Clifford, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clifford, Illinois
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 Clifford, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Clifford, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Williamson |
| Elevation | 387 ft (118 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
62918
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| Area code(s) | 618 |
| GNIS feature ID | 422564 |
Clifford is a small place in Williamson County, Illinois, in the United States. It used to be a busy mining town in the early 1900s. Today, it is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Most of Clifford has disappeared since the mines closed down.
What Was Clifford?
Clifford was once a lively settlement built around coal mining. It is located in the northwestern part of Williamson County. Many people moved there to work in the mines.
A Short History
Clifford was officially recognized when a post office opened there. This happened on January 26, 1905. The post office helped connect the community to the outside world. It stayed open for many years, until after 1931.
Life in Clifford
At its peak, Clifford was home to hundreds of people. In 1958, about 300 people lived there. The community depended heavily on the local coal mines. When the mines were active, they provided jobs and supported the town's economy.
Why Did Clifford Change?
Over time, the coal mines in the area began to close. This meant fewer jobs for the people living in Clifford. As a result, many families moved away to find work elsewhere. The population slowly decreased, and the community became much smaller. Today, only a few signs of the old mining town remain.
