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Heyworth, Illinois
Looking east on Main Street in downtown Heyworth
Looking east on Main Street in downtown Heyworth
Flag of Heyworth, Illinois
Flag
Official logo of Heyworth, Illinois
Logo
Location in McLean County, Illinois
Location in McLean County, Illinois
Heyworth, Illinois is located in the United States
Heyworth, Illinois
Heyworth, Illinois
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County McLean
Township Randolph
Area
 • Total 3.39 sq mi (8.78 km2)
 • Land 3.33 sq mi (8.62 km2)
 • Water 0.06 sq mi (0.16 km2)
Elevation
712 ft (217 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 2,791
 • Density 838.64/sq mi (323.79/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
61745
Area code(s) 309
FIPS code 17-34449
GNIS ID 2398499
Wikimedia Commons Heyworth, Illinois

Heyworth is a village in McLean County, Illinois, in the United States. It was founded in 1859. In 2020, about 2,791 people lived there. Heyworth is part of the larger BloomingtonNormal area.

History of Heyworth

Heyworth was planned by Campbell Wakefield on September 11, 1859. Before settlers arrived, the area was covered with thick forests. Kickapoo Native Americans lived there, and many deer, wild turkeys, and wolves roamed the land.

Early families like the Rutledges and Wakefields settled near Heyworth around 1824. Campbell Wakefield was a key person in founding Heyworth. He bought a large amount of land, including the area where Heyworth now stands.

In the 1850s, railroads became very important for travel and trade. The Illinois Central Railroad was built through Wakefield's land in 1852 and 1853. When the train line opened in 1855, people wanted a train station nearby. Campbell Wakefield gave land for the station. He also set aside land for a new town, a church, and a school.

The first post office opened in 1856 at the new station. The station was first called "Elmwood." But this name was already used by another town in Illinois. So, the president of the Illinois Central Railroad suggested calling the station "Heyworth." This name honored Lawrence Heyworth, an English director of the railroad.

After the station was built, Campbell Wakefield made more donations. He wanted to help businesses come to the new town. He became the owner of the new town. The village of Heyworth officially became a village on March 31, 1869.

Campbell Wakefield
Campbell Wakefield

Geography of Heyworth

Heyworth is in the southern part of McLean County. Two main roads, called U.S. highways, pass through the village. U.S. Route 51 runs along the west side of Heyworth. It is a four-lane highway. It goes about 12 miles north to Bloomington, which is the county seat. It also goes about 12 miles south to Clinton.

U.S. Route 136 goes through the center of Heyworth. It leads about 43 miles east to Rantoul. It goes about 10 miles west to McLean.

Heyworth covers a total area of about 3.39 square miles. Most of this area, about 3.33 square miles, is land. The rest, about 0.06 square miles, is water. Kickapoo Creek flows through the western part of the village. It eventually joins the Sangamon River, which flows into the Illinois River.

Heyworth Population

Historical population
Census Pop.
1870 300
1880 560 86.7%
1890 566 1.1%
1900 683 20.7%
1910 681 −0.3%
1920 851 25.0%
1930 959 12.7%
1940 996 3.9%
1950 1,072 7.6%
1960 1,196 11.6%
1970 1,441 20.5%
1980 1,598 10.9%
1990 1,627 1.8%
2000 2,431 49.4%
2010 2,841 16.9%
2020 2,791 −1.8%
Decennial US Census

In 2020, Heyworth had a population of 2,791 people. The village has grown quite a bit over the years. For example, in 1870, only 300 people lived there. By 2000, the population had grown to 2,431.

In 2007, there were 2,547 people living in Heyworth. About 42.8% of households had children under 18. The average household had about 2.71 people. The average family had about 3.12 people.

The population included people of different ages. About 31.0% were under 18 years old. About 33.0% were between 25 and 44 years old. About 10.6% were 65 years or older. The average age in the village was 33 years.

Economy and Services in Heyworth

Railroads helped Heyworth grow in the past. Today, the village's growth is linked to businesses in Bloomington–Normal. This larger area is about 12 miles north of Heyworth.

Heyworth offers many services to its residents. These include local police protection and a volunteer fire department. There is also a 24-hour ambulance service. The village has schools for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are also several churches.

Heyworth has special events each year. The "Hey Days" celebration happens in May. It features a carnival, food, and live entertainment. During Christmas, the village celebrates with the "Holidays Heyworth Style" parade and a craft show.

A medical clinic called OSF Primary Care opened in Heyworth in January 2010. This clinic is part of the OSF Healthcare System. It provides healthcare access for Heyworth residents right in their town. This was the first time since 1989 that the village had its own medical clinic.

Schools in Heyworth

Heyworth has schools for all ages. Heyworth Elementary School serves students from Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade. It is located at 100 S. Joselyn St.

Heyworth Jr/Sr High School is for students in grades 7 through 12. This school is at 308 W. Cleveland St.

The Junior High offers several sports for students. These include Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Track, and Wrestling.

The Senior High also has many sports and activities. Students can join Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, Track, Cheerleading, Marching Band, Speech, Wrestling, and FFA.

Heyworth Community Unit School District 4 manages these schools.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Heyworth para niños

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