Makanda, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Makanda, Illinois
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A railroad crossing in Makanda
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Location of Makanda in Jackson County, Illinois.
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Location of Illinois in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Jackson |
| Township | Makanda |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.33 sq mi (13.81 km2) |
| • Land | 5.28 sq mi (13.68 km2) |
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.13 km2) |
| Elevation | 676 ft (206 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 547 |
| • Density | 103.58/sq mi (39.99/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
62958
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| Area code(s) | 618 |
| FIPS code | 17-46214 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2399228 |
| Wikimedia Commons | Makanda, Illinois |
Makanda (pronounced muh-KAN-duh) is a small village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. In 2020, about 547 people lived there. This was a slight decrease from 561 people in 2010. In the early 1900s, Makanda was known by the slogan "Star of Egypt." It is part of the Carbondale, IL area, which is a group of towns connected by their economy.
Contents
History of Makanda
Village Name Origin
The village of Makanda was named after a local Native American leader, a chieftain named Makanda.
Union Flag Display
After Abraham Lincoln became president, two brothers named Theodore and Al Thompson showed their support for the Union. They flew the Union flag from a tree on a hill between Makanda and another town called Cobden. They did this to stand against a group called the Knights of the Golden Circle. This group wanted to separate from the Union and was active in the Midwest.
Community Action
In 2019, people in Makanda spoke out against the Illinois Central Railroad Company. The company planned to build a tall structure in the downtown area. Residents were concerned because the area was known to flood easily.
Honoring Paul Simon
After former U.S. Senator Paul Simon passed away in 2003, Makanda found a special way to remember him. They added a "bow tie" design to their smiley face water tower. This honored Senator Simon, who was famous for always wearing a bow tie.
Geography of Makanda
Makanda is located at 37°37′5″N 89°13′46″W / 37.61806°N 89.22944°W. It covers a total area of about 5.33 square miles (13.81 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 5.28 square miles (13.68 square kilometers), is land. A small part, about 0.05 square miles (0.13 square kilometers), is water.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 344 | — | |
| 1900 | 528 | 53.5% | |
| 1910 | 400 | −24.2% | |
| 1920 | 310 | −22.5% | |
| 1930 | 262 | −15.5% | |
| 1940 | 258 | −1.5% | |
| 1950 | 214 | −17.1% | |
| 1960 | 164 | −23.4% | |
| 1970 | 176 | 7.3% | |
| 1980 | 402 | 128.4% | |
| 1990 | 404 | 0.5% | |
| 2000 | 419 | 3.7% | |
| 2010 | 561 | 33.9% | |
| 2020 | 547 | −2.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2020, the village of Makanda had a population of 547 people. There were 195 households living in the village at that time. The population density was about 102.59 people per square mile.
Arts and Culture in Makanda
Makanda is a vibrant village with several fun events and unique places.
Annual Festivals
- Makanda Spring Fest: This is a two-day event held every year. It features local artists who show and sell their work. There is also live music for everyone to enjoy.
- Makanda Vulture Fest: This festival takes place every year during the third weekend in October. It celebrates the amazing journey of black vultures and turkey vultures. These birds migrate to the region during this time.
Total Solar Eclipses
Makanda is a special place for watching solar eclipses. The exact center paths of two major total solar eclipses crossed right over Makanda. These events happened on August 21, 2017, and April 8, 2024. Many thousands of people traveled to Makanda and the surrounding areas to see the 2017 eclipse.
Historic Boardwalk
In downtown Makanda, you can find a historic boardwalk. This charming area is home to several shops. These shops sell unique items made by local artists.
Notable People from Makanda
Makanda has been home to several important people.
- Wayman Presley: He was a rural mail carrier. He is also known for founding the Bald Knob Cross, a large Christian cross monument.
- Jeanne Hurley Simon: She was a politician who served as an Illinois state legislator.
- Paul Simon: He was a well-known U.S. Senator. He even ran for president in 1988 as a Democratic candidate.
- Sheila Simon: She served as the 46th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.
See also
In Spanish: Makanda para niños
