Downs, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Downs, Illinois
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
Location in McLean County, Illinois
|
|
 Downs, Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | McLean |
| Townships | Downs, Oldtown |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.00 sq mi (7.76 km2) |
| • Land | 3.00 sq mi (7.76 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 755 ft (230 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 1,201 |
| • Density | 400.60/sq mi (154.67/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
61736 (Downs)
61705 (Bloomington) |
| Area code(s) | 309 |
| GNIS ID | 2398746 |
| FIPS code | 17-20643 |
| Wikimedia Commons | Downs, Illinois |
Downs is a small village located in McLean County, Illinois, United States. It's a part of the larger Bloomington–Normal area. In 2020, about 1,201 people lived there. This was an increase from 1,005 people in 2010.
Geography of Downs
Downs is found in the southern part of McLean County. It is about 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Bloomington, which is the main city in the county. A major road, U.S. Route 150, goes through the northeast side of the village. This road connects Downs to Bloomington in the northwest and to Le Roy in the southeast.
Another important road, Interstate 74, runs along the southwest side of Downs. You can get onto I-74 from Exit 142. This interstate highway leads northwest to Bloomington and southeast to Champaign.
The village covers an area of about 3 square miles (7.76 square kilometers), and all of it is land. A stream called Kickapoo Creek flows through the northwest part of Downs. This creek eventually flows into Salt Creek, which is a branch of the Sangamon River.
History of Downs
Downs started as a small settlement called "Delta" in 1829. Early settlers in McLean County established it. Before that, the area was a trading spot for the Kickapoo people.
In 1869, a railroad called the Indiana, Bloomington and Western Railway was built. To be closer to the new railroad, many buildings in Delta were moved and rebuilt further south. The town was then renamed "Priceville". This new name honored John Price, who owned the land near the train tracks.
However, in 1902, the town's name was changed again to "Downs". This happened because postal workers often mixed up "Priceville" with another Illinois town called Princeville. The village of Downs is named after Lawson Downs, who was one of the first settlers in the area.
Population Changes in Downs
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 295 | — | |
| 1930 | 295 | 0.0% | |
| 1940 | 301 | 2.0% | |
| 1950 | 299 | −0.7% | |
| 1960 | 497 | 66.2% | |
| 1970 | 651 | 31.0% | |
| 1980 | 561 | −13.8% | |
| 1990 | 620 | 10.5% | |
| 2000 | 776 | 25.2% | |
| 2010 | 1,005 | 29.5% | |
| 2020 | 1,201 | 19.5% | |
| Decennial US Census | |||
The population of Downs has changed over the years. In 1920, there were 295 people living in the village. By 2000, the population had grown to 776 people.
More recently, the population continued to increase. In 2010, Downs had 1,005 residents. By the 2020 census, the population reached 1,201 people. This shows that more and more people are choosing to live in Downs.
Schools in Downs
Most children in Downs go to the Tri-Valley schools. These schools are part of District #3, and their offices are on Washington Street. The Tri-Valley schools are known for being small. The elementary, middle, and high schools are all located close to each other.
All three Tri-Valley schools have received a special award. They have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. This award means they are excellent schools. In the past, all classes were held in one building, which is now quite old. The Tri-Valley football team also won the 2A state championship in 2015.
-
The water tower in Downs.
-
Church of Saint Mary in Downs.
See also
In Spanish: Downs (Illinois) para niños
