Skelton, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Skelton, Illinois
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 Skelton, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Skelton, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Logan |
| Townships | East Lincoln, Oran |
| Elevation | 614 ft (187 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 217 |
| GNIS feature ID | 423187 |
Skelton is a small, unincorporated community located in Logan County, Illinois, in the United States. An unincorporated community is a place that does not have its own local government, like a city or town. Instead, it is usually governed by the county.
Skelton is situated along Illinois Route 10, which is a state highway. It lies to the east of a larger city called Lincoln. The land where Skelton is located is about 610 feet (or 186 meters) above sea level. This means it's not very high up, but it's also not at sea level.
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Where is Skelton Located?
Skelton is found in the central part of Illinois. Illinois is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is known for its flat farmlands and big cities like Chicago.
Skelton's Home: Logan County
Skelton is part of Logan County. This county is named after Dr. John Logan, a famous early settler and politician in Illinois. Logan County is mostly rural, meaning it has a lot of farms and open spaces.
Townships Around Skelton
Unincorporated communities like Skelton are often located within larger areas called townships. Skelton is found within two townships: East Lincoln Township and Oran Township. Townships help organize local services in rural areas.
Life in an Unincorporated Community
Living in an unincorporated community like Skelton can be different from living in a city. There might not be a mayor or a city council. Instead, the county government handles things like roads, police, and other services.
What Does "Unincorporated" Mean?
The word "unincorporated" means that a place has not officially formed its own local government. It doesn't have its own city hall or local laws separate from the county. This is common for smaller settlements that don't have a large population.
How Communities Get Services
Even without a city government, residents of Skelton still receive important services. These services are provided by Logan County. This includes things like maintaining roads, providing emergency services, and managing public records.
Geography and Surroundings
The area around Skelton is typical of central Illinois. It features flat or gently rolling land, which is perfect for farming. The elevation of 610 feet is quite common for this part of the state.
Illinois Route 10: A Local Connection
Illinois Route 10 is an important road for Skelton. It connects the community to other towns and cities, including Lincoln. Roads like this are vital for transportation, allowing people to travel for work, school, or shopping.
Climate in Central Illinois
Skelton experiences a humid continental climate. This means it has four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold with snow. Spring and autumn are usually mild and pleasant.
History of Small Communities
Many small communities like Skelton started because of farming or the building of railroads. They often served as local centers for farmers to buy supplies or sell their crops. Over time, some grew into cities, while others remained small.
Why Communities Formed
In the past, people often settled in areas that were good for farming or near important transportation routes. Skelton's location near Illinois Route 10 suggests it might have been a convenient stop or a place for a small group of people to live and work.
The Role of Agriculture
Agriculture has always been a major part of Illinois's economy. Communities like Skelton are often surrounded by farms growing crops like corn and soybeans. These farms are important for feeding people and supporting the local economy.
