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Decatur, Illinois

Decatur is the largest city in and the county seat of Macon County, Illinois, United States. The city was founded in 1829 and is situated along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 70,522. It is the seventeenth-most populous city in Illinois. Decatur has an economy based on industrial and agricultural commodity processing and production. The city is home to Millikin University and Richland Community College.

19th century
The city is named after War of 1812 naval hero Stephen Decatur. The Potawatomi Trail of Death passed through the city in 1838. Post No. 1 of the Grand Army of the Republic was founded by Civil War veterans in Decatur on April 6, 1866.

Decatur was the first home in Illinois of Abraham Lincoln, who settled just west of Decatur with his family in 1830. At the age of 21, Lincoln gave his first political speech in Decatur about the importance of Sangamon River navigation, which caught the attention of Illinois political leaders. As a lawyer on the 8th Judicial Circuit, Lincoln made frequent stops in Decatur, and argued five cases in the log courthouse that stood on the corner of Main & Main Streets. The original courthouse is now on the grounds of the Macon County Historical Museum on North Fork Road. John Hanks, first cousin of Abraham Lincoln, lived in Decatur.

On May 9 and 10, 1860, the Illinois Republican State Convention was held in Decatur. At this convention, Lincoln received his first endorsement for President of the United States as "The Railsplitter Candidate". In commemoration of Lincoln's bicentennial, the Illinois Republican State Convention was held in Decatur at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel on June 6 and 7, 2008.

20th century
The first modern fly-destruction device (fly swatter) was invented in 1900 by Robert R. Montgomery, an entrepreneur based in Decatur, Ill. Montgomery was issued Patent No. 640,790 for the Fly-Killer, a “cheap device of unusual elasticity and durability” made of wire netting, “preferably oblong,” attached to a handle.

For much of the 20th century, the city was known as "The Soybean Capital of the World" owing to its being the location of the headquarters of A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company, a major grain processor in the 1920s, which popularized the use of soybeans to produce products for human consumption such as oil, meal and flour. At one time, over a third of all the soybeans grown in the world were processed in Decatur, Illinois. In 1955 a group of Decatur businessmen founded the Soy Capital Bank to trade on the nickname.

Decatur was awarded the All-America City Award in 1960, one of eleven cities honored that year. Decatur is an affiliate of the U.S. Main Street program, in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

On July 19, 1974, a tanker car containing isobutane collided with a boxcar in the Norfolk & Western railroad yard in the East End of Decatur. The resulting explosion killed seven people, injured 349, and caused $18 million in property damage including extensive damage to nearby Lakeview High School.

On April 18 and 19, 1996, the city was hit by tornadoes. On April 18, an F1 tornado hit the city's southeast side, followed by an F3 tornado the following evening on the northwest side. That same tornado then skipped twice, hitting businesses on the northeast side. The two storms totaled approximately $10.5 million in property damage.

A new branding effort for Decatur and Macon County was unveiled in 2015, Limitless Decatur. The marketing strategy intended to attract and retain business and residents by promoting the Decatur area as modern and progressive with opportunities to live, work, and develop.

Jesse Jackson protest
In November 1999, Decatur was brought into the national news when Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition protested the two-year expulsion of seven African American students who had been involved in a serious fight at an Eisenhower High School football game under a recently enacted "zero tolerance" policy. Six of the students were arrested but not charged after the fracas. Four were later charged as adults with mob action, a felony. Jesse Jackson intervened in the incident, bringing the controversy to national attention, protesting both the severity and length of the punishment and also alleging racial bias (schools in Decatur in 1999 had an enrollment that was about 44 percent black, while five of the six Decatur students expelled in the prior year were black). Jackson pointed out he was invited by the students' parents and that he spoke with them, the kids, ministers and teachers before protesting the zero-tolerance severity of the punishment: "No one can survive zero tolerance," Jackson said. "We all need mercy and grace."

Outside of Decatur, public support was largely against the School Board's decision but changed once a videotape of the incident surfaced filmed by a parent at the game. Broadcast on national TV news, it showed a melee that swept through one end of the grandstands, with kicking and punching, as some of the fighters tumbled over the rails. The game was stopped and players gawked at the fighting in the bleachers. Ed Bohem, the principal at MacArthur High School who attended the game, described it as a riot: "I feared for the safety of our people -- my parents, my students," Bohem said, referring to the crowd in the bleachers. "You had people pushed through bars, people covering little children so they wouldn't get hurt. It was violent." Jackson and his Rainbow PUSH Coalition organized marches that included hundreds of people bused in from outside the area, criticizing the school board for what Jackson said was unfairly harsh treatment of the boys over a fight. Jackson was arrested and detained briefly; however, charges were later dropped. School officials say the students involved in the fighting were known as truants, described three of them as "third-year freshmen", and noted that the seven students had missed a combined 350 days of high school.

The issue dissipated when the school board reduced the original expulsions from two years to one year and agreed to let the students earn credit while attending an alternative school.

The students involved in the fight have since taken different paths in life: one having been sentenced to state prison for 10 years for a 2004 felony drug conviction; another having finished college (helped by a Rainbow PUSH scholarship); another working as a butcher; and a fourth being arrested for home invasion in 2009. Jesse Jackson was criticized for turning what could have been a legitimate criticism/discussion of the effects of "zero tolerance" policies into national debate by attempting to present the seven youths as victims of bigotry.

Geography
The USGS Domestic GeoNames resource has two listings for Decatur: "City of Decatur", which is a Civil-class designation, and "Decatur", which is a Populated Place designation. The two listings have slightly different coordinate centroids; the "City of Decatur" centroid is located at 39.85564°N, -88.93371°W, while the "Decatur" centroid is at 39.84031°N, -88.9548°W. Decatur is 150 miles southwest of Chicago, 40 miles east of Springfield, the state capital, and 110 miles northeast of St. Louis.

According to the 2010 census, consisted of 42.22 sqmi of land and 4.69 sqmi of water, amounting to a total area of 46.91 sqmi, consisting of 90% land and 10% water. Lakes include Lake Decatur, an 11 km2 reservoir formed in 1923 by the damming of the Sangamon River.

The Decatur Metropolitan Statistical Area (population 109,900) includes surrounding towns of Argenta, Boody, Blue Mound, Elwin, Forsyth, Harristown, Long Creek, Macon, Maroa, Mount Zion, Niantic, Oakley, Oreana, and Warrensburg.

Neighborhoods
On July 19, 1999, the Department of Community Development prepared a map of the official neighborhoods of Decatur, used for planning and statistical purposes. Decatur has 71 official neighborhoods.

2020 census
The 2020 census reported there were 70,522 people and 31,073 households living in the city. Out of the 31,073 households, 21.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.9% were married couples living together, 36.1% had a female householder with no partner, and 20.6% had a male householder with no partner. The average family size was 3.00 persons.

The median household income for the city was $45,404, the median family income was $62,699, and the median married-couple family income was $77,901. The employment rate was 52.1%. 19.4% of Decatur residents were living below the poverty line; 30.2% of them were under 18 years old, 18.8% were ages 18 to 64, and 9.6% were 65 or older.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 76,122 people, 32,344 households, and 18,991 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,800.9 PD/sqmi. There were 36,134 housing units at an average density of 854.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 71.6% White, 23.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 32,344 households, out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.4% were married couples living together, 16.9% had a female household with no husband present, and 41.3% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% 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 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.1% under the age of 18, 10.8% from ages 18 to 24, 23.4% from ages 25 to 44, 26.8% from ages 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.0 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.

As of 2017, the median income for a household in the city was $41,977, and the median income for a family was $55,086. Males had a median income of $35,418 versus $34,389 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,042. About 22% of the population is below the poverty line, including 35% of those under age 18 and 10% of those age 65 or over.

Decatur is listed by the United States Census Bureau as number three in "The 15 Fastest-Declining Large Cities" which showed a 7.1% population loss of (−5,376) from 2010 to 2019. The Chicago Tribune says: "in 1980, Decatur's population was at a high of 94,000. Now it is 71,000."

Industry
Decatur has production facilities for Caterpillar, Archer Daniels Midland, Mueller Co., and Primient (previously Tate & Lyle, A. E. Staley).

Caterpillar Inc. has one of its largest manufacturing plants in the U.S. in Decatur. This plant produces Caterpillar's off highway trucks, wheel-tractor scrapers, compactors, large wheel loaders, mining-class motorgraders, and their ultra-class mining trucks (including the Caterpillar 797). Archer Daniels Midland processes corn and soybeans, Mueller produces water distribution products and Tate & Lyle processes corn in Decatur.

Decatur has been ranked third in the nation as an Emerging Logistics and Distribution Center by Business Facilities: The Location Advisor, and was named a Top 25 Trade City by Global Trade. In 2013 the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County established the Midwest Inland Port, a multi-modal transportation hub with market proximity to 95 million customers in a 500-mile radius. The port includes the Archer Daniels Midland intermodal container ramp, the two class I railroads that service the ramp and the city (the Canadian National Railway, and the Norfolk Southern Railway), five major roadways and the Decatur Airport. The Midwest Inland Port also has a foreign trade zone and customs clearing, and the area is both an enterprise zone and tax increment financing district.

In August 2019, Mueller Company announced plans to construct a "state-of-the-art" brass foundry in Decatur on a 30-acre site in the 2700 block of North Jasper Street. The facility is expected to employ 250 personnel.

In November 2020, ADM and InnovaFeed announced plans to construct the world's largest insect protein facility targeted to begin in 2021. The facility will be owned and operated by InnovaFeed and will co-locate with ADM's Decatur corn processing complex. This new project represents innovative, sustainable production to meet growing demand for insect protein in animal feed, a market that has potential to reach 1 million tons in 2027. Construction of the new high-capacity facility is expected to create more than 280 direct and 400 indirect jobs in the Decatur region by the second phase.

Top employers
According to the EDC of Decatur & Macon County, the top employers in Decatur are as follows:

Former employers
From 1917 to 1922, Decatur was the location of the Comet Automobile Company, and the Pan-American Motor Corporation.

In 1950, the Marvel-Schebler Division of BorgWarner opened a new facility in Decatur. The plant, which once had as many as 1,300 employees, was sold to Facet Aerospace Products in 1982. The plant closed in April 1983.

In early November 1992, business executive Mark Whitacre of Decatur-based Archer Daniels Midland confessed to an FBI agent that ADM executives, including Whitacre himself, had routinely met with competitors to fix the price of lysine, a food additive. The lysine conspirators, including ADM, ultimately settled federal charges for more than $100 million. ADM also paid hundreds of millions of dollars ($400 million alone on the high-fructose corn syrup class action case) to plaintiffs and customers that it stole from during the price-fixing schemes. In 2014, ADM moved its upper corporate management out of Decatur and established the new ADM World Headquarters in downtown Chicago. Following the ADM corporate exit, Decatur became listed by the United States Census Bureau as number 3 in "The 15 Fastest-Declining Large Cities" which showed a 7.1% population loss of (-5,376) from 2010 to 2019.

The Japanese corporation Bridgestone owns Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, which operated a large tire factory here. Firestone's Decatur plant was closed in December 2001 amid a tire failure controversy. All 1,500 employees were laid off. Firestone cited a decline in consumer demand for Firestone tires and the age of the Decatur plant as the reasons for closing that facility.

Music
The Decatur Municipal Band was organized September 19, 1857, making it one of the oldest nonmilitary bands in continuous service in the United States and Canada. The band was originally known as the Decatur Brass Band, Decatur Comet Band and Decatur Silver Band until 1871 when it was reorganized by Andrew Goodman and became The Goodman Band. In 1942, the band was officially designated as the Decatur Municipal Band and chartered within the City of Decatur. The present Decatur Municipal Band, directed by Jim Culbertson since 1979, is composed of high school and college students and area adults from all walks of life, many of whom look to the Band as a serious avocation, or as a prelude to a life-long profession.

Historic sites
The city's symbol is the Transfer House, an 1896 octagonal structure that was built in the original town square (now called "Lincoln Square") where the city's mass transit lines (streetcars and interurban trains) met. Designed by Chicago architect William W. Boyington, who also designed the Chicago Water Tower, the Transfer House was constructed to serve as a shelter for passengers transferring from one conveyance to another. It was regarded as one of the most beautiful structures of its kind in the United States, and a symbol of the city's high culture and modernity just decades after it was founded as a small collection of log cabins. The second story of the building consisted of an open-air gazebo used as a stage for public speeches and concerts by the Goodman Band. Sitting in the middle of the square as it was, increasing automobile traffic flowing through downtown Decatur on US 51 was forced to circle around the structure, and the Transfer House came to be seen by some as an impediment. The Illinois Department of Transportation, who maintained the US 51 highway route through Decatur, requested it be removed, and in 1962, the structure was transported by truck to nearby Central Park, where it stands today. In that location, it has served as a bus shelter, a visitor information center, and civic group offices.

The Edward P. Irving House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1911, is located at No. 2 Millikin Place, Decatur. In addition, the Robert Mueller Residence, 1 Millikin Place, and the Adolph Mueller Residence, 4 Millikin Place, have been attributed to Wright's assistants Hermann V. von Holst and Marion Mahony.

Library
In 1901 Andrew Carnegie gave City of Decatur $60,000 to construct a new public library. The library was built in 1902 at the corner of Eldorado and Main and opened to the public July 1, 1903. The building served the community until 1970 when the library moved to North Street at the site of a former Sears, Roebuck & Co. store. In 1999 the library moved to its present location on Franklin Street, which is also an abandoned Sears building. The library is part of the Illinois Heartland Library System. The original Carnegie library building was razed in 1972 and in its place a bank was built.

Parks and recreation
Local Macon County park resources include Lake Decatur, Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memorial, Rock Springs Conservation Area, Fort Daniel Conservation Area, Sand Creek Recreation Area, Griswold Conservation Area, Friends Creek Regional Park, and Spitler Woods State Natural Area. The Decatur Park District resources include 2000 acre of park land, an indoor sports center, Decatur Airport, three golf courses, softball, soccer and tennis complexes, athletic fields, a community aquatic center, an AZA-accredited zoo, and a banquet, food and beverage business. Decatur was once dubbed "Park City USA" because it had more parks per person than any other city in the country, as well as "Playtown USA" because of Decatur's position as an early national leader in providing recreational space for its citizens. A motion picture short by that name was made in 1944 that featured the city's recreational efforts.

Sports
Decatur was the original home of the Chicago Bears, from 1919 to 1920. The football team was then known as the Decatur Staleys and played at Staley Field, both named after the local food-products manufacturer. A.E. Staley created the team from regular Staley Processing employees who had an interest in the sport. As the team continued to win games and show promise, Staley decided to invest in the team further by hiring George Halas as its second head coach. Halas led the team to success in the 1920 season, going 10–1–2. As the team continued to win, Staley realized that he could make more money and further develop the team if there were larger crowds and a larger venue to play at. Halas and Staley agreed to move the team to Chicago in 1921 and play at Wrigley Field. The team was to play one season as the Chicago Staleys. In 1922, they played their first season as the Chicago Bears.

From 1900 to 1974, Decatur was the home of the Commodores, a minor-league baseball team playing at Fans Field.

The USTA/Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic has been held annually since 1999. Male players from over 20 countries compete for $25,000 in prize money as well as ATP world ranking points at the Fairview Park Tennis Complex. The tournament is held for eight consecutive days at Fairview Park concluding on the first weekend in August.

Decatur formerly hosted the annual Decatur-Forsyth Classic presented by Tate & Lyle and the Decatur Park District. The tournament was traditionally held in June. The final year for the tournament was 2019.

Government
Between 1829 and 1836, the County Commissioners Court had jurisdiction as it was the seat of Macon County. By 1836 the population reached approximately 300, and Richard Oglesby was elected president of the first board of trustees. Other members of the board of trustees included Dr. William Crissey, H.M. Gorin and Andrew Love as clerk.

In 1839 a town charter was granted to Decatur that gave power to the trustees "to establish and regulate a fire department, to dig wells and erect pumps in the streets, regulate police of the town, [and] raise money for the purpose of commencing and prosecuting works of public improvement." Those who served as president of the town of Decatur were: Richard Oglesby (1836), Joseph Williams (1837), Henry Snyder (1838), Kirby Benedict (1839), Joseph King (1840), Thomas P. Rodgers (1841), David Crone (1846–47), J.H. Elliott (1848), Joseph Kauffman (1849), Joseph King (1850), William S. Crissey (1851), W.J. Stamper (1852), William Prather (1853–54), and Thomas H. Wingate (1854–55).

In the winter of 1855–56, a special city incorporation charter was obtained. This charter provided an aldermanic form of government and on January 7, 1856, an election was held for mayor, two aldermen for each of the four wards, and city marshal. This aldermanic form of government continued until January 18, 1911, when Decatur changed to city commissioner form of government. The new commissioner system provided a mayor elected at-large and four commissioners to serve as administrators of city services: accounts and finance, public health and safety, public property, and streets and public improvements. The mayor also served as Commissioner of Public Affairs.

The mayor and commissioner system prevailed until a special election on November 25, 1958, in which the present council-manager form of government was adopted. According to the city website, the "City of Decatur operates under the Council-Manager form of government, a system which combines the leadership of a representative, elected council with the professional background of an appointed manager." The mayor and all members of the council are elected at-large. Their duties include determining city policy and representing the city in public ceremonies, for which they receive nominal annual salaries. The appointed manager handles all city administration and is the council's employee, not an elected official. Since 1959, the following have served as City Managers: John E. Dever, W. Robert Semple, Leslie T. Allen, Jim Bacon, Jim Williams, Steve Garman, John A. Smith (acting), Ryan McCrady, Gregg Zientara (interim), Timothy Gleason, and Scot Wrighton, the current holder.

Julie Moore Wolfe serves as the current mayor of Decatur. Moore Wolfe was appointed unanimously by the Decatur City Council following the death of Mayor Mike McElroy. She is the first female to be mayor of Decatur. Moore Wolfe, who had been appointed mayor pro tem in May 2015, became acting mayor after McElroy died on July 17, 2015. McElroy had been mayor since 2009 and had recently been re-elected to a second term as mayor in April 2015. Moore Wolfe was elected to a four-year term as mayor on April 4, 2017.

Mayors
Those who served as president of the town of Decatur were: Richard Oglesby (1836), Joseph Williams (1837), Henry Snyder (1838), Kirby Benedict (1839), Joseph King (1840), Thomas P. Rodgers (1841), David Crone (1846–47), J.H. Elliott (1848), Joseph Kauffman (1849), Joseph King (1850), William S. Crissey (1851), W.J. Stamper (1852), William Prather (1853–54), and Thomas H. Wingate (1854–55).

During the winter of 1855–56, a special incorporation charter of Decatur as a city was obtained providing for an aldermanic form of government.

 * John P. Post (1856)
 * William A. Barnes (1857)
 * James Shoaff (1858)
 * Alexander T. Hill (1859)
 * Sheridan Wait (1860)
 * Edward O. Smith (1861)
 * Thomas O. Smith (1862)
 * Jasper J. Peddecord (1863–1864)
 * Franklin Priest (1865–66; 1870, 1874, 1878)
 * John K. Warren (1867)
 * Isaac C. Pugh (1868)
 * William L. Hammer (1869)
 * E.M. Misner (1871)
 * D.S. Shellabarger (1872)
 * Martin Forstmeyer (1873)
 * R.H. Merriweather (1875)
 * William B. Chambers (1876–1877; 1883–1884; 1891–1892)
 * Lysander L. Haworth (1879)
 * Henry W. Waggoner (1880–1882)
 * Michael F. Kanan (1885–1890)
 * David C. Moffitt (1893–1894)
 * D.H. Conklin (1895–1896)
 * B.Z. Taylor (1897–1898)
 * George A. Stadler (1899–1900)
 * Charles F. Shilling (1901–1904)
 * George L. Lehman (1905–1906),
 * E.S. McDonald (1907–1908)
 * Charles M. Borchers (1909–1911; 1919–1923)
 * Dan Dinneen (1911–1919)
 * Elmer R. Elder (1923–1927)
 * Orpheus W. Smith (1927–1935)
 * Harry E. Barber (1935)
 * Charles E. Lee (1936–1943)
 * James A. Hedrick (1943–51)
 * Dr. Robert E. Willis (1951–1955)
 * Clarence A. Sablotny (1955–59)
 * Jack W. Loftus, acting (1959)
 * Robert A. Grohne (1959–1963)
 * Ellis B. Arnold (May 1, 1963, to April 30, 1967)
 * James H. Rupp (1966–1977)
 * Elmer W. Walton (1977–1983)
 * Gary K. Anderson (1983–1992)
 * Erik Brechnitz (1992–1995)
 * Terry M. Howley (1995–2003)
 * Paul Osborne (2003–2008) (resigned)
 * Mike Carrigan (2008–2009) (appointed)
 * Mike McElroy (2009–2015)
 * Julie Moore Wolfe (2015–present) (appointed 2015, elected 2017)

Colleges

 * Millikin University (enrollment 2,400), a four-year institution of higher education, has a 75 acre campus founded by James Millikin and was originally affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
 * Richland Community College (enrollment 3,500) is a comprehensive community college. It also hosts the biannual Farm Progress Show.
 * Walther Theological Seminary is a Confessional Lutheran seminary affiliated with Pilgrim Lutheran Church.

Public schools
K–12 public education in the Decatur area is provided by the Decatur Public Schools District 61. High school athletics have been a member of the Central State Eight Conference since 2014–15.

High schools

 * Eisenhower High School
 * MacArthur High School
 * William Harris Learning Academy

Primary schools

 * American Dreamer STEM Academy
 * Baum Elementary School
 * Dennis Lab School
 * Franklin Grove Elementary School
 * Hope Academy
 * Johns Hill Magnet School
 * Montessori Academy for Peace
 * Muffley Elementary School
 * Parsons Elementary School
 * Pershing Early Learning Center
 * South Shores Elementary School
 * Stephen Decatur Middle School
 * William Harris Learning Academy

High schools

 * Unity Christian School
 * St. Teresa High School
 * Decatur Christian School (Forsyth, Illinois)

Primary schools

 * Antioch Christian Academy
 * Holy Family Catholic School
 * Unity Christian School
 * Our Lady of Lourdes School
 * St. Patrick School

Newspapers

 * Decatur Tribune —weekly
 * The Decaturian —bi-weekly student newspaper published by Millikin University
 * Herald & Review —daily owned by Lee Enterprises

Magazines

 * Decatur Magazine —bi-monthly

Television

 * 17 WAND, NBC
 * 23 WBUI, CW

AM radio

 * WDZ —1050AM—ESPN Radio
 * WSOY—1340AM —talk radio
 * 1650 AM —Community

FM radio

 * WBGL —88.1 FM —Christian radio
 * WDCR (FM) —88.9 FM & 96.5 FM —Relevant Radio
 * WJMU —89.5 FM —Millikin University —alternative rock
 * WYDS —93.1 FM —top 40
 * WDZQ —95.1 FM —country music
 * WXFM —99.3 —Light Hits
 * WZUS —100.9 FM —talk radio
 * WLUJ — 101.9 FM – Moody Christian Radio
 * WSOY —102.9 FM —Top 40
 * WEJT —105.1 FM —adult hits
 * WCZQ —105.5 FM —hip hop & R&B
 * WZNX —106.7 FM —classic rock
 * WDKR —107.3 —oldies

Transportation
Decatur Airport is served by daily commercial flights to and from Chicago-O'Hare International Airport by United Airlines.

For more than 100 years, Decatur has been a major railroad junction and was once served by seven railroads. After mergers and consolidations, it is now served by two Class I railroads: Canadian National and Norfolk Southern. The city is also served by Decatur Junction Railway, Decatur Central Railroad and Decatur & Eastern Illinois Railroad shortlines.

Interstate 72, U.S. Route 51, U.S. Route 36, Illinois Route 48, Illinois Route 105, and Illinois Route 121 are key highway links for the area.

The Decatur Public Transit System (DPTS) provides fixed-route bus service as well as complementary door-to-door paratransit service for people with disabilities, who are unable to use the bus system, throughout the City of Decatur. Under an agreement with the Village of Forsyth, service is also provided to the Hickory Point Mall area in Forsyth.

State government facilities
Decatur Correctional Center, a prison for women, is in the city.

In popular culture
Decatur has been mentioned in several movies, including the 1984 movie Bachelor Party, the 1986 movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and the 2008 movie Leatherheads. The eclectic folk artist Sufjan Stevens included a song on his 2005 album Illinois called "Decatur, or, Round of Applause for Your Stepmother!"

Decatur was also the primary location for the filming of The Informant!, starring Matt Damon. The movie was centered around a scandal which occurred at Archer Daniels Midland in the 1990s.

Sister cities
Decatur's sister cities are:
 * 🇯🇵 Tokorozawa, Japan (since 1966)
 * 🇩🇪 Seevetal, Germany (since 1975)

The Decatur Sister Cities Committee annually coordinates both inbound and outbound high school students, who serve as ambassadors among the three cities.

title: Decatur, Illinois


text:
Forsyth, Illinois

Forsyth is a village in Macon County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 3,734 at the 2020 census, up from 3,490 in 2010. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The settlement of Forsyth dates to around 1854, when the Illinois Central Railroad came through Macon County. The village is named after Col. Robert Forsyth, the first general freight agent of the Illinois Central Railroad.

Geography
Forsyth is located in north-central Macon County at 39.92667°N, -88.96°W (39.9258, -88.9593). It is bordered to the south by the city of Decatur, the county seat. U.S. Route 51 is the main highway through the village, leading south 6 mi to the center of Decatur and north 15 mi to Clinton. Interstate 72 runs along the southern border of Forsyth, with access from Exit 141 (US 51). I-72 leads northeast 43 mi to Champaign and west 42 mi to Springfield, the state capital.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Forsyth has an area of 3.13 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,434 people, 903 households, and 728 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,156.6 PD/sqmi. There were 941 housing units at an average density of 447.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.96% White, 1.27% African American, 0.21% Native American, 1.31% Asian, 0.04% from other races, and 0.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.49% of the population.

There were 903 households, out of which 37.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.4% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.3% were non-families. 17.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $69,000, and the median income for a family was $81,211. Males had a median income of $61,053 versus $33,125 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,010. About 1.4% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.1% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
K–12 public education in the Forsyth area is provided by the Maroa-Forsyth CUSD 2.

 * Maroa-Forsyth Grade School
 * Maroa-Forsyth Middle School
 * Maroa-Forsyth High School

Village logo
At the start of 2019, the Village Board of Trustees voted to approve a new village logo. The previous logo had not been updated since the 1980s. The new logo puts an emphasis on the village's slogan, "Pride and Progress", while still maintaining the iconic green color that is so familiar to the community.

Economy
The Hickory Point Mall is located in Forsyth. Therefore, the village of Forsyth's retail base is made up of several big box and many smaller retail stores.

Transportation
Decatur Public Transit System provides bus service on Route 61 connecting Forsyth to downtown Decatur and other destinations.

Notable people

 * Kevin Koslofski, outfielder for the Kansas City Royals (1992–1994) and Milwaukee Brewers (1996); graduate of Maroa-Forsyth High School

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

title: Forsyth, Illinois


text:
Harristown, Illinois

Harristown is a village in Macon County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,310 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The village was named in honor of Major Thomas L. Harris, who was elected and served as Major of the Fourth Illinois Regiment in the Mexican–American War, and who was afterward a member of Congress from 1849 to 1858.

The first settlers arrived in 1828 and began building log cabins and improving land around the area. 1841 saw the building of the township’s first schoolhouse, a log building, and served as both the school and as a place of worship until 1853 when the first church was built. Harristown was along the main line of the Wabash Railroad, which contributed to increased population and business.

Harristown was the first Illinois home of Abraham Lincoln. His family settled alongside the Sangamon River 4 mi south of the present village in 1830 for a little over a year before relocating due to the harsh winter and extreme sickness. Lincoln and his family constructed a log cabin and fenced in 10 acre of land, planting corn in the fenced land. During that winter, Lincoln, together with his stepmother's son, John D. Johnston, and John Hanks were hired by Denton Offutt to build a flatboat and navigate it from Beardstown, Illinois, down the Illinois and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. It was during this time that Lincoln saw slavery first-hand for the first time.

Lincoln departed the Harristown area in the spring of 1831. Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park was created in 1904 and marks the spot where his cabin stood.

Geography
Harristown is located in western Macon County at 39.84278°N, -89.06944°W (39.842673, −89.069495). It lies within Harristown Township and is bordered to the east by the city of Decatur, the county seat. Downtown Decatur is 7 mi to the east, while Springfield, the state capital, is 33 mi to the west.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Harristown has a total area of 1.80 sqmi, all land. The village is drained to the south by tributaries of the Sangamon River. Abraham Lincoln's first home in Illinois was located on the north bank of the Sangamon, 4 mi south of the present village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,338 people, 511 households, and 402 families residing in the village. The population density was 720.9 PD/sqmi. There were 525 housing units at an average density of 282.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.88% White, 0.30% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.07% Asian, and 0.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.30% of the population.

There were 511 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.5% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% 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 2.98.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.1% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,946, and the median income for a family was $48,162. Males had a median income of $37,273 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,689. About 4.1% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Cecil Garriott, MLB player for the Chicago Cubs
 * Abraham Lincoln, statesman and 16th president of the United States
 * Lawrence Rotz (1897–1963), Illinois state senator, businessman, and politician

title: Harristown, Illinois


text:
Long Creek, Illinois

Long Creek is a village in Macon County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census there were 1,261 people. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Long Creek is named for the creek that runs through the area.

The first settlers arrived in 1828 from North Carolina and subsequently built log cabins and made improvements on the surrounding land. In the fall of 1828, a band of Native Americans from the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma arrived and set up camp along Long Creek and began trapping, hunting, and fishing. When they were relatively unsuccessful at catching game, the Kickapoo began killing hogs and stealing poultry from the early settlers. Eventually a group of settlers drove them from the county.

During the early 1830s the area saw more settlers arriving, and the first schoolhouse was constructed in 1834. The school also served as a place of worship before the first church was built in 1842.

Geography
Long Creek is located in eastern Macon County at 39.80889°N, -88.85667°W (39.808936, -88.856548). It is bordered to the northwest by the city of Decatur, the county seat, and to the southwest by the village of Mount Zion. U.S. Route 36 runs along the northern edge of Long Creek village, leading northwest 6 mi to the center of Decatur and east 31 mi to Tuscola.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village of Long Creek has a total area of 2.83 sqmi, all land. Long Creek flows through the center of the village limits, running west to Finley Creek at the southeast arm of Lake Decatur, a reservoir on the Sangamon River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,364 people, 486 households, and 408 families residing in the village. The population density was 513.2 PD/sqmi. There were 500 housing units at an average density of 188.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.61% White, 0.44% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.51% of the population.

There were 486 households, out of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.1% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.0% were non-families. 13.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $56,083, and the median income for a family was $58,056. Males had a median income of $43,958 versus $27,344 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,141. About 3.5% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Long Creek, Illinois


text:
Macon, Illinois

Macon is a town in Macon County, Illinois, United States whose population was 1,177 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area and lies 9 mi south of Decatur.

History
The city was named after Nathaniel Macon (1758–1837), American politician.

It was originally plotted in 1856 on land owned by the Illinois Central Railroad. Macon was officially incorporated as a city on April 19, 1869.

Geography
Macon is located in southern Macon County at 39.70917°N, -89.00028°W (39.709123, -89.000391).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Macon has a total area of 1.45 sqmi, all land.

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 51.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 51 leads north 9 mi to Decatur, the Macon county seat, and south 25 mi to Pana.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,213 people, 467 households, and 346 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,376.2 PD/sqmi. There were 491 housing units at an average density of 557.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.85% White, 0.25% African American, 0.33% Asian, and 0.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population.

There were 467 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.9% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,917, and the median income for a family was $48,583. Males had a median income of $35,333 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,029. About 5.1% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

High school
On June 4, 1971, the Macon High School baseball team finished in second place at the Illinois High School Association championship tournament. Their unlikely run to the state tournament was documented in Chris Ballard's 2012 book, One Shot at Forever: A Small Town, an Unlikely Coach, and a Magical Baseball Season.

Brian Snitker, a member of that team, joined the Atlanta Braves as a player in 1977, was their third base coach, and in 2013 was named the manager of Atlanta's Triple-A Gwinnett Braves. In 2016, the Atlanta Braves named Snitker as their manager.

On May 27, 2006, Meridian High School State Champion Rodney Oyler was the first individual IHSA Illinois Boys State Champion in the open 800 meter run at O'Brien Stadium, Charleston, Illinois.

The Meridian Hawks won the 2009 Boys Class 1A Illinois High School Association State Basketball Championship.

Auto racing
Macon is the site of Macon Speedway, a 1/5 mile high-banked dirt oval track which has been in operation since 1946.

In 2006, the track saw a major decrease in spectator turnouts and the owner was having trouble keeping the track open. In early 2007, Macon speedway was purchased by NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, Ken Schrader, and Kenny Wallace. Since their purchase, parts of the track have been remodeled, including new fencing all around and fresh painted grandstands.

Notable people

 * Dale Connelly, co-host of Minnesota Public Radio's Morning Show, is a 1973 graduate of Macon High School
 * Nelson G. Kraschel, governor of Iowa from 1937 to 1939, was born on a farm near Macon on October 27, 1889
 * Brian Snitker, Manager of the Atlanta Braves baseball team, former professional baseball player, was a 1973 graduate of Macon High School.
 * Toby Towson, NCAA Gymnastics Champion, coach and dancer was a 1965 graduate of Macon High School
 * Art Wilson, (1885–1960), born in Macon, was a major league baseball catcher

title: Macon, Illinois


text:
Maroa, Illinois

Maroa is a city in Macon County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 1,577 at the 2020 census, down from 1,801 in 2010. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The city was named after the Maroa people.

The first settler of the township was James Pettyjohn, who came from Kentucky and settled in 1839. The next group of settlers came from Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee. The first schoolhouse was built in 1852. Maroa at one time was the second largest township, besides county seat Decatur, as it sat at the junction of both the Illinois Central Railroad and the Midland Railroad Company.

Maroa was officially incorporated as a town on March 7, 1867.

Geography
Maroa is located in northern Macon County at 40.03694°N, -88.955°W (40.036951, -88.954967). Its northern boundary is the DeWitt County line. U.S. Route 51 passes through the west side of the city, leading south 13 mi to Decatur and north 8 mi to Clinton.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Maroa has a total area of 1.76 sqmi, all land. The headwaters of the North Fork, a west-flowing tributary of the Lake Fork and part of the Sangamon River watershed, pass through the northern part of the city.

On January 3, 2023, An EF1 tornado with estimated peak winds of 110 miles per hour hit the northwest outskirts of Maroa. The tornado damaged silos and caused minor shingle damage to 2 homes.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,654 people, 651 households, and 477 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,456.2 PD/sqmi. There were 711 housing units at an average density of 1,055.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.27% White, 0.18% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.91% of the population.

There were 651 households, out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.4% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,615, and the median income for a family was $46,908. Males had a median income of $38,274 versus $20,809 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,308. About 3.0% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Maroa is the home to Maroa-Forsyth High School.

Notable people

 * Kevin Koslofski, Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals
 * Dean O'Banion, 1920s Irish-American mobster
 * Jeff Query, football wide receiver with Green Bay Packers; played football at Millikin University

title: Maroa, Illinois


text:
Niantic, Illinois

Niantic is a village in Macon County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 612 at the 2020 census, down from 707 in 2010. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Niantic was among the earliest settled townships in the county. In 1825, Joseph Strickling, a native of Ohio, first settled in what is now Niantic Township. He erected the first log cabin in Niantic.

From 1825 to 1840, there were very few permanent settlers. The township's population varied on settlers setting up temporary homes on their way to the American West. The first schoolhouse was a log cabin built in 1847.

The Potawatomi Death Trail ran through Niantic in 1838.

Geography
Niantic is located in western Macon County at 39.85492°N, -89.16555°W. It is 12 mi west of Decatur, the county seat, and 30 mi east-northeast of Springfield, the state capital.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Niantic has a total area of 1.04 sqmi, all land. The village drains westward to southwest-flowing tributaries of the Sangamon River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 738 people, 269 households, and 200 families residing in the village. The population density was 686.7 PD/sqmi. There were 299 housing units at an average density of 278.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.59% White, 0.14% Native American, and 0.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.68% of the population.

There were 269 households, out of which 37.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.2% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $41,184, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $21,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,448. About 5.7% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Niantic is home to Sangamon Valley High School, which is part of Sangamon Valley C.U.S.D. #9.

Notable people

 * Art Phelan, third baseman for the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds; born in Niantic
 * John L. Rotz, a jockey in National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame; born in Niantic

title: Niantic, Illinois


text:
Oreana, Illinois

Oreana is a village in Macon County, Illinois, United States, which had a population of 891 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Oreana is located in northeastern Macon County at 39.93806°N, -88.86944°W (39.937964, -88.869322). Illinois Route 48 passes through the village, leading southwest 9 mi to Decatur, the county seat, and northeast 4 mi to Argenta.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oreana has a total area of 0.5 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 892 people, 343 households, and 267 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,785 PD/sqmi. There were 353 housing units at an average density of 706 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.99% White, 0.11% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.45% of the population.

There were 343 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.2% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,339, and the median income for a family was $58,229. Males had a median income of $45,000 versus $21,118 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,133. About 1.4% of families and 2.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 1.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Oreana, Illinois


text:
Warrensburg, Illinois

Warrensburg is a village in Macon County, Illinois, United States. Its population was 1,110 at the 2020 census, down from 1,201 in 2010. It is included in the Decatur, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area. Warrensburg was established in 1841.

Geography
Warrensburg is located in northwestern Macon County at 39.93111°N, -89.06139°W (39.931102, -89.061326). Illinois Route 121 passes through the northeast side of the village, leading southeast 9 mi to Decatur, the county seat, and northwest 14 mi to Mount Pulaski.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Warrensburg has a total area of 0.73 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,289 people, 500 households, and 364 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,900.6 PD/sqmi. There were 527 housing units at an average density of 777.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.67% White, 0.62% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.47% of the population.

There were 500 households, out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 22.4% 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 2.56 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,708, and the median income for a family was $51,458. Males had a median income of $40,341 versus $22,688 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,041. About 2.4% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.5% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * John L. Rotz, Hall of Fame jockey, winner of 1970 Belmont Stakes
 * Margie Wright, softball coach and Hall of Famer

title: Warrensburg, Illinois


text:
Benld, Illinois

Benld (pronounced ) is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,464 at the 2020 census, down from 1,556 in 2010. It is located in the Metro-East portion of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

Benld was declared the "most difficult to pronounce" place name in the state of Illinois by Reader's Digest.

History
Benld was established in 1903. The name derives from founder Benjamin L. Dorsey (d. June 19, 1895), who was responsible for gaining the land on which the town was built and coal mining rights. "Benld" is the combination of Dorsey's first name and his middle and last initial. The village was home to a Russian Orthodox church until 2010. Opened in 1901 by Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants, Holy Dormition was converted to a Monastery in 2010. The church was founded to serve the immigrant mining community. On September 29, 1938, a meteorite landed in Benld, marking only the third meteorite landing in Illinois since records were kept. It is one of the few known meteorites to strike a man-made object, punching a hole in the roof of Edward McCain's garage and embedding itself in the seat of his 1928 Pontiac coupe. A neighbor, Mrs. Carl Crum, was standing about fifty feet from the impact and may be the individual who came closest to being struck by a meteorite in history up to that time. The meteorite and portions of the car are now on display at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

In March 2009, the seven-year-old Benld Elementary school was damaged beyond repair and ultimately condemned. The damage was caused by mine subsidence and left more than 700 students without a school. The students were moved to the Gillespie High School and Middle School campus, where they finished the remainder of the year on a split shift schedule. High school and middle school students attended school from 6:30am to noon, and elementary aged students attended from 12:30pm until 5:00 pm. The students started the 2010 school year on the split shift. On November 2, 2010, all students returned to a normal schedule, with the elementary children attending class in three different locations (modular units, middle school classrooms, and the S.S. Simon & Jude Catholic School). The district was allowed to collect only $350,000 in mine subsidence insurance due to limits imposed by the state of Illinois. The district is in line to receive funding from the Capital Development Board to help with the construction of a new elementary school. The school is responsible for 20% of the $22 million budget to build a new school. The school district is actively pursuing grants to fulfill their responsibility. The Ben-Gil Boosters, an organization formed to help raise funds for the construction of the new school, won $250,000 in April 2010 through Pepsi's Refresh Everything Campaign. The new school is adjacent to the district's middle school and high school in Gillespie. Its name has been changed to Ben-Gil Elementary School, to reflect both communities.

At a special CUSD 7 Board of Education meeting on August 16, 2017, the board approved a $4 million settlement with the Union Pacific Railroad, legal owners of the assets of the former Superior Coal Company, in connection with the subsidence. Originally, the district had been awarded $9.85 million in 2014, but Union Pacific appealed that ruling.

Geography
Benld is located in southeastern Macoupin County in the southwest corner of Cahokia Township. It is bordered to the south by the village of Sawyerville and to the northwest by the village of Mount Clare.

Illinois Route 4 runs along the western border of Benld, leading north 2.5 mi to Gillespie and south 6 mi to Staunton. Route 4 leads north 15 mi to Carlinville, the Macoupin county seat. Illinois Route 138 passes through the center of Benld as Central Street and South 8th Street, leading southeast 4 mi to White City and Interstate 55. St. Louis is 45 mi southwest of Benld.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Benld has a total area of 1.06 sqmi, all land. A small unnamed runs through the center of Benld, flowing south to Cahokia Creek, a southwest-flowing direct tributary of the Mississippi River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,541 people, 676 households, and 415 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,455.9 /sqmi. There were 772 housing units at an average density of 729.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.25% White, 0.52% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.45% from other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.97% of the population.

There were 676 households, of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.9% 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 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,395, and the median income for a family was $36,953. Males had a median income of $30,054 versus $19,400 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,521. About 9.7% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.7% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * A. C. Bartulis (1927-2011), politician and businessman; born in Benld

title: Benld, Illinois


text:
Bunker Hill, Illinois

Bunker Hill is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,630 at the 2020 census, down from 1,774 in 2010.

Settlement
The original inhabitants of the Bunker Hill area were the Peoria people, Kickapoo people, and Winnebago people. They were forcibly removed from the area by the United States government around 1830.

As Euro-Americans arrived in Macoupin County, the site of the future Bunker Hill was settled in 1830. At that time, the area was known as "Wolf Ridge", due to the presence of wolves in the vicinity. The first settler was Elijah Lincoln in 1830, who established a land claim one and a half miles southwest of present Bunker Hill. Shortly after he made his claim, Lincoln and a Mr. Tuttle laid out a town, named "Lincoln" after the first settler. The earliest post office in the area was established in 1833 a mile south of Lincoln. A school house was built around 1831, and was also used as the meeting hall for the Baptist denomination. The first church in the area was built by the Baptists. The second was the Congregational church in nearby Woodburn.

In 1834, County Surveyor Luke Knowlton entered 80 acre of land that now cover the center of Bunker Hill. On December 25, 1835, Moses True of Salisbury, New Hampshire, John Tilden of Boston, Massachusetts, and Robert Smith of Alton, Illinois, visited Lincoln and formed a company to plat a town and improve the surrounding countryside. By 1836, the settlement of Lincoln had been abandoned, prompting Moses and company to establish a new town, which became Bunker Hill in 1837.

The tornado of 1948
At 6:45am CST on March 19, 1948, a tornado that originated in Alton, Illinois, blew through Bunker Hill, destroying the majority of the town's buildings and killing 19 people. Although the tornado was only in town for less than a minute, the destruction was devastating. The downtown business district lost many of its buildings. The streets were impassable due to rubble from the storm. The newly renovated Meissner School was one of few buildings virtually undamaged by the tornado. A first aid station was set up in the school, with a temporary morgue in another classroom. By 9:00 am, ambulances from Alton, Carlinville, Litchfield, and Gillespie arrived to transport the injured to local hospitals. By the end of the day, National Guard units, US Army units, the Red Cross, Salvation Army, American Legion, VFW, and Illinois State Police had arrived to restore order and provide assistance to the citizens of Bunker Hill.

The Army and National Guard established patrols to minimize looting, and the State Police set up road blocks to keep sightseers away. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Lebanon American Legion opened food stations to feed the volunteers and homeless citizens of the town. Bahn's Grocery Store donated their entire stock for the food stations. A temporary post office was opened in the lobby of the First National Bank. Local farmers brought their tractors and bulldozers to town to clear rubble and reopen the streets.

By evening, the Red Cross had pitched tents in front of Meissner School to house the newly homeless citizens. 126 people were injured and 19 killed by the tornado. Property damage was estimated between four and five million dollars. All five churches in Bunker Hill were destroyed by the tornado, prompting two local ministers, Rev. Burke of the First Congregational Church and Rev. Johnson of the Baptist Church, to conduct the Easter Sunday services on March 28, 1948, using a bulldozer as a pulpit. An estimated 500 residents and volunteers gathered at the center of town for the sermons before returning to work.

A brick pavilion stood in the middle of the intersection of Washington and Warren Streets prior to the tornado. The pavilion, which had been used as a bandstand for community events, was not rebuilt after the tornado, instead being replaced by a flagpole and memorial to local military veterans.

Bunker Hill Military Academy
Bunker Hill was the home of the Bunker Hill Military Academy toward the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. The school opened in 1859 as the Bunker Hill Academy, but closed during the Civil War. From 1862 until 1869, the building housed Bunker Hill's public school. In 1883, the military academy was established in the aging building, offering strict instruction to local children as well as the cadets. The academy remained open until 1914. After the 1948 tornado, the grounds were donated to the American Legion, which built a local post and park on the site.

Geography
Bunker Hill is located in southern Macoupin County in the eastern part of Bunker Hill Township. Carlinville, the Macoupin county seat, is 19 mi to the north, Alton on the Mississippi River is 20 mi to the southwest, and downtown St. Louis is 37 mi to the south-southwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bunker Hill has a total area of 1.31 sqmi, of which 1.28 sqmi are land and 0.025 sqmi, or 1.91%, are water. The city sits on a ridge that drains east to Paddock Creek and west to Indian Creek. Both creeks are south-flowing tributaries of Cahokia Creek, which runs to the Mississippi River northeast of St. Louis.

Transportation
Bunker Hill is centered at the intersection of Illinois Route 159, a north–south thoroughfare running from Illinois Route 16 in the north to Red Bud in the south, and the Bunker Hill Blacktop, running west to Brighton as the Brighton-Bunker Hill Road and east to Staunton and Illinois Route 4 as the Staunton-Bunker Hill Road. The nearest airport is the St. Louis Regional Airport, 15 mi southwest of Bunker Hill in Bethalto.

Lincoln statue
Bunker Hill is the home of one of four statues of Abraham Lincoln sculpted by William Grandville Hastings. In 1904, Captain Charles Clinton, formerly of Company B of the First Missouri Voluntary Cavalry, donated the statue to the citizens of Bunker Hill in commemoration of the service of local veterans in Company B during the Civil War. The cost of the granite base was raised through voluntary subscription, and the bronze casting of Lincoln was shipped from Philadelphia.

On September 7, 1904, the statue was unveiled by Miss Mary True, daughter of the town's founder. An estimated 7,000 attended the dedication of the statue following a parade through the center of town. Illinois Governor Richard Yates Jr. and Senator Shelby M. Collum were present to witness the ceremonies. Also present were local veterans of Company B John Dennison (Carlinville), James G. Rumbolz (Bunker Hill), Fred Dabel (Bunker Hill), Herman Heuer (Dorsey), James Lawrence (Carlinville), James Pocklington (Carlinville), John Brandenburger (Bunker Hill), E.S. Williams (Bunker Hill), and August Kardel (Upper Alton). Captain Clinton was also present for the dedication.

A plaque mounted on the statue's base reads: "1904– In Ever Lasting Memory of The Conflict By Which The Union In Which They Took Part This Statue of Abraham Lincoln Was Presented To the Citizens of Bunker Hill By the Soldiers of Company B of the First Missouri Cavalry, Charles Clinton"

The statue also includes Lady Liberty kneeling at the base, etching the words "with malice toward none."

The Lincoln statue rests in the middle of the intersection of North Washington (IL Route 159) and Fayette streets.

Other attractions
The Bunker Hill City Cemetery, located in the 600 block of East Warren Street, is home to the Soldiers Monument honoring those who fought and died for freedom and liberty. The monument was erected in 1866. It was damaged during the 1948 tornado, but in 1951 three World War II veterans teamed up to repair it. A special re-dedication ceremony was held on September 17, 2016, as part of the 2016 Fall Fest sponsored by the Bunker Hill Chamber of Commerce.

The Bunker Hill Historical Museum, operated by the Bunker Hill Historical Society, is located at 114 East Warren Street in the building which was once home to the Bunker Hill Public Library and then later Bunker Hill City Hall. The museum features exhibits on local history, including information on the area churches, area cemeteries, area schools including the former Bunker Hill Military Academy, the 1948 tornado, and an early 20th-century doctor's office. The museum is open every Tuesday and Saturday morning from 10:00am CST until 12:00pm CST and also by appointment.

Brittany Shooting Park is located north-northeast of town on East Prairie Dell Road, about 4 mi north of Bunker Hill off IL 159. The Shooting Park hosts several Illinois State trap meets every year, and offers daily shooting as well as programs for children wanting to learn the sport.

Education
Bunker Hill is served by Bunker Hill CUSD and has 1 high school, Bunker Hill High School.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,801 people, 697 households, and 496 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,526.9 PD/sqmi. There were 742 housing units at an average density of 629.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.50% White, 1.22% African American, 0.11% Asian, 0.28% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.

There were 697 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% 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 3.02.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,156, and the median income for a family was $45,885. Males had a median income of $35,227 versus $23,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,798. About 8.8% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bunker Hill, Illinois


text:
Carlinville, Illinois

Carlinville is a city and the county seat of Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,710.

It is the home of Blackburn College, a small college affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The city is the former home of Prairie Farms Dairy.

History
Carlinville is named for Thomas Carlin, seventh governor of Illinois, who as a member of the state legislature was instrumental in creating Macoupin County.

Carlinville has long been a site of Illinois history, and played host to many presidential hopefuls via campaign stops at a time in American history when railway routes produced many visits by politicians. Perhaps the largest and most important hallmark of Carlinville's history is its courthouse, the largest built outside of New York City at the time of its erection. Built in 1870 and designed by famous state capitol building architect Elijah E. Myers, the construction of Carlinville's courthouse produced its candidacy for the location of the state capitol. Locally, it is known as "The Million Dollar Courthouse" due to its cost overruns at the time it was built.

In the early 1900s Carlinville became the site of a great many Sears Catalog Homes. An entire neighborhood was constructed of the homes and was funded, in 1918, by Standard Oil of Indiana for its mineworkers in Carlinville, at a cost of approximately one million dollars. In gratitude, Sears, Roebuck named one of its house models the "Carlin". Today 149 of the original 156 homes still exist, the largest single repository of Sears Catalog Homes in the United States.

One notable resident of Carlinville was American entomologist Charles Robertson, who carried out what is still the single most intensive study of flower-visiting insects of a single locality (Carlinville), culminating in a 221-page book published in 1928 under the title Flowers and Insects. From among the specimens he collected in the process of doing this study, he named over 100 new species of bees and wasps. Scientists in 1970–1972 did a similar survey, and found that most of the bees noted by Robertson were still present. This is presumably due to the existence of bee habitat in hedgerows, on slopes, and in other non-agricultural land in the survey area.

Other notable Carlinvillians include nature writer and novelist Mary Hunter Austin, once called "the most intelligent woman in America" by H.G. Wells, distinguished military personnel, politicians, and others.

Geography
Carlinville is in central Macoupin County. Illinois Routes 4 and 108 pass through the city center, joining as East 1st South Street through the city's east side. Route 4 leads north-northeast 40 mi to Springfield, the state capital, and south 21 mi to Staunton, while Route 108 leads east 13 mi to Interstate 55 and west 29 mi to Carrollton.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Carlinville has a total area of 3.37 sqmi, all land. Briar Creek passes through the east side of the city, joining Macoupin Creek just south of the city limits. Macoupin Creek is a west-flowing tributary of the Illinois River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,685 people, 2,125 households, and 1,393 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,390 PD/sqmi. There were 2,289 housing units at an average density of 962.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.01% White, 1.50% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population.

There were 2,125 households, of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% 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 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 12.8% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,259, and the median income for a family was $39,693. Males had a median income of $35,137 versus $21,286 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,663. About 9.0% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.3% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Illinois Route 4 passes north to south through Carlinville. Interstate 55 passes 12 mi east of the city. Illinois Route 108 passes through Carlinville connecting Interstate 55 to the east with Kampsville to the west, where it crosses the Illinois River on a free, state-operated ferry.

The Carlinville Amtrak station is served directly by five daily trains, offering easy access south to St. Louis and north to Springfield and Chicago. One train is the Texas Eagle which connects Chicago to Texas and features sleeping cars, a dining car and a lounge.

Freight rail service is provided by the Union Pacific Railroad, formerly the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio, the Illinois Central Gulf, the Chicago, Missouri and Western, and the Southern Pacific Chicago - St. Louis Railways. The main line of the GM&O passed through Carlinville.

The Illinois Terminal Railroad, an electric interurban to St. Louis from Springfield that once provided both freight and passenger service, passed down the middle of Carlinville's West Street. It was still operating freight trains on West Street to a nearby grain elevator into the 1970s. Its trestle crossing Goat Hollow south of Carlinville burned severing the line, which was then abandoned. A small portion of the line is used by Monterey Coal Co. mine to connect with the former Chicago and North Western Transportation Company L & M District, serving coal-fired power plants.

Notable people

 * Walter Stratton Anderson (1881–1981), U.S. Navy vice admiral
 * Mary Hunter Austin (1868–1934), writer
 * Dana J. Boente (1954– ), General Counsel of the FBI and former Acting Attorney General of the United States
 * William A. Boring (1859–1934), architect
 * Frank W. Burton (1857–1934), Illinois state legislator and judge
 * Kelsey Card (1992- ), Olympic discus thrower
 * Louis P. Daley (1868–1930), Illinois state representative
 * Vince Demuzio (1941–2004), Illinois state senator and chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party
 * Palemon Howard Dorsett (1862–1943), horticulturalist
 * Cornelius J. Doyle (1871–1938), Illinois Secretary of State
 * David Gore (1823–1911), Illinois state senator and State Auditor
 * Mark Juergensmeyer (1940– ), religious scholar
 * Truman H. Landon (1905–1986), U.S. Air Force general
 * Louis John Lanzerotti (1938- ), research professor of physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology
 * Gustave Loehr (1864–1918), co-founder of Rotary International
 * Peter F. Mack Jr. (1916–1986), congressman from Illinois
 * William Moise (1922–1980), artist
 * William L. Mounts (1862–1929), Illinois state legislator, lawyer, and mayor of Carlinville
 * John M. Palmer (1817–1900), 15th Governor of Illinois
 * John McAuley Palmer (1870–1955), U.S. Army general
 * Charles Robertson (1858–1935), entomologist
 * Richard Rowett (1830–1887), Civil War officer and horse breeder
 * W. O. Woods (1873–1951), Treasurer of the United States

title: Carlinville, Illinois


text:
Chesterfield, Illinois

Chesterfield is a village in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 170 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Chesterfield is located in western Macoupin County at 39.25478°N, -90.06496°W. Illinois Route 111 passes through the village as Main Street, leading north 7 mi to Hettick and southwest 8 mi to Medora. Carlinville, the Macoupin county seat, is 12 mi to the east via Routes 111 and 108.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Chesterfield has a total area of 0.54 sqmi, all land. The village drains north to Bear Creek, a west-flowing tributary of Hodges Creek and subsequently Macoupin Creek, part of the Illinois River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 223 people, 86 households, and 60 families residing in the village. The population density was 412.2 PD/sqmi. There were 95 housing units at an average density of 175.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.76% White, 0.45% Native American, and 1.79% from two or more races.

There were 86 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.2% were non-families. 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% 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 3.05.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.7% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 15.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $33,125, and the median income for a family was $34,375. Males had a median income of $29,250 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,555. About 11.4% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 11.8% of those 65 or over.

title: Chesterfield, Illinois


text:
Dorchester, Illinois

Dorchester is a village in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 133 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Dorchester is located in southern Macoupin County at 39.0875°N, -89.88667°W (39.08759, -89.88660). It is 2 mi northwest of Wilsonville, 5 mi southwest of Gillespie, with which it shares a ZIP Code (62033), and 15 mi south of Carlinville, the Macoupin county seat.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Dorchester has a total area of 0.72 sqmi, all land. The village drains eastward to the West Fork of Cahokia Creek, which leads south, then west, to the Mississippi River near St. Louis.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 142 people, 58 households, and 40 families residing in the village. The population density was 198.5 PD/sqmi. There were 61 housing units at an average density of 85.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.30% White, and 0.70% from two or more races.

There were 58 households, of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.1% were married couples living together, 1.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 27.6% 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 2.45 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $45,625. Males had a median income of $37,500 versus $18,333 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,753. There were none of the families and 5.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 23.1% of those over 64.

title: Dorchester, Illinois


text:
Eagarville, Illinois

Eagarville is a village in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 114 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Eagarville is located in southeastern Macoupin County at 39.11056°N, -89.78417°W (39.110422, -89.784289). It is 3 mi southeast of Gillespie, 2 mi northeast of Benld, and 5 mi northwest of Mount Olive.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Eagarville has a total area of 0.930 sqmi, of which 0.911 sqmi (or 97.95%) are land and 0.019 sqmi (or 2.04%) are water. Bear Creek crosses the southwest corner of the village, and Spring Creek crosses the northeast corner. Both are southeast-flowing tributaries of Cahokia Creek, a southwest-flowing direct tributary of the Mississippi River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 128 people, 45 households, and 34 families residing in the village. The population density was 137.5 PD/sqmi. There were 52 housing units at an average density of 55.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 45 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.9% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.38.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.3% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 124.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $31,667, and the median income for a family was $40,500. Males had a median income of $32,250 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,605. There were 7.1% of families and 4.2% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Eagarville, Illinois


text:
East Gillespie, Illinois

East Gillespie is a village in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 269.

Geography
East Gillespie is located in southeastern Macoupin County at 39.13722°N, -89.81472°W (39.137337, −89.814663). It is bordered to the south by the city of Gillespie. Illinois Route 4 runs through the village, leading north 11 mi to Carlinville, the Macoupin county seat, and south 9 mi to Staunton. Illinois Route 16 runs through the southeast part of the village, leading northeast 9 mi to Litchfield and west through Gillespie 29 mi to Jerseyville.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, East Gillespie has a total area of 0.32 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 234 people, 91 households, and 65 families residing in the village. The population density was 735.9 PD/sqmi. There were 97 housing units at an average density of 305.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.72% White, 0.43% African American, 0.43% Pacific Islander, and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43% of the population.

There were 91 households, out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.6% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% 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 3.09.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,000, and the median income for a family was $36,500. Males had a median income of $31,875 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,628. About 3.2% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 6.7% of those 65 or over.

title: East Gillespie, Illinois


text:
Gillespie, Illinois

Gillespie is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States, and part of the Metro East region of the St. Louis metropolitan area. The population was 3,168 at the 2020 census.

History
The first group of settlers arrived to the area of Gillespie in the late 1820s from Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The township thrived in the 1830s, increasing in population and businesses. In 1835 the first schoolhouse was built. Gillespie was incorporated as a town in the spring of 1853. By 1904, the population rose to 3,100 and there were a number of businesses, churches, and schools. On January 29, 1905, a fire swept through the business district and destroyed most businesses and some homes.

For years, Gillespie's main source of employment were the multiple coal mines scattered throughout the township operated by the Chicago & Northwestern Railway. It is said that Gillespie boasted three of the largest coal mines in the world.

Gillespie is named for Judge Joseph Gillespie, who was active in Illinois state politics.

Geography
Gillespie is located mainly in eastern Gillespie Township but extends east into the west part of Cahokia Township. It is bordered to the north by the village of East Gillespie.

Illinois Routes 4 and 16 pass through Gillespie, joining in the center of town as East Elm Street. Route 4 leads north 13 mi to Carlinville, the county seat, and south 8 mi to Staunton. St. Louis is 47 mi to the southwest. Route 16 leads northeast 10 mi to Litchfield and west 28 mi to Jerseyville.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Gillespie has a total area of 1.48 sqmi, all land. The city is drained to the southeast by Bear Creek, a tributary of Cahokia Creek, which runs to the Mississippi River northeast of St. Louis. To the northwest are Old and New Gillespie Lakes, reservoirs on the Dry Fork of Macoupin Creek, a west-flowing tributary of the Illinois River. The two lakes are 3 to 5 mi northwest of the city, and many people from surrounding towns enjoy fishing, boating, water-skiing and sunbathing there.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,412 people, 1,452 households, and 936 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,349.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,547 housing units at an average density of 1,065.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.56% White, 0.32% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 1,452 households, of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,168, and the median income for a family was $40,500. Males had a median income of $35,032 versus $23,136 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,042. About 8.6% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Gillespie is home to Gillespie C.U.S.D. #7, which operates Gillespie High School, Gillespie Middle School, and Ben-Gil Elementary School.

Services
The city of Gillespie provides police protection for the neighboring communities of Benld, Mount Clare, and Eagarville. In addition Gillespie supplies water to Benld, Sawyerville, Wilsonville, Mount Clare, Dorchester, East Gillespie, and Eagarville, as well as sewer services to East Gillespie and Eagarville.

Notable people

 * Ferras Alqais, singer-songwriter
 * W. Russell Arrington, Illinois state legislator and lawyer; born in Gillespie
 * Vince Demuzio, Illinois state legislator; born in Gillespie
 * Clarence J. Goodnight, zoologist; born in Gillespie
 * Howard Keel, film and television actor and singer
 * William D. Lyons, coal miner and Illinois state legislator; lived in Gillespie
 * Harry Patton, pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals; born in Gillespie
 * Raphael Tracey, U.S. soccer player and member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame; born in Gillespie
 * Stuart J. Traynor, lawyer and Illinois state legislator; born in Gillespie

title: Gillespie, Illinois


text:
Girard, Illinois

Girard is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,785 at the 2020 census, down from 2,103 in 2010.

History
Girard is named for Stephen Girard. When the village incorporated as a city, it became politically separate from Girard Township which surrounded it.

Geography
Girard is located in northeastern Macoupin County at 39.44583°N, -89.78139°W (39.445947, -89.781253). Illinois Route 4 passes through the center of town as Third Street, leading southwest 14 mi to Carlinville, the county seat, and north-northeast 26 mi to Springfield, the state capital.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Girard has a total area of 0.93 sqmi, all land. The city drains west to tributaries of the East Fork of Otter Creek, flowing southwest to Hodges and then Macoupin Creek, a west-flowing tributary of the Illinois River. Sunset Lake and Otter Lake are 4 and 6 mi west of Girard, respectively.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,245 people, 864 households, and 565 families living in the city. The population density was 2,398.9 PD/sqmi. There were 926 housing units at an average density of 989.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.93% White, 0.13% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population.

There were 864 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% 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 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,806, and the median income for a family was $39,028. Males had a median income of $29,537 versus $22,266 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,090. About 10.2% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.8% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Recreation
Girard is located at the south end of the Sangamon Valley Trail right-of-way.

Notable people

 * Hardin B. Cloud, farmer, merchant, and Iowa state legislator; born in Girard
 * Charlotte Pierce, silent film actress; born in Girard
 * Fountain L. Thompson, U.S. senator for North Dakota in early 20th Century; raised in Girard

title: Girard, Illinois


text:
Hettick, Illinois

Hettick is a village in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 149 at the 2020 census, down from 181 in 2010.

Geography
Hettick is located in northwestern Macoupin County at 39.35523°N, -90.03715°W, 13 mi northwest of Carlinville, the county seat. Illinois Route 111 passes through the village as Main Street, leading north 6 mi to Palmyra and south 7 mi to Chesterfield.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hettick has a total area of 0.37 sqmi, all land. The village sits on a ridge that drains northwest to Solomon Creek and southeast to Nassa Creek, both part of the Macoupin Creek watershed leading west to the Illinois River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 182 people, 83 households, and 55 families residing in the village. The population density was 548.9 PD/sqmi. There were 89 housing units at an average density of 268.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 83 households, of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.0% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,417, and the median income for a family was $35,313. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,117. About 5.6% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 15.4% of those 65 or over.

title: Hettick, Illinois