Merrimac, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merrimac, Illinois
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| Etymology: Meramec River | |
 Merrimac, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Merrimac, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Monroe |
| Precinct | 15 |
| Elevation | 404 ft (123 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Postal code |
62295
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| Area code(s) | 618 |
Merrimac, Illinois is a small place in the United States that doesn't have its own local government. This type of place is called an unincorporated community. It's found in the historic Moredock Precinct of Monroe County, which is part of Illinois.
Merrimac is located in an area called the American Bottoms. This is a wide, flat floodplain right next to the mighty Mississippi River. The community sits very close to the river's protective levee. It's also just south of where the Meramec River flows into the Mississippi.
What's in a Name? Merrimac's Meaning
The name "Merrimac" comes from the nearby Meramec River. When French Jesuits (a type of religious group) first explored this area, they heard the local Algonquian people use a word for the river. The French explorers thought this word meant 'Ugly Water'.
However, today's experts who study the Algonquian language have a different idea. They believe the name actually means 'place of strong current'. This makes a lot of sense for a river, especially one that joins a huge river like the Mississippi!
Where is Merrimac Located?
Merrimac is situated in a unique geographical spot. It's part of the American Bottoms, which is a very fertile and flat area. This region was formed by the Mississippi River over thousands of years.
Being right next to the Mississippi River levee means the community is protected from floods. Its location near the meeting point of the Meramec and Mississippi rivers also highlights its connection to these important waterways.
