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The Crossroads, Illinois facts for kids

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The Crossroads, Illinois
The Crossroads, Illinois is located in Illinois
The Crossroads, Illinois
The Crossroads, Illinois
Location in Illinois
The Crossroads, Illinois is located in the United States
The Crossroads, Illinois
The Crossroads, Illinois
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Illinois
County Calhoun
Elevation
643 ft (196 m)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s) 618
GNIS feature ID 423237

The Crossroads is a small place in Calhoun County, Illinois, in the United States. It's known as an "unincorporated community." This means it's a group of homes and buildings that don't have their own local government, like a city or town does.

The Crossroads is located about 4 miles (6.4 km) south-southeast of a town called Brussels. It sits at an elevation of 643 feet (196 meters) above sea level.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it's not officially a city or a village. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, it's usually governed by the larger county it's in.

How are they Different from Cities?

Cities and villages have their own local rules and services. They might have their own police, fire department, or public works. Unincorporated communities rely on the county for these services. For example, the county sheriff's office would provide law enforcement.

Why are Some Places Unincorporated?

Sometimes, a group of homes just isn't big enough to form its own government. Other times, residents might prefer to stay unincorporated. This can mean fewer local taxes or less strict building rules.

Where is The Crossroads Located?

The Crossroads is found in Calhoun County, which is in the state of Illinois. Illinois is a large state in the Midwest region of the United States.

Calhoun County: A Unique Place

Calhoun County is special because it's a peninsula. This means it's surrounded by water on three sides. The Mississippi River is on its west, and the Illinois River is on its east. This makes the county very scenic.

The county is mostly rural, with lots of farms and natural areas. It's known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Many people visit for fishing, hunting, and enjoying nature.

Illinois: The Prairie State

Illinois is often called "The Prairie State" because much of its land used to be covered in prairies. These are large areas of flat grassland. Today, Illinois is a mix of big cities, small towns, and vast farmlands.

The state is a major center for agriculture, especially corn and soybeans. It also has a rich history, playing an important role in American development.

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