Buffalo Hart, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buffalo Hart, Illinois
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 Buffalo Hart, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Buffalo Hart, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Sangamon |
| Elevation | 623 ft (190 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 217 |
| GNIS feature ID | 405160 |
Buffalo Hart is a small place in northern Sangamon County, Illinois. It is called an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
Buffalo Hart is also the main area for its own township, called Buffalo Hart Township.
About Buffalo Hart
Buffalo Hart started a long time ago in the 1800s. It began as a settlement on the edge of the wild prairie. People built homes near a special group of trees.
Later, it became a stop on the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield Railroad. This train line was about twelve miles northeast of Springfield, Illinois, which is the state capital.
A Look Back in Time
In the past, farmers would bring their fresh vegetables and milk to the train station. From there, their goods could be sent to nearby cities. The old train station is no longer there today.
However, the railroad tracks are still used by a company called Canadian National. The tracks run right through Buffalo Hart.
The Buffalo Hart Grove
About half a mile south of the community is a small group of trees. This area has always been known as "Buffalo Hart." It stood out because it was surrounded by wide-open tallgrass prairie.
A small part of this forest, about three acres, has been saved. It is now a public park called Robert Burns Memorial Park. Here, you can see white oak trees.
Changes Over the Years
Buffalo Hart Grove had a post office very early on, starting in 1837. But by 2009, the post office was gone. The general store, where people bought everyday items, closed around 1971.
The grain elevator next to the train tracks also stopped being used in 2012. Today, Buffalo Hart is part of the larger Springfield, Illinois metropolitan area. You can reach it by using Illinois Route 54.
