Hagarstown, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hagarstown, Illinois
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 Hagarstown, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Hagarstown, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Fayette |
| Township | Bear Grove |
| Elevation | 531 ft (162 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
62247
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| Area code(s) | 618 |
| GNIS feature ID | 409606 |
Hagarstown is a small, quiet place in Fayette County, Illinois, United States. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it does not have its own local government, like a mayor or city council. Instead, it is part of the larger county area.
Hagarstown is located about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) southwest of a town called Vandalia. Even though it is small, Hagarstown has its own post office. This post office helps people send and receive mail. It uses the ZIP code 62247.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a group of homes and businesses that are not officially part of a city or town. These places are usually smaller. They do not have their own separate local government.
Instead, the county government handles services for them. This includes things like roads, police, and fire protection. Hagarstown is a good example of this type of community in Illinois.
Life in Hagarstown
Life in an unincorporated community like Hagarstown can be very peaceful. People often know their neighbors well. The community might feel like a close-knit group.
Even without a city government, these places still have a unique identity. They are important parts of the larger county. They contribute to the local culture and economy.
Location and Geography
Hagarstown is situated in the state of Illinois. Illinois is a large state in the Midwest region of the United States. It is known for its rich farmland and major cities.
Fayette County is where Hagarstown is found. This county is located in the south-central part of Illinois. The area around Hagarstown is mostly rural. It features open spaces and agricultural land.
Nearby Towns and Cities
The closest larger town to Hagarstown is Vandalia. Vandalia is important because it was once the capital of Illinois. It offers more services and shops than Hagarstown.
Being close to Vandalia means residents of Hagarstown can easily access things they need. This includes schools, healthcare, and larger stores. It helps connect the small community to bigger resources.
The Hagarstown Post Office
The post office in Hagarstown is a key part of the community. It serves as a central point for residents. People go there to send letters, packages, and get their mail.
Every post office has a unique ZIP code. Hagarstown's ZIP code is 62247. This code helps the postal service sort mail correctly. It ensures that mail reaches the right place.
Importance of a Local Post Office
For small communities, a post office is more than just a place to mail letters. It can be a gathering spot. It helps connect people to the outside world.
It also provides a sense of identity for the area. Having its own post office means Hagarstown is recognized as a distinct place. It shows it has its own unique needs.
How Communities Are Named
Many communities in the United States are named after people. They might be named after early settlers or important figures. Sometimes, they are named after local landmarks.
The exact origin of the name "Hagarstown" is not detailed here. However, it likely follows a similar pattern. Names often reflect the history of the area.
