Washington, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Washington
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Denhart Bank Building at 101 Washington Sq.
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| Motto(s):
"Your Pathway To Discovery; Enjoyment And Knowledge"
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Location of Washington in Tazewell County, Illinois.
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Location of Illinois in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Tazewell |
| Township | Washington |
| Founded by | William Holland Sr. |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 8.56 sq mi (22.17 km2) |
| • Land | 8.54 sq mi (22.13 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2) |
| Elevation | 757 ft (231 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 16,071 |
| • Density | 1,880.75/sq mi (726.17/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code(s) |
61571
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| Area code(s) | 309 |
| FIPS code | 17-79033 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2397206 |
| Wikimedia Commons | Washington, Illinois |
Washington is a city in Tazewell County, Illinois, United States. It is located northeast of East Peoria along U.S. Route 24 and Illinois Route 8. In 2020, about 16,071 people lived there. Washington is a suburb of Peoria and is part of the larger Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Contents
History of Washington
Washington was started in 1825 by William Holland Sr. He moved from North Carolina and worked as a blacksmith for local Native Americans. The area was first called Holland's Grove in 1833. Later, in 1837, it was renamed Washington to honor the first U.S. president, George Washington.
Heyl Pony Farm: A Local Legend
In the 1920s, a man named George Heyl made Washington famous. He owned the Heyl Pony Farm, which sold Shetland ponies all over the world. He also raised special kinds of poultry. Some of the original barns from his farm can still be seen on North Main Street today.
Community Growth and Development
A new community center called Five Points Washington opened in October 2007. This center is a great place for the community. It has the Washington Public Library, a performing arts center for shows, swimming pools, a fitness center, and a banquet hall for events.
The 2013 Tornado Event
On November 17, 2013, a very strong tornado hit Washington. This tornado was part of a larger storm system. It caused a lot of damage, especially to homes and trees. Sadly, three people died because of the storm. The tornado destroyed many homes and buildings as it moved through the city.
Geography and Climate
Washington covers an area of about 8.18 square miles (21.19 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with only a small part being water.
Weather in Washington
Washington has a climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. The average temperature changes a lot between winter and summer. Snow falls often in winter, but the amount can be different each year. The city gets the most rain in spring and summer.
Getting Around Washington
CityLink offers bus service in Washington. Route 8 connects Washington to downtown Peoria, East Peoria, and other places. U.S. Route 24 runs outside of Washington, going east and west. There is also Business U.S. 24, which goes through the main square in downtown Washington.
People of Washington
Washington has grown quite a bit over the years. In 2000, there were about 10,841 people living in the city. By 2020, the population had grown to 16,071. Most people living in Washington are White. The city is home to many families, with a good number of households having children. The average age of people in Washington is around 37 years old.
Education in Washington
Washington has several schools for students of all ages. Washington Community High School (District 308) serves high school students. There are also three public elementary school districts:
- District 50, which includes John L. Hensey and Beverly Manor schools.
- District 51, which includes Central Primary and Central Intermediate schools.
- District 52, which includes Lincoln Grade and Washington Middle School.
In addition to public schools, there is also St. Patrick's School, which is a private Catholic school.
Fun Annual Events
Washington hosts several fun events throughout the year that bring the community together:
- 9-11 Memorial Walk: A walk to remember the events of September 11.
- Good Neighbor Days: A festival that used to be called the Cherry Festival.
- Memorial Day Parade: A parade to honor those who served.
- Take Pride in Washington Day: A day for community clean-up and improvement.
- Veterans Day Parade: A parade to honor veterans.
- Washington Fine Arts Festival: An event celebrating local art.
Famous People from Washington
Washington has been home to several notable people, especially in sports:
- Mark Dennis: An American football player who played for the Miami Dolphins and other teams.
- Doug Lee: A basketball player who played for the Houston Rockets and other NBA teams.
- Alec Peters: A basketball player who was drafted into the NBA in 2017.
- Fred Taral: A Hall of Fame jockey and horse trainer.
- Colton Underwood: A former NFL player who later became famous on the TV show The Bachelor.
See also
In Spanish: Washington (Illinois) para niños
