Bull Valley, Illinois facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bull Valley
Village
Village of Bull Valley
Sign leading into Bull Valley.
Location of Bull Valley in McHenry County, Illinois.
Location of Illinois in the United States
Country	United States
State	Illinois
Area
• Total	9.18 sq mi (23.76 km2)
• Land	9.14 sq mi (23.66 km2)
• Water	0.04 sq mi (0.10 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	1,128
• Density	123.45/sq mi (47.67/km2)
Area code(s)	815
FIPS code	17-09531
Wikimedia Commons	Bull Valley, Illinois
Website	http://www.thevillageofbullvalley.com/

Bull Valley is a small village located in McHenry County, Illinois, United States. In 2020, about 1,128 people lived there. It is surrounded by bigger towns like Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and McHenry. Bull Valley is known for keeping its quiet, country feel, even though it's close to the Chicago suburbs.

History of Bull Valley

The Terwilliger House in Bull Valley.

In 1942, a group of neighbors formed the Countryside Improvement Association. They wanted to protect their land and its natural beauty. In 1955, many landowners agreed to a special rule called "3-acre zoning." This meant that each house had to be built on at least three acres of land. This decision helped keep the area rural and open.

Later, in 1960, residents raised money to study how to best use the land. They formed the Eastern McHenry County Plan Association (EMCPA). This group suggested that much of Bull Valley should have even larger lots, at least five acres per house. They wanted to protect the beautiful hills, forests, and valleys.

As more development happened nearby, Bull Valley residents worked hard to save their farms and wetlands. They realized that private efforts were not enough. So, in 1977, the Bull Valley Association was formed. This group pushed for the area to become an official village.

On July 23, 1977, the residents voted to incorporate, meaning Bull Valley became its own village. This gave them the power to make their own rules about land use. Because of state laws, the village had to include scattered homes, which is why its borders look a bit unusual. In its early years, the village government was very small, focusing mainly on road repairs and later hiring a part-time police officer.

Bull Valley Today

The George Stickney House in Bull Valley.

Today, the village government is located in the George Stickney House. This is one of the oldest brick buildings in the area. It was built without any corners because the original owners believed evil spirits could hide in them! Even though Bull Valley has grown, it still feels like a rural place. You can find many woods, farms, and homes spread out on large lots. It remains a peaceful, low-density area between the larger towns around it.

Geography and Location

Bull Valley is located at 42°18′58″N 88°22′1″W / 42.31611°N 88.36694°W / 42.31611; -88.36694. According to the 2010 census, Bull Valley covers about 8.76 square miles (22.69 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small amount of water.

Main Roads in Bull Valley

• Illinois Route 120
• Greenwood Road
• Thompson Road
• Fleming Road
• Ridge Road
• Valley Hill Road
• Bull Valley Road
• Country Club Road
• Crystal Springs Road
• Crystal Lake Road
• Cold Springs Road
• Queen Anne Road
• Draper Road
• Cherry Valley Road
• Mason Hill Road

Population Changes

The population of Bull Valley has slowly grown over the years. In 1980, there were 509 people, and by 2020, the population had increased to 1,128.

Famous People From Bull Valley

• Chester Gould, a cartoonist who created the famous Dick Tracy comic strip.
• John H. Johnson, who founded the Johnson Publishing Company.

See also

In Spanish: Bull Valley para niños