Saint George, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saint George, Illinois
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Country | United States |
State | Illinois |
County | Kankakee |
Township | Ganeer |
Elevation | 656 ft (200 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Area code(s) | 815 & 779 |
GNIS feature ID | 417299 |
Saint George is a small place in Kankakee County, Illinois, in the United States. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and businesses that don't have their own local government, like a city or town does. Instead, it's part of the larger county government.
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History of Saint George
Saint George was settled a long time ago, in the 1840s. Many of the first people to live here were Métis and French Canadians.
Who Were the Métis?
The Métis people are a special group with a unique history. They are descendants of both Indigenous (Native American) people and European settlers, often French Canadians. They have their own culture, language, and traditions that blend these two backgrounds.
French Canadian Settlers
French Canadians are people whose families came from France and settled in Canada many years ago. From Canada, some of them moved south into the United States, including areas like Illinois. They often brought their language, customs, and Catholic faith with them.
Why They Settled Here
In the 1840s, many people were moving west to find new land and opportunities. The area around Saint George offered fertile land for farming and access to rivers. This made it a good place for new communities to grow. The Métis and French Canadians helped build the early foundations of this community.
Geography and Location
Saint George is located in Kankakee County, which is in the northeastern part of Illinois. It's not far from the city of Kankakee.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live close together but don't have their own city hall or mayor. Instead, the county government takes care of things like roads, police, and other services. This is different from a city or town, which has its own local government and elected officials.
Nearby Areas
Saint George is part of Ganeer Township. A township is a smaller division within a county, often used for local administration and services.
Life in Saint George
Life in an unincorporated community like Saint George is often quieter than in a big city. People might know their neighbors well, and the community can feel very connected. While it doesn't have its own government, residents still contribute to the local economy and community life of Kankakee County.