Mascoutah, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mascoutah, Illinois
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Main Street, 2006
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Location of Mascoutah in St. Clair County, Illinois.
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Illinois |
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| County | St. Clair | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 9.72 sq mi (25.19 km2) | ||
| • Land | 9.58 sq mi (24.81 km2) | ||
| • Water | 0.15 sq mi (0.38 km2) | ||
| Elevation | 433 ft (132 m) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 8,754 | ||
| • Density | 913.97/sq mi (352.90/km2) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) | ||
| ZIP Code(s) |
62258
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| Area code(s) | 618 | ||
| FIPS code | 17-47423 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 2395038 | ||
| Wikimedia Commons | Mascoutah, Illinois | ||
Mascoutah is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. In 2020, about 8,754 people lived there. It's part of the larger St. Louis area, known as Metro East. The city got its name from the Mascouten tribe, a group of Algonquian-speaking Native Americans.
Contents
History of Mascoutah
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The town of Mascoutah started in 1837. It was first called Mechanicsburg. However, there was already another town in Illinois with that name. So, the town was renamed after the Mascouten tribe. It officially became Mascoutah in 1839.
Around the year 1900, Mascoutah was seen as a very modern town. It grew steadily after a train station was built in 1870. This station was part of the St. Louis and Southeastern Railway. In 1873, the largest Turner Hall in Southern Illinois was built here. It was a big social center for the town.
Mascoutah also built its own power plant in 1894. The local newspaper, the Mascoutah Herald, started in 1885 and is still printed today. In 1903, there were plans for an electric train system to Belleville, but it was never finished.
Over time, the train station closed down. The Turner Hall became the chamber of commerce. The old power plant now holds the city's maintenance equipment.
Where is Mascoutah?
Mascoutah is located in St. Clair County, Illinois. It is about 4 miles (7 km) south of Interstate 64. You can find it on Highway 4 at Highway 177.
The city is about 29 miles (46 km) east of St. Louis, Missouri. You can get to St. Louis and its airport using the Metrolink train. The closest station is in Shiloh, a few miles away.
Mascoutah is also home to Mid America Airport. Scott AFB is nearby and is a major employer for many people. Children of base residents often go to school in Mascoutah.
Fun at the Parks
Mascoutah has three parks where you can do many activities.
Scheve Park
Scheve Park is a large park with lots to do. It has two swimming pools and a splash pad. There are six baseball fields, with lights on two of them. You can also find a large dog park here.
The park has a lit sand volleyball court and lit horseshoe pits. There are two soccer fields and a disc golf course. It also has a skate park and ten picnic pavilions. You'll find several playground areas for kids. Visitors can even tour a restored train caboose and dining car.
Maple Park
Maple Park has outdoor basketball courts. It also has an area for playing ball and playground equipment. There is a family-sized pavilion for gatherings.
Prairie Park
Prairie Park is a great place for nature lovers. It has two fishing lakes. There are also three lighted, colorful fountains. You can enjoy picnics at tables with grills and use a pavilion.
Education in Mascoutah
The Mascoutah Community Unit School District #19 serves the city. This district has five schools:
- Mascoutah Community High School
- Mascoutah Middle School
- Mascoutah Elementary School
- Scott Air Force Base Elementary School
- Wingate Elementary School
There is also a private Catholic school in Mascoutah called Holy Childhood School. It offers classes from preschool through eighth grade.
Famous People from Mascoutah
- Benno Lischer
See also
In Spanish: Mascoutah para niños
