Elmwood, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elmwood
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Location of Elmwood in Peoria County, Illinois.
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Location of Illinois in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Peoria |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.40 sq mi (3.62 km2) |
| • Land | 1.40 sq mi (3.62 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,058 |
| • Density | 1,474.21/sq mi (569.23/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code(s) |
61529
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| Area code(s) | 309 |
| FIPS code | 17-23698 |
| FIPS code | 17-23698 |
| GNIS ID | 2394676 |
| Wikimedia Commons | Elmwood, Illinois |
| Website | City of Elmwood Illinois |
Elmwood is a small city located in Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. In 2020, about 2,058 people lived there. Elmwood is part of the larger Peoria area, which is a group of cities and towns connected together.
Contents
History of Elmwood
How Elmwood Got Its Name
The city of Elmwood was named after the many beautiful elm trees that grew near the home of William J. Phelps. He was an important person in the early days of the settlement. Phelps was also the first postmaster, meaning he was in charge of the mail.
Elmwood and the Underground Railroad
William J. Phelps owned a barn that was part of 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 Civil War. The town itself was officially planned out in 1852.
Tornado Strikes Elmwood
On June 5, 2010, a strong tornado hit Elmwood. It looked like an elephant's trunk as it moved through the city. The tornado destroyed the city hall and damaged many other buildings. It also knocked down tree limbs and power lines. Even the roof of a local theater was damaged. Despite the big challenges, many businesses in Elmwood were able to open again.
Geography of Elmwood
Elmwood is located at 40°46′42″N 89°58′6″W / 40.77833°N 89.96833°W. This is its exact spot on a map.
Size of the City
According to information from 2010, Elmwood covers a total area of about 1.43 square miles (3.62 square kilometers). All of this area is land, meaning there are no large lakes or rivers within the city limits.
Population and People
How Many People Live Here?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 1,182 | — | |
| 1870 | 1,476 | 24.9% | |
| 1880 | 1,504 | 1.9% | |
| 1890 | 1,548 | 2.9% | |
| 1900 | 1,582 | 2.2% | |
| 1910 | 1,390 | −12.1% | |
| 1920 | 1,242 | −10.6% | |
| 1930 | 1,166 | −6.1% | |
| 1940 | 1,348 | 15.6% | |
| 1950 | 1,613 | 19.7% | |
| 1960 | 1,882 | 16.7% | |
| 1970 | 2,014 | 7.0% | |
| 1980 | 2,117 | 5.1% | |
| 1990 | 1,841 | −13.0% | |
| 2000 | 1,945 | 5.6% | |
| 2010 | 2,097 | 7.8% | |
| 2020 | 2,058 | −1.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In the year 2000, there were 1,945 people living in Elmwood. These people lived in 772 households, and 565 of these were families. The city had about 1,577 people per square mile.
Who Lives in Elmwood?
Most people in Elmwood are White (98.71%). A small number of people are African American, Native American, or Asian. Some people also identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Age Groups in Elmwood
In 2000, about 26.5% of the people in Elmwood were under 18 years old. About 16.9% were 65 years old or older. The average age of people in Elmwood was 39 years.
Culture and Community Life
Famous Visitors
Elmwood is even mentioned in a book called Life and Times of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was a very important writer and speaker who fought for freedom. He gave a lecture in Elmwood in 1871 on a very cold night.
Local Events
Every June, Elmwood hosts a fun annual strawberry festival. It's a great way for the community to come together.
Art in the Park
Central Park in Elmwood has a special statue called The Pioneers. This statue was created by Lorado Taft, who was a famous sculptor born in Elmwood.
Education in Elmwood
Students in Elmwood attend schools that are part of the Elmwood Community Unit School District 322.
Notable People from Elmwood
Many interesting people have connections to Elmwood:
- L. R. Kershaw – A pioneer, cattleman, and politician from Oklahoma.
- Lora Marx – A talented sculptor.
- Tim Monroe – A racing driver.
- James D. Putnam – A lawyer, businessman, and politician.
- Lorado Taft – A very famous sculptor, known for "The Pioneers" statue.
- Bill Tuttle – A professional baseball outfielder who played for teams like the Detroit Tigers. He was born nearby in Cramer, which is now part of the Elmwood area.
See also
In Spanish: Elmwood (Illinois) para niños
