Gillespie, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gillespie, Illinois
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Downtown Gillespie
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Location in Macoupin County, Illinois
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 Gillespie, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Macoupin |
| Townships | Gillespie, Cahokia |
| Incorporated | 1853 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.48 sq mi (3.8 km2) |
| • Land | 1.48 sq mi (3.8 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 659 ft (201 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,168 |
| • Density | 2,140.5/sq mi (826.5/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
62033
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| Area code(s) | 217 |
| FIPS code | 17-29236 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2394896 |
Gillespie is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Metro East region, which is near the big city of St. Louis. In 2020, about 3,168 people lived in Gillespie.
Contents
History of Gillespie
Early Settlers and Growth
The first people to settle in the Gillespie area arrived in the late 1820s. They came from states like Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The community grew quickly in the 1830s. More people moved there, and new businesses opened. The first schoolhouse was built in 1835.
Gillespie officially became a town in the spring of 1853. By 1904, the population had grown to 3,100 people. The town had many businesses, churches, and schools. However, a big fire happened on January 29, 1905. It destroyed most of the businesses and some homes in the downtown area.
Coal Mining Era
For many years, the main way people in Gillespie earned a living was by working in coal mines. Several coal mines were located around the town. These mines were run by the Chicago & Northwestern Railway. People even said that Gillespie had three of the largest coal mines in the world!
How Gillespie Got Its Name
Gillespie is named after a person called Judge Joseph Gillespie. He was an important figure in Illinois state politics.
Geography of Gillespie
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Gillespie's city hall pavilion
Gillespie is mostly located in Gillespie Township. A small part of it also extends into Cahokia Township. The village of East Gillespie is just north of the city.
Roads and Travel
Two main roads, Illinois Routes 4 and 16, go through Gillespie. They meet in the middle of town on East Elm Street. Route 4 goes north about 13 miles to Carlinville, which is the county seat. It goes south about 8 miles to Staunton. The big city of St. Louis is about 47 miles southwest of Gillespie. Route 16 goes northeast about 10 miles to Litchfield and west about 28 miles to Jerseyville.
Lakes and Waterways
Gillespie covers an area of about 1.48 square miles, all of which is land. Water from the city flows southeast into Bear Creek. This creek then joins Cahokia Creek, which eventually flows into the Mississippi River.
To the northwest of Gillespie, you'll find Old and New Gillespie Lakes. These lakes are about 3 to 5 miles from the city. They are popular spots for people from Gillespie and nearby towns. Many enjoy fishing, boating, water-skiing, and sunbathing at these lakes.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 432 | — | |
| 1890 | 948 | 119.4% | |
| 1900 | 873 | −7.9% | |
| 1910 | 2,241 | 156.7% | |
| 1920 | 4,063 | 81.3% | |
| 1930 | 5,111 | 25.8% | |
| 1940 | 4,440 | −13.1% | |
| 1950 | 4,105 | −7.5% | |
| 1960 | 3,569 | −13.1% | |
| 1970 | 3,457 | −3.1% | |
| 1980 | 3,740 | 8.2% | |
| 1990 | 3,645 | −2.5% | |
| 2000 | 3,412 | −6.4% | |
| 2010 | 3,319 | −2.7% | |
| 2020 | 3,168 | −4.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In the year 2000, there were 3,412 people living in Gillespie. These people lived in 1,452 households. About 28.9% of these households had children under 18 years old. The average household had 2.35 people.
The population was spread out by age. About 23.3% of the people were under 18. About 17.4% were 65 years old or older. The average age in the city was 39 years.
Education in Gillespie
Gillespie is home to the Gillespie C.U.S.D. #7 school district. This district operates three schools for students in the area:
- Gillespie High School
- Gillespie Middle School
- Ben-Gil Elementary School
City Services
The city of Gillespie provides important services to its residents and nearby communities.
- Police Protection: Gillespie's police department also helps protect the nearby towns of Benld, Mount Clare, and Eagarville.
- Water Supply: Gillespie supplies water to several towns. These include Benld, Sawyerville, Wilsonville, Mount Clare, Dorchester, East Gillespie, and Eagarville.
- Sewer Services: The city also provides sewer services to East Gillespie and Eagarville.
Notable People from Gillespie
Many interesting people have come from Gillespie, Illinois. Here are a few of them:
- Ferras Alqais – a singer and songwriter.
- W. Russell Arrington – an Illinois state legislator and lawyer.
- Vince Demuzio – an Illinois state legislator.
- Clarence J. Goodnight – a zoologist (someone who studies animals).
- Howard Keel – a famous film and television actor and singer.
- William D. Lyons – a coal miner and Illinois state legislator.
- Harry Patton – a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.
- Raphael Tracey – a U.S. soccer player and member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
- Stuart J. Traynor – a lawyer and Illinois state legislator.
