Sandwich, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sandwich, Illinois
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| Nickname(s):
The Fair City
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Location of Sandwich in DeKalb and Kendall Counties, Illinois.
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Location of Illinois in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| Counties | DeKalb, Kendall |
| Townships | Sandwich, Somonauk, Little Rock |
| Incorporated (city) | February 21, 1859 |
| Founded by | Almon Gage |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.75 sq mi (12.31 km2) |
| • Land | 4.74 sq mi (12.27 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 669 ft (204 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 7,221 |
| • Density | 1,520.2/sq mi (587.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
60548
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| Area codes | 815, 779 |
| FIPS code | 17-67548 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2396534 |
Sandwich is a city located in DeKalb and Kendall counties in the state of Illinois, United States. In 2020, about 7,221 people lived there.
Contents
History of Sandwich
The story of Sandwich is connected to a politician named "Long John" Wentworth. He worked to move the border between Illinois and Wisconsin to where it is today. If he had not succeeded, Sandwich might have been in Wisconsin!
The city started when Almon Gage wanted a train stop for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. He first called the area Newark Station. Both Gage and Wentworth worked hard to create the community and get the train stop built. To thank him, Wentworth got to name the town. He chose "Sandwich" after his hometown in Sandwich, New Hampshire. You can still find Wentworth Apartments and Wentworth Street in the city today.
The Famous Sandwich Fair
Sandwich is well-known for the Sandwich Fair. It began as a livestock show in DeKalb County. The first fair, called the Union Agricultural Institute, opened in 1858.
Since 1888, the fair has happened every year. It runs from Wednesday to Sunday after Labor Day. It is one of the oldest county fairs in Illinois that still happens every year. More than 100,000 people visit the fair each day. On its busiest days, over 200,000 people attend! In 2020, the fair was canceled for the first time ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geography of Sandwich
Sandwich covers about 4.75 square miles (12.3 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
Natural Features and Landscape
Inside Sandwich, there are many small creeks. These creeks flow into Somonauk Creek, Little Rock Creek, or the Fox River. Long ago, there was a lake called Lake Davis. It was drained in the 1800s to create more farmland.
The city of Sandwich is built on a natural slope. This is because of a geological feature called the Sandwich Fault. This fault line means the city sits on a hillside. The lowest part of the city is in the southeast corner. The last earthquake along the Sandwich Fault happened on February 10, 2010.
Sandwich Climate
Sandwich has a climate with big changes in temperature throughout the year. Summers are warm to hot and often humid. Winters are cold, and sometimes very cold. This type of weather is called a "Hot Summer Continental Climate."
People of Sandwich
In 2020, the city of Sandwich had 7,221 residents. There were 2,548 households, which are groups of people living together. About 33% of these households had children under 18 living with them. Many families were married couples living together.
The people in Sandwich come from different backgrounds. Most residents are White. There are also people who identify as African American, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander. About 14.78% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Sandwich was about 37 years old. About 26% of the population was under 18 years old.
Education in Sandwich
The schools in Sandwich are part of the Sandwich Community Unit School District 430. This district has three elementary schools, an intermediate school, a junior high, and a high school. The schools are:
- Prairie View Elementary
- Lynn G. Haskin Elementary
- W.W. Woodbury Elementary
- Herman E. Dummer School
- Sandwich Middle School
- Sandwich High School
The mascot for the schools is the Indian, and the school colors are orange and black. Sandwich High School is part of the Interstate Eight Conference. Its sports teams compete in events regulated by the IHSA. The high school has a very strong wrestling team. Their football teams also made it to state playoffs in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Students in Sandwich can also take classes at Waubonsee Community College.
Industry in Sandwich
Sandwich has a history of manufacturing. One important invention from Sandwich is the Sahara-Pak heat-of-compression air dryer. This design was patented in 1974 by Henderson Engineering. Many experts believe it was a very important step forward in drying compressed air.
The Plano Molding Company factory is also in Sandwich. They make plastic furniture, tackle boxes, and other storage items. Meadowvale, Inc. is another company in Sandwich. They make dairy mixes for ice cream, frozen custard, and soft serve. These mixes are sent all over the United States. Even though some factories have closed, manufacturing is still an important part of Sandwich's economy.
Notable People from Sandwich
- Hugh Brannum (1910–1987), an actor who played "Mr. Green Jeans" on the children's TV show Captain Kangaroo
- Latham Castle (1900-1986), a judge and former Illinois Attorney General
- Garrett Gilkey (1990-), an NFL offensive guard who went to school in Sandwich
- Paul Harvey (1882–1955), a film and TV actor
- Rufus B. von KleinSmid (1875-1964), a former Chancellor and President of the University of Southern California
See also
In Spanish: Sandwich (Illinois) para niños
