Byron, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Byron
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Post Office in Byron.
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| Motto(s):
Gateway to the Rock River Valley.
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Location of Byron in Ogle County, Illinois.
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 Byron
Location in Ogle County, Illinois
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Ogle |
| Township | Byron |
| Founded | July 1835 |
| Incorporated Town | 1878 |
| City Charter | ? |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.65 sq mi (12.05 km2) |
| • Land | 4.65 sq mi (12.04 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 728 ft (222 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,784 |
| • Density | 813.76/sq mi (314.23/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
61010
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| Area code(s) | 815 |
| FIPS code | 17-10240 |
Byron is a city in Ogle County, Illinois, United States. It is perhaps best known for the Byron Nuclear Generating Station. This is one of the last nuclear power plants built in the United States.
Byron is located in Byron Township. It sits right along the Rock River. In 2020, about 3,784 people lived there. The city calls itself the "Gateway to the Rock River Valley."
Contents
Byron's History
The city of Byron started when a traveler rode through the area. He was on his way from Galena to Midway. This journey led to the founding of the city in July 1835. Byron officially became an incorporated town in 1878.
Geography and Climate of Byron
Byron is found in Byron Township. It is where Illinois Route 72 and Illinois Route 2 meet. The city has a special man-made prairie. The Rock River also flows right through the town. The land is mostly flat, which is great for farming.
Byron's Size and Water Areas
In 2010, Byron covered about 3.572 square miles (9.25 km2) of land. Almost all of this area, 3.57 square miles (9.25 km2), is dry land. Only a very small part, 0.002 square miles (0.01 km2), is water.
Weather in Byron
Byron has different weather throughout the year.
- In spring, temperatures are usually 50–65 degrees Fahrenheit. There is often a lot of rain.
- Summer temperatures are 75–100 degrees Fahrenheit. It can feel quite humid.
- Fall brings cooler weather, from 35–65 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaves start to change color and fall in mid-October.
- Winter is cold. Temperatures in January can be below freezing.
Transportation in Byron
The Iowa, Chicago, and Eastern Railroad tracks run right by the town. This helps connect Byron to other places.
Byron's Economy
The main part of Byron's economy is the Byron Nuclear Generating Station. This power plant is just south of the city. It is owned by Constellation Energy. Construction on the plant took ten years. It started making electricity in 1985. The station provides a lot of power for northern Illinois homes and businesses.
Byron also has local businesses. One example is Charlie Schmidt's Place. This store sells different kinds of merchandise, especially t-shirts.
Education in Byron
Byron has three schools that serve students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. About 2,500 students attend these schools.
- Mary Morgan Elementary School
- Byron Middle School
- Byron High School
Byron High School did very well in 2001. It placed fourth in the Illinois State Finals Academic Challenge. Mary Morgan Elementary School also received a special award. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Education named it an "Exemplary High Performing School." This was part of their National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.
Byron's Population History
Byron's population has grown over the years.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 698 | — | |
| 1900 | 1,015 | 45.4% | |
| 1910 | 932 | −8.2% | |
| 1920 | 855 | −8.3% | |
| 1930 | 915 | 7.0% | |
| 1940 | 1,113 | 21.6% | |
| 1950 | 1,237 | 11.1% | |
| 1960 | 1,578 | 27.6% | |
| 1970 | 1,749 | 10.8% | |
| 1980 | 2,035 | 16.4% | |
| 1990 | 2,284 | 12.2% | |
| 2000 | 2,917 | 27.7% | |
| 2010 | 3,753 | 28.7% | |
| 2020 | 3,784 | 0.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 2,917 people living in Byron. By 2020, the population had grown to 3,784 people.
Fun Events in Byron
Byron has a fun event called ByronFest.
- ByronFest is a carnival that happens every year in mid-July. It takes place throughout downtown Byron and other spots in the city.
Famous People from Byron
Many interesting people have come from Byron.
- Trisha Paytas: An American YouTuber, model, and singer.
- Troy Drake: An offensive tackle who played for NFL teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.
- Tom Billeter: He has been the men's basketball head coach for Augustana University since 2003.
- Wilson Irvine: A well-known painter.
- Joseph Medill McCormick: A politician who served as a congressman and senator.
- Francis K. Newcomer: A Brigadier general in the United States Army. He was also the Governor of the Panama Canal Zone from 1948 to 1952.
- Albert Goodwill Spalding: A professional baseball player and manager. He also helped start the A.G. Spalding sporting goods company.
Images for kids
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Learn more about Byron in Spanish!
