Illinois Bend, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Illinois Bend, Texas
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 Illinois Bend, Texas
Location in Texas
Illinois Bend, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Montague |
| Settled | 1862 |
| Founded by | C. M. Ward |
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
Illinois Bend is a small, unincorporated community located in Montague County, Texas, in the United States. An unincorporated community means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. According to the Handbook of Texas, about 30 people lived here in 2000. By 2020, the population grew a little to 40.
Contents
History of Illinois Bend
Illinois Bend was started in 1862. A small group of people moved to Texas from Illinois to create this community. It was first called Wardville, named after C. M. Ward, who owned land there.
Name Change and Growth
In 1877, a post office was opened in the community. At that time, its name was changed to Illinois Bend. By 1885, the community was growing. It had about 300 residents. There were also two gristmills, which ground grain, and several cotton gins. Many churches were also present.
Population Changes Over Time
The population of Illinois Bend began to shrink. This happened because new rail lines were built, but they did not pass through the village. By 1910, only 112 people lived there. The post office closed around 1930. In the late 1940s, the population was 68, with only one business remaining. By the late 1960s, just 51 people lived in Illinois Bend. The number dropped to 30 by 2000, but then increased to 40 in 2020.
Early Challenges
Early settlers in Illinois Bend faced challenges. Sometimes, groups from the Comanche and Kiowa Native American tribes would come from nearby lands. These tribes lived north of the Red River and near the Chickasaw Nation.
Tornadoes in Illinois Bend
Illinois Bend has experienced tornadoes. On May 15, 2013, a weak tornado (an EF0) hit the community. It caused damage to one home and knocked down several trees. Another tornado was reported on March 20, 1955. This earlier tornado injured one person.
Geography of Illinois Bend
Illinois Bend is located in the very northeastern part of Montague County. You can find it on Farm to Market Road 677. It is about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Montague.
Education in Illinois Bend
In 1885, Illinois Bend had its own school for local children. Today, students from the community attend schools in the Saint Jo Independent School District.
