Blakes, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Blakes, Illinois
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 Blakes, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Blakes, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | LaSalle |
| Township | Serena |
| Elevation | 610 ft (190 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area codes | 815 & 779 |
| GNIS feature ID | 422472 |
Blakes is a small, quiet place in Serena Township, LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes or buildings that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government. Blakes is located near the Illinois Railway, about 9.1 miles (14.6 km) north-northeast of a larger city called Ottawa.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Blakes is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own separate government. Instead, it's usually part of a larger area, like a township or a county.
How Unincorporated Communities are Governed
Since Blakes doesn't have its own mayor or city council, the services it needs are provided by the county or township. This includes things like police, fire protection, and road maintenance. It's different from a city, which has its own rules and leaders.
Exploring LaSalle County, Illinois
Blakes is located in LaSalle County, which is a large county in the state of Illinois. Illinois is a state in the Midwestern United States, known for its rich history and diverse landscapes.
Geography of LaSalle County
LaSalle County is in the north-central part of Illinois. It's known for its beautiful rivers, including the Illinois River, and its fertile farmland. The area around Blakes is mostly rural, meaning it has a lot of open land and fewer big buildings.
Nearby Cities and Towns
The closest major city to Blakes is Ottawa. Ottawa is the county seat of LaSalle County, which means it's where the main government offices for the county are located. It's a much larger community with more shops, schools, and services than Blakes.
The Illinois Railway and Its Importance
Blakes is situated along the Illinois Railway. Railways, also known as railroads, are tracks where trains travel. They have been very important for transportation and trade for a long time.
How Railways Help Communities
Railways play a big role in connecting different places. They can carry goods like crops or manufactured products from one area to another. They also used to be a primary way for people to travel long distances before cars and airplanes became common. For small communities like Blakes, being near a railway could have been important for its early development and connection to other towns.
Blakes: A Quiet Place in Illinois
Blakes is a small, quiet place that offers a glimpse into rural life in Illinois. It's a reminder that not all communities are bustling cities; many are peaceful spots where people live close to nature.
