Elmore, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elmore
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 Elmore
Location in Illinois
Elmore
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Peoria |
| Township | Millbrook |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 309 |
Elmore is a small, unincorporated community located in the northwest part of Millbrook Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Being "unincorporated" means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. The beautiful Spoon River flows very close by.
Contents
History of Elmore
Elmore was first settled by people in the 1830s. When it was first created, it had a different name.
Why the Name Changed
Elmore was originally called Rochester. However, there was already another place in Illinois named Rochester. To avoid confusion, the name was changed to Elmore. Even today, some local people still call it Rochester!
Elmore and the Underground Railroad
Elmore played a very important role in history. It was a significant stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the years before the American Civil War. A book by Owen Muelder recently shared more about Elmore's part in this brave journey.
Past Community Life
Like many small communities, Elmore once had a church that was a central part of its life.
The Old Church Building
Elmore used to have a United Methodist Church. This church building was built a long time ago, between 1865 and 1866. It was first built by Presbyterians and Congregationalists. Later, it was sold to the Methodists. The community members used to help take care of the building.
What Happened to the Church
Sadly, the United Methodist Church in Elmore closed in 2008. The building has since been changed into a house. It no longer looks like the original church building that once stood there.
