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Gilberts, Illinois
Location of Gilberts in Kane County, Illinois.
Location of Gilberts in Kane County, Illinois.
Location of Illinois in the United States
Location of Illinois in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County Kane
Townships Rutland, Dundee
Area
 • Total 5.49 sq mi (14.22 km2)
 • Land 5.49 sq mi (14.22 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
899 ft (274 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 8,366
 • Density 1,524.14/sq mi (588.44/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Code(s)
60136
Area codes 847 and 224
FIPS code 17-29171
GNIS feature ID 2398961

Gilberts is a small village located in Kane County, Illinois, United States. In 2020, the village had a population of 8,366 people. It's a growing community with a rich history.

History of Gilberts

The area where Gilberts is now located has a long history. Early records show human settlement here during the War of 1812. This was a time when the United States fought against Native American tribes like the Blackhawks, Algonquin, and Potawatomi.

Early European Settlement

European settlers began arriving in the 1820s. By 1840, the Potawatomi people had sold their land and moved west. This meant the entire area was then settled by Europeans.

The Gilberts Family and the Railway

In 1852, a train station called Gilberts Station opened. It was on the Galena & Chicago Union railway line, which went to Freeport. The station was named after the Gilberts family, who owned a lot of land in the area. Amasa Gilbert was a key pioneer from this family. In 1855, the Gilberts sold their land to Elijah Wilcox.

Transportation and Growth

In 1907, the Elgin and Belvidere Electric Company started the "Elgin and Belvidere Electric Railway." This electric train connected Elgin, Illinois to Belvidere, Illinois, and it had a stop right in Gilberts. However, during the Great Depression, many businesses struggled. The electric company went out of business in 1930. Also in 1930, Route 72 opened. This new road helped connect Gilberts to other places.

A Presidential Visit

In 1988, a famous visitor came to Gilberts. George Bush, who was running for president at the time, visited the town during his election campaign.

Geography of Gilberts

Gilberts is located in the northern part of Kane County, Illinois. Most of the village is in Rutland Township. A smaller part of it extends east into Dundee Township.

Location and Borders

The village's northern edge reaches the McHenry County line. Gilberts shares borders with other nearby villages and cities. To the east, it borders West Dundee and Elgin. To the west, it borders Pingree Grove. It also borders Huntley to the northwest.

Area Size

According to the 2010 census, Gilberts covers a total area of about 5.558 square miles (14.22 square kilometers). Almost all of this area, about 5.55 square miles (14.22 square kilometers), is land. Only a tiny part, about 0.008 square miles (0.00 square kilometers), is water.

Population Changes in Gilberts

Gilberts has seen its population grow quite a bit over the years.

Historical population
Census Pop.
1900 222
1910 268 20.7%
1920 152 −43.3%
1930 130 −14.5%
1940 170 30.8%
1950 183 7.6%
1960 238 30.1%
1970 336 41.2%
1980 405 20.5%
1990 987 143.7%
2000 1,279 29.6%
2010 6,879 437.8%
2020 8,366 21.6%
U.S. Decennial Census
2010 2020

In 2020, the village had 8,366 residents. This shows a big increase from earlier years. For example, in 1900, only 222 people lived in Gilberts. The population really started to grow quickly after 1980.

Education in Gilberts

Students in Gilberts are part of Community Unit School District 300. This district serves several communities.

Local Schools

  • Gilberts Elementary School is where younger students attend. It serves children from kindergarten through fifth grade.
  • After elementary school, students go to middle school. They might attend Hampshire Middle School or Dundee Middle School.
  • For high school, students living in Gilberts attend Hampshire High School.
  • Another choice for families in the district is Cambridge Lakes Charter School.

Parks and Recreation in Gilberts

Gilberts offers several parks and recreational spots for its residents. These places are great for playing sports, having picnics, or just enjoying nature.

Town Center Park

This is a large, newer park in Gilberts. It spans about 20 acres (80,937 square meters). It has a big parking lot that can hold over 80 cars. Many sports teams, like the YMCA's baseball and soccer teams, use this park for their games.

Town Square Park

Town Square Park is located in the center of the village. It features a new gazebo, which is a nice place to relax. The park is also near Lake Gilberts.

Memorial Park

Memorial Park has many things to do. It includes a baseball diamond and a soccer field for team sports. There's also a playground for younger kids. You can go fishing in the pond or have a picnic at the pavilion. The park also has a basketball court.

Waitcus Park

Waitcus Park offers a baseball diamond and a half-court basketball court. It also has a playground and a fishing pond. There's a picnic pavilion here too, perfect for outdoor meals.

Local Sports Teams

Gilberts is home to the GPH Grizzlies Football Team. They play in the TCYFL league. The team was started in 2008. They have had great success, including two Super Bowl championships and two times as runner-up. The Grizzlies have three different age groups: Bantams, Feather, and Middleweights.

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