Dexter, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dexter, Illinois
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 Dexter, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Dexter, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Effingham |
| Elevation | 597 ft (182 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 217 |
| GNIS feature ID | 422622 |
Dexter is a small, quiet place located in Effingham County, in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town does. Instead, it's managed by the county.
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Discovering Dexter, Illinois
Dexter is a unique spot on the map of Illinois. It's a place where people live, but it doesn't have a mayor or city council. Think of it as a neighborhood that's part of a bigger county area.
A Glimpse into Dexter's Past
Dexter has a bit of history, even if it's a small community. The name Dexter was chosen to honor an important person from the area's early days. This person was Josia Lufkin Dexter, a local pioneer. Pioneers were brave people who were among the first to settle in a new place.
One interesting fact about Dexter's past involves its post office. The post office in Dexter closed down in 1926. Back then, post offices were super important. They were the main way people sent and received letters, news, and even packages. When a post office closed, it often meant changes for the community.
Where is Dexter Located?
Dexter is found in the central part of Illinois. It's in Effingham County, which is known for its farming and natural beauty. The community is situated at an elevation of about 597 feet above sea level. This means it's not very high up, but it's not flat either.
You can find Dexter by looking at its coordinates: 39 degrees, 4 minutes, 51 seconds North latitude and 88 degrees, 41 minutes, 0 seconds West longitude. These numbers help pinpoint its exact spot on a map of the world.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
You might be wondering what an "unincorporated community" really is. It's a place where people live close together, but it hasn't officially formed its own city or town government. This means:
- It doesn't have its own police department, fire department, or public works department.
- Instead, these services are usually provided by the larger county government.
- Residents still pay taxes, but those taxes go to the county instead of a local city hall.
- Life in an unincorporated community can be quieter, with fewer local rules than a big city.
Many small places across the United States are unincorporated communities. They are important parts of their counties and states.
