator Ron Stephens, who protested an executive order by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich requiring a pharmacist to fill emergency contraception prescriptions.

Notable people

 * Geoff Hartlieb, pitcher for the Miami Marlins; attended Highland High School; played at Lindenwood University
 * James Head, mixed martial artist in the Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Arlo U. Landolt, astronomer
 * Sam LaPorta, football player for the Detroit Lions
 * Ken Oberkfell, third baseman with six Major League Baseball teams; World Series champion (1982); born in Highland
 * Jake Odorizzi, Major League Baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros; previously played for Highland High School
 * Harry Parker, pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets and Cleveland Indians; born in Highland
 * Aaron Rakers, relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres; born in Highland

title: Highland, Illinois


text:
Livingston, Illinois

Livingston is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 763 at the 2020 census, down from 858 in 2010.

History
Livingston had its start by the building of the railroad and the opening of a mine in the neighborhood. Livingston was laid out about 1904 by the heirs of John Livingston.

Geography
Livingston is located in northeastern Madison County at 38.96722°N, -89.7625°W (38.967301, -89.762450). It is bordered to the north by the village of Williamson. Interstate 55 passes through the southeast corner of Livingston, with access from Exit 37 (New Douglas Road). I-55 leads southwest 37 mi to St. Louis and north 58 mi to Springfield, the Illinois capital.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Livingston has a total area of 1.05 sqmi, of which 0.01 sqmi, or 1.23%, are water. The village is drained to the south by tributaries of Silver Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 825 people, 367 households, and 237 families residing in the village. The population density was 777.5 PD/sqmi. There were 396 housing units at an average density of 373.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.91% White, 0.24% Asian, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.24% of the population.

There were 367 households, out of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.9% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,083, and the median income for a family was $41,563. Males had a median income of $34,444 versus $19,271 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,291. About 7.8% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Livingston, Illinois


text:
Madison, Illinois

Madison is a city in Madison and St. Clair counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is also a suburb of St. Louis. The population was 3,171 at the 2020 census, down from 3,891 in 2010. It is home to World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway and the first Bulgarian Orthodox church in the United States.

History
Madison was founded in 1820. There have been three villages named Madison.

Geography
Madison is located in southwestern Madison County at 38.68361°N, -90.15111°W (38.683700, -90.151047). The central city area is bordered by Granite City to the north and Venice to the southwest. However, the Madison city limits now extend 3 mi south, 4 mi east, and 8 mi north of the city center, so that it is also bordered by Hartford to the extreme north, Pontoon Beach to the east, Fairmont City to the southeast, and Brooklyn to the southwest. The Mississippi River forms the western boundary of Madison north of Venice, with St. Louis, Missouri, across the river.

Illinois Route 203 passes through the center of Madison as MC Cambridge Avenue and Edwardsville Road, leading north into Granite City and south to Interstates 55 and 70 at their Exit 4 in the southernmost part of town. Illinois Route 3 (Cedar Street) crosses the western part of Madison, leading south into Venice before crossing the Mississippi into St. Louis, and north through Granite City to Hartford.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Madison has a total area of 17.88 sqmi, of which 14.15 sqmi are land and 3.74 sqmi, or 20.91%, are water.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 4,545 people, 1,881 households, and 1,117 families living in the city. The population density was 648.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,322 housing units at an average density of 331.2 /sqmi. The racial makup of the city was 55.36% White, 42.13% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.92% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.96%.

Of the 1,881 households 29.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.2% were married couples living together, 22.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were non-families. 34.9% of households were one person and 14.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 29.8% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males.

The median household income was $24,828 and the median family income was $29,926. Males had a median income of $27,363 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,090. About 19.6% of families and 24.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.4% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

National Register of Historic Places

 * Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River

Transportation
Amtrak's Texas Eagle as well as its Lincoln Service pass through Madison, but don't stop in the small city. A regional bus service is provided for the community.

Notable people

 * George Becker, president of United Steelworkers 1993-2001
 * Donnie Freeman, basketball player at Illinois and in ABA and NBA
 * Sam Harshany, catcher for the St. Louis Browns

title: Madison, Illinois


text:
Marine, Illinois

Marine is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 912 at the 2020 census.

History
The village of Marine, originally referred to as Marinetown, was settled in 1834 by George W. Welsh, James Semple, Jordan W. Jeffress, and Abram "Abraham" Breath, who were sailors. The prairie grass blowing in the fields had reminded them of the sea, hence the name Marine. It was incorporated as a village in 1867 and reincorporated in 1888.

Geography
Marine is located in eastern Madison County at 38.7875°N, -89.77806°W (38.787365, -89.778135). Illinois Route 143 (Division Street) passes through the center of the village, leading southeast 6 mi to Highland and west 10 mi to Edwardsville, the county seat. Interstate 70 passes 2 mi south and east of Marine, with access from IL 143 at Exit 24. I-70 leads northeast 21 mi to Greenville and southwest 30 mi to downtown St. Louis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Marine has a total area of 0.71 sqmi, all land. The village drains southwest to an unnamed tributary of Silver Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 960 people, 393 households, and 259 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,196.3 PD/sqmi. There were 380 housing units at an average density of 499.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.6% White, 0.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.0% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 393 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.2% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 20 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 29.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 males age 18 and over, there were 99.5 females.

As of the 2000 census, the median income for a household in the village was $37,361, and the median income for a family was $44,500. Males had a median income of $38,654 versus $22,188 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,133. About 4.5% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Jerry Neudecker, umpire for Major League Baseball (1966–85); born in Marine
 * Rusty Pence, pitcher for the Chicago White Sox; born in Marine
 * Patricia Millett, American federal judge
 * Earl Emanuel Shepard, American Orthodontist
 * Mark Voigt, racer with several NASCAR starts

Education
Marine is part of the Triad Community Unit School District No. 2 which also includes the towns of Troy, IL and St. Jacob, IL. Marine has one elementary school which is located within the city limits. Students in grades K-5 attend this school. Then students will attend Triad Middle School followed by Triad High School along with students from Troy and St. Jacob.

title: Marine, Illinois


text:
Maryville, Illinois

Maryville is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 8,221 at the 2020 census, up from 7,487 in 2010.

History
Coal mining was historically the principal industry in Maryville. Maryville was incorporated on July 21, 1902.

Geography
Maryville is located in southern Madison County at 38.72528°N, -89.95778°W (38.725298, -89.957674). It is 17 mi northeast of downtown St. Louis, Missouri. It is bordered to the north by Glen Carbon, to the east by Troy, and to the south by Collinsville.

Illinois Route 159 passes through the village as Center Street, leading north 6 mi to Edwardsville, the Madison county seat, and south 4 mi to the center of Collinsville. Illinois Route 162 crosses the northern part of the village, leading east 4 mi to Troy and west 6 mi to Pontoon Beach. Interstates 55 and 70 cross the southern end of Maryville together, with access from Exit 15 (IL 159).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Maryville has a total area of 5.76 sqmi, of which 5.69 sqmi are land and 0.075 sqmi, or 1.30%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,651 people, 1,743 households, and 1,267 families living in the village. The population density was 996.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,816 housing units at an average density of 389.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.11% White, 3.46% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.77% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.00% of the population.

There were 1,743 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% 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 2.99.

In the village, the age distribution of the population showed 24.9% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,135, and the median income for a family was $62,110. Males had a median income of $43,226 versus $30,393 for females. The per capita income for the village was $27,634. About 2.6% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, Team USA Olympic volleyball member and professional volleyball player.
 * Bob Boken, infielder for the Washington Senators and Chicago White Sox

Events
On March 8, 2009, 27-year-old Terry Sedlacek shot and killed Senior Pastor Fred Winters in front of the congregation at First Baptist Church of Maryville affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

title: Maryville, Illinois


text:
New Douglas, Illinois

New Douglas is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 350 at the 2020 census.

History Overview
New Douglas was laid out by Alonzo Foster in 1860, the village got its namesake from the Illinois Senator Stephan A. Douglas. The community was centered on the local coal mines and farming into the early 1900s. When need for coal dropped in the 1950s the town fell back on its farming roots, mostly of corn and soybeans.

Geography
New Douglas is located in the northeast corner of Madison County 5 mi east of Livingston, 20 mi northeast of Edwardsville, the county seat, and 42 mi northeast of St. Louis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New Douglas has a total area of 1.05 sqmi, of which 0.002 sqmi, or 0.19%, are water. The village drains west to Silver Creek and southeast to the Little Dry Fork of Shoal Creek. The entire town is within the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were maybe 13 people, and maybe 6 households, but 105 families residing in the village. The population density was 345.6 PD/sqmi. There were 178 housing units at an average density of 166.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.29% Black, 0.81% Native American, 0.27% Asian, and 1.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.98% of the population.

There were 147 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,417, and the median income for a family was $40,833. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,617. About 5.5% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.6% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: New Douglas, Illinois


text:
Pontoon Beach, Illinois

Pontoon Beach is a village in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,876 at the 2020 census. It is part of the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Geography
Pontoon Beach is located in southwestern Madison County 15 mi northeast of St. Louis. It is bordered to the west by Granite City, to the northwest by Mitchell, to the north by Edwardsville, the Madison county seat, to the east by Glen Carbon, to the southeast by Collinsville, to the south by Fairmont City, and to the southwest by Madison.

Illinois Route 111 runs through the village center, leading north 9 mi to Wood River and south 5 mi to Fairmont City. Illinois Route 162 crosses Route 111 south of the village center; it leads east 10 mi to Troy and southwest five miles to Madison. Interstate 255 runs through the east part of the village limits, with access from Exit 26 (Horseshoe Lake Road) and Exit 29 (IL 162). Interstate 270 crosses the northern part of the village, with access from Exit 6 (IL 111).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pontoon Beach has a total area of 12.4 sqmi, of which 10.0 sqmi are land and 2.5 sqmi, or 19.92%, are water. The village is in the American Bottom region, part of the Mississippi River floodplain. A portion of Horseshoe Lake, an oxbow lake that is a former channel of the Mississippi, is in the southwest part of the village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,620 people, 2,134 households, and 1,519 families residing in the village. The population density was 686.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,341 housing units at an average density of 286.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 87.72% White, 8.88% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.92% of the population.

There were 2,134 households, out of which 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% 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 3.06.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.2% under the age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,348, and the median income for a family was $45,947. Males had a median income of $36,338 versus $26,220 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,960. About 8.7% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Pontoon Beach, Illinois


text:
Rosewood Heights, Illinois

Rosewood Heights is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Madison County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,971 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Metro East region of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

Geography
Rosewood Heights is located in northwestern Madison County at 38.89139°N, -90.07194°W (38.891414, -90.071813). It is bordered to the east by Bethalto, to the south by Wood River, to the west by East Alton, and to the north by Cottage Hills.

Illinois Routes 111 and 140 (West MacArthur Drive) form the northern border of the CDP. IL 140 leads west 6 mi to Alton and east through Bethalto 12 mi to Hamel, while IL 111 leads northwest 9 mi to Godfrey and south 4 mi to the center of Wood River. Illinois Route 255, a four-lane expressway, runs along the east edge of Rosewood Heights, with access from Exit 10 (IL 111-140). IL 255 leads south 10 mi to Interstates 255 and 270 and northwest 9 mi to its end at U.S. Route 67 in Godfrey. Downtown St. Louis is 27 mi southwest of Rosewood Heights.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.7 sqmi, of which 0.003 sqmi, or 0.18%, are water. The community drains northwest toward the East Fork of the Wood River, which joins the Mississippi River at East Alton.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 4,262 people, 1,688 households, and 1,299 families living in the CDP. The population density was 1,988.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,754 housing units at an average density of 818.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.78% White, 0.12% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82%.

Of the 1,688 households 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.5% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% were non-families. 20.0% of households were one person and 10.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.88.

The age distribution was 22.2% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.5 males.

The median household income was $46,701 and the median family income was $53,365. Males had a median income of $44,111 versus $28,176 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,527. About 7.2% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.4% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Rosewood Heights, Illinois