Macomb, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Macomb, Illinois
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Macomb Square, 2006
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Location in McDonough County, Illinois
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 Macomb, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Macomb, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | McDonough |
| Incorporated | December 24, 1830 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 11.03 sq mi (28.57 km2) |
| • Land | 10.60 sq mi (27.46 km2) |
| • Water | 0.43 sq mi (1.12 km2) 3.87% |
| Elevation | 643 ft (196 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 15,051 |
| • Density | 1,419.77/sq mi (548.19/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
61455
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| Area code(s) | 309, 861 |
| FIPS code | 17-45889 |
| GNIS ID | 2395801 |
Macomb is a city in western Illinois, United States. It is the main city and government center (called the county seat) of McDonough County. Macomb is located about 75 miles (120 km) southwest of Peoria.
In 2020, the city had a population of 15,051 people. Macomb is also home to Western Illinois University, a large public university.
Contents
History of Macomb
How Macomb Began
Macomb was first settled in 1829. It was officially founded in 1830. The town was named after General Alexander Macomb, a hero from the War of 1812.
After the War of 1812, soldiers were given land in this area. This land was part of a special "Military Tract" set aside by the government. In 1855, a railroad was built through Macomb. This helped the town grow a lot.
Western Illinois University is Founded
On April 24, 1899, the Western Illinois State Normal School was started in Macomb. This school is now known as Western Illinois University. A local politician, Lawrence Sherman, helped bring the school to Macomb.
Presidential Visits to Macomb
Many U.S. Presidents have visited Macomb over the years. Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt all gave short speeches here.
Before they became president, both Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama spoke to large crowds in Macomb. Obama visited when he was running for the U.S. Senate.
Sports Teams in Macomb
St. Louis Rams Training Camp
From 1996 to 2004, the St. Louis Rams football team held their summer training camp at Western Illinois University's Hanson Field Stadium. This was a big event for the city each year.
Colts Drum and Bugle Corps
In 2023, the Colts, a group of talented young musicians, held their summer training camp at Hanson Field. About 160 high school and college students, along with their staff, lived and practiced on the university campus for three weeks.
Macomb's Minor League Baseball Team
Macomb once had its own minor league baseball team called the Macomb Potters. They played in a league in 1909 and 1910. Local fans helped raise money to start the team.
The Potters even played two exhibition games against the famous Chicago Cubs. In 1909, nearly 3,000 fans watched the Cubs beat the Potters 6-0. The Cubs won again in 1910, 5-0.
Geography of Macomb
The East Fork Lamoine River flows near the northern part of Macomb. The city covers about 11.03 square miles (28.57 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Two main U.S. highways, Route 67 and Route 136, go through Macomb. They meet in the city center before splitting off to different towns.
Population and People
Macomb's population has changed over the years. Here's a look at how many people have lived in Macomb:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 756 | — | |
| 1860 | 1,834 | 142.6% | |
| 1870 | 2,748 | 49.8% | |
| 1880 | 3,140 | 14.3% | |
| 1890 | 4,052 | 29.0% | |
| 1900 | 5,375 | 32.7% | |
| 1910 | 5,774 | 7.4% | |
| 1920 | 6,714 | 16.3% | |
| 1930 | 8,509 | 26.7% | |
| 1940 | 8,764 | 3.0% | |
| 1950 | 10,592 | 20.9% | |
| 1960 | 12,135 | 14.6% | |
| 1970 | 19,643 | 61.9% | |
| 1980 | 19,863 | 1.1% | |
| 1990 | 19,952 | 0.4% | |
| 2000 | 18,558 | −7.0% | |
| 2010 | 19,288 | 3.9% | |
| 2020 | 15,051 | −22.0% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Who Lives in Macomb?
The 2020 census showed the different groups of people living in Macomb. Most residents are White. The city also has a significant number of Black or African American residents, as well as Asian and Hispanic or Latino people. Many people also identify as being of mixed race.
Economy and Jobs
Macomb has several important manufacturing companies. These include:
- Farm King
- NTN-Bower Corporation
- Pella Windows
- Whalen Manufacturing
Fun Things to Do
Festivals and Events
Macomb hosts the annual McDonough County Fair. This fair usually lasts for a week in the summer. It features animal shows, rides, and other fun activities. The fairgrounds are located at 3022 W Jackson St.
Museums and Libraries
If you like to read or learn, Macomb has several places to visit:
- Macomb Public Library
- Spoon River College Library
- WIU Malpass Library
- WIU Curriculum Library
- WIU Music Library
- Western Illinois Museum
- WIU Museum of Geology
- WIU University Art Gallery
Parks and Recreation Areas
Macomb offers many places for outdoor fun:
- Harry Mussatto Golf Course
- Lakeview Nature Center
- Macomb Park District
- Glenwood Pool
- Ball Fore
- Spring Lake Park
Education in Macomb
Macomb has schools for all ages, from young children to university students.
Public Schools
- MacArthur School (Pre-Kindergarten and Preschool)
- Lincoln School (Kindergarten to 2nd grade)
- Edison School (3rd to 5th grade)
- Macomb Middle School (6th to 8th grade)
- Macomb High School (9th to 12th grade)
Colleges and Universities
- Spoon River College, Macomb campus
- Western Illinois University
Private Schools
- St. Paul Catholic School (Pre-Kindergarten to 6th grade)
Media and Entertainment
Newspapers
- The McDonough County Voice is the daily newspaper for the area.
- Western Courier is the student newspaper for Western Illinois University.
Movies and TV Shows Filmed in Macomb
Macomb has been a filming location for some productions:
- Cast in Gray (2005)
- Wife Swap (2006)
Getting Around Macomb
Highways
Major highways that pass through Macomb include:
U.S. Route 67
U.S. Route 136
Illinois Route 110
Illinois Route 336
Airport
The Macomb Municipal Airport is located about 3 miles (5 km) north of the city.
Public Transportation
- Go West Transit provides bus services within Macomb.
Train Travel
- The Macomb (Amtrak station) offers passenger train services.
Healthcare
McDonough District Hospital is located in Macomb. It has been providing healthcare services to McDonough County and nearby areas since 1958.
Famous People from Macomb
Many notable people have connections to Macomb, including:
- William Birenbaum (1923–2010), college leader
- Michael Boatman, actor
- Phil Bradley, Major League Baseball player
- Bryan Cox, football player and coach
- Marcus Dunstan, screenwriter and director
- Joe Garner, bestselling author
- Elizabeth Magie, inventor of The Landlord's Game, which was an early version of Monopoly
- John Mahoney (1940–2018), actor
- Red Miller, former NFL coach
- Darrell Mudra (1929–2022), College Football Hall of Fame member
- Khalen Saunders, NFL football player and Super Bowl Champion
- Al Sears, jazz musician
- Rev. C.T. Vivian (1924–2020), civil rights leader
Images for kids
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Macomb Square, 2006
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Location in McDonough County, Illinois
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A Carnegie library, Macomb, Illinois
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Sherman Hall, 2006
See also
In Spanish: Macomb (Illinois) para niños
