Port Byron, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Port Byron
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| Motto(s):
"Honoring the past and Building the future" "Just Down the Stream..."
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Location of Port Byron in Island County, Illinois.
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Location of Illinois in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Illinois | |
| County | Rock Island | |
| Founded | 1828 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.48 sq mi (6.43 km2) | |
| • Land | 2.43 sq mi (6.29 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.06 sq mi (0.14 km2) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,668 | |
| • Density | 686.99/sq mi (265.30/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) | |
| ZIP Code(s) |
61275
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| Area code(s) | 309 | |
| FIPS code | 17-61223 | |
| Wikimedia Commons | Port Byron, Illinois | |
Port Byron is a small village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. It is part of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area. In 2020, about 1,668 people lived there. This was a small increase from 1,647 people in 2010. The village was founded in 1828.
Contents
Geography of Port Byron
Port Byron is located at 41°37′5″N 90°19′58″W / 41.61806°N 90.33278°W. It covers an area of about 2.48 square miles (6.43 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 652 | — | |
| 1870 | 576 | −11.7% | |
| 1880 | 799 | 38.7% | |
| 1890 | 775 | −3.0% | |
| 1900 | 732 | −5.5% | |
| 1910 | 642 | −12.3% | |
| 1920 | 510 | −20.6% | |
| 1930 | 587 | 15.1% | |
| 1940 | 861 | 46.7% | |
| 1950 | 1,050 | 22.0% | |
| 1960 | 1,153 | 9.8% | |
| 1970 | 1,222 | 6.0% | |
| 1980 | 1,289 | 5.5% | |
| 1990 | 1,002 | −22.3% | |
| 2000 | 1,535 | 53.2% | |
| 2010 | 1,647 | 7.3% | |
| 2020 | 1,668 | 1.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 1,676 people living in Port Byron. These people lived in 623 households. About 419 of these were families.
Most people living in the village were White (98.83%). A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds. About 1.63% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 30% of households had children under 18. The average household had 2.46 people. The average family had 3.08 people. The median age in the village was 40 years old.
Tug Fest: A Unique Competition
The most exciting event in Port Byron is the Great River Tug Fest. It has been held every year since 1987. This festival takes place on the second full weekend in August.
On Friday night, there is a fireworks show. On Saturday afternoon, the Mississippi River is closed! This is because a huge tug-of-war takes place across the river.
How the Tug-of-War Works
Teams of 10 men (20 per side) and one team of 25 women compete. A very long rope, 2,700 feet long and weighing about 700 pounds, is pulled across the river to Le Claire, Iowa.
The team that wins the most rounds gets bragging rights for the year. They also get to keep the traveling alabaster trophy. Port Byron won in 2016. They have a great record of 21 wins and 11 losses.
Tug Fest is special because it's the only event in the United States that closes the Mississippi River. The women's team from Illinois has never lost a match in Tug Fest history!
Will B. Rolling: The Giant Cyclist Statue
Port Byron is home to a very tall statue called "Will B. Rolling." It is 30 feet high and shows a rider on a Penny-farthing bicycle. A Penny-farthing is an old type of bicycle with a very large front wheel and a small back wheel.
The statue was put up on November 13, 2013. It was a gift to the village from former mayor Lawrence Bay and his wife Carol. You can find it along the Great River Trail.
Inspired by Another Statue
"Will B. Rolling" was inspired by a similar statue named "Ben Bikin'" in Sparta, Wisconsin. Both statues were made from the same mold.
Every October, there is a bicycle ride event called "Will to Ben." Cyclists ride from Port Byron to Sparta, connecting the two statues. In 2014, "Will B. Rolling" won the Eddy Award for Art from River Action.
Port Byron Online
You can find more information about Port Byron on its official website: www.portbyronil.com.
Notable People from Port Byron
- Bill Malarkey: A baseball pitcher who played for the New York Giants.
- Mary E. Metzgar: A well-known activist who worked to promote temperance (avoiding alcohol).
See also
In Spanish: Port Byron (Illinois) para niños
