kids encyclopedia robot

Marengo, Illinois facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Marengo
Buildings in downtown Marengo.   Aerial view of downtown Marengo from the north.   Sky view of Marengo downtown from the west.
Buildings in downtown Marengo.
Marengo Illinois Aerial
Aerial view of downtown Marengo from the north.
Marengo Illinois Skyview
Sky view of Marengo downtown from the west.
Official logo of Marengo
Logo
Motto(s): 
Home of Settlers Days
Location of Marengo in McHenry County, Illinois.
Location of Marengo in McHenry County, Illinois.
Location of Illinois in the United States
Location of Illinois in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County McHenry
Township Marengo, Seneca, Coral, Riley
Founded 1835
Area
 • Total 8.90 sq mi (23.06 km2)
 • Land 8.90 sq mi (23.06 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
833 ft (254 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 7,568
 • Density 850.15/sq mi (328.25/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Code
60152
Area code(s) 815/779
FIPS code 17-46786
Website www.cityofmarengo.com

Marengo is a city located in McHenry County, Illinois, United States. It sits along the Kishwaukee River. Marengo is about 60 miles west of Chicago and 30 miles east of Rockford. In 2020, the city had a population of 7,568 people. Its motto is "Home of Settlers Days."

Exploring Marengo's Location

Marengo is found at 42°15′3″N 88°36′18″W / 42.25083°N 88.60500°W / 42.25083; -88.60500. The Kishwaukee River forms the northern border of the city. According to the 2010 census, Marengo covers an area of about 5.01 square miles (12.98 square kilometers), all of which is land.

Main Roads in Marengo

  • US 20.svg Grant Highway
  • Illinois 23.svg State Street
  • Illinois 176.svg Telegraph Street

Marengo's Past

Marengo was first called Pleasant Grove. This name came from a group of trees near where the town was built. The city's current name, Marengo, remembers the Battle of Marengo. A post office was set up in Marengo in 1844.

On June 11, 2017, a house in Marengo experienced a gas explosion. This happened early in the morning, around 4:50 A.M. The explosion caused four houses to catch fire. It also damaged about 50 other homes. Nearly 20 of these homes were too damaged to live in. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt. Only two people had minor injuries.

Marengo's Population

Historical population
Census Pop.
1860 1,119
1870 1,327 18.6%
1880 1,264 −4.7%
1890 1,445 14.3%
1900 2,005 38.8%
1910 1,936 −3.4%
1920 1,758 −9.2%
1930 1,948 10.8%
1940 2,034 4.4%
1950 2,726 34.0%
1960 3,568 30.9%
1970 4,235 18.7%
1980 4,361 3.0%
1990 4,768 9.3%
2000 6,355 33.3%
2010 7,648 20.3%
2020 7,568 −1.0%
U.S. Decennial Census
2010 2020

Marengo has grown steadily over the years. In 1860, the population was 1,119 people. By 2020, it had grown to 7,568 residents. The city is home to people from many different backgrounds.

Famous People from Marengo

  • David Boies: A well-known lawyer. He was involved in the famous Bush v. Gore court case.
  • Jack D. Franks: A former state representative for Illinois. He also led the McHenry County Board.
  • Carl Lundgren: A baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs from 1902 to 1909. He was born in Marengo.
  • Edward D. Shurtleff: An Illinois state lawmaker and judge. He also served as Marengo's mayor.
  • Sherman E. Smalley: A Wisconsin state assemblyman and judge. He was born in Marengo.
  • Carrie Adell Strahorn: An American pioneer, explorer, and author.
  • Egbert Van Alstyne: A talented songwriter.
  • Elizabeth Horton: A Creative Director at Chervon North America.

Marengo in the News

The Marengo-Union Times is the local newspaper for Marengo, Illinois. It prints about 6,300 copies. The newspaper is sent to every home and business in the Marengo and Union, Illinois area.

See also

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

kids search engine
Marengo, Illinois Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.