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Junction, Illinois
Welcome sign
Welcome sign
Location of Junction in Gallatin County, Illinois.
Location of Junction in Gallatin County, Illinois.
Location of Illinois in the United States
Location of Illinois in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County Gallatin
Area
 • Total 0.83 sq mi (2.14 km2)
 • Land 0.83 sq mi (2.14 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 129
 • Estimate 
(2019)
111
 • Density 134.38/sq mi (51.88/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Code(s)
62954
Area code(s) 618
FIPS code 17-38778

Junction is a small village located in Gallatin County, Illinois, in the United States. In 2020, about 56 people lived there.

A Look at Junction's Past

The Old Slave House
A 1970s photo of the John Hart Crenshaw House near Junction

Junction was first settled in the 1880s. It got its name because it was located where two important railroads met: the L&N and the B&O.

When a post office opened in 1884, it was called "Cypress Junction." Later, in 1888, the name changed to "Junction City." Finally, in 1894, it was shortened to just "Junction."

Because Junction is in a flat area, it can sometimes experience flooding. This happens when the nearby Ohio River overflows, causing water in the Saline River to back up. A big flood in March 1997 forced many people to leave their homes. It also blocked almost all roads into the village.

On June 1, 2022, the Junction General Baptist Church caught fire. This happened after lightning struck its steeple.

The Historic Crenshaw House

About five miles west of Junction, you can find the Hickory Hill mansion. This old house from the 1800s belonged to John Hart Crenshaw. It was known as the "Old Slave House" because of its connection to the history of slavery.

Where is Junction Located?

Junction is right in the middle of Gallatin County. You can find it at 37°43′22″N 88°14′17″W / 37.72278°N 88.23806°W / 37.72278; -88.23806. The village is along Illinois Route 13. It's just a few miles west of the Ohio River. The Shawnee National Forest is located to the north.

The Saline River, which flows into the Ohio River, passes just south of Junction. In 2010, the village covered about 0.88 square miles (2.14 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a tiny bit being water.

How Many People Live in Junction?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1910 800
1920 321 −59.9%
1930 292 −9.0%
1940 320 9.6%
1950 239 −25.3%
1960 238 −0.4%
1970 199 −16.4%
1980 192 −3.5%
1990 201 4.7%
2000 139 −30.8%
2010 129 −7.2%
2020 56 −56.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

According to the 2020 census, 56 people lived in Junction. There were 35 households and 38 families. Most of the people living there, about 92.9%, were White. About 1.79% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Out of the 35 households, about 10.2% had children under 18 living with them. Most households, 68.6%, were married couples living together. About 22.9% of households were led by a female with no husband present.

The average income for a household in the village was $32,375. For families, the average income was $42,500. Sadly, 45.5% of people over 64 years old were living below the poverty line.

Famous People from Junction

  • John Hart Crenshaw, a landowner and salt maker known for his connection to the historic Crenshaw House.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Junction (Illinois) para niños

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