West Salem, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Salem, Illinois
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Businesses in West Salem
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Location of West Salem in Edwards County, Illinois.
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Location of Illinois in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | Edwards |
| Established | February 8, 1857 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.56 sq mi (4.04 km2) |
| • Land | 1.56 sq mi (4.04 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 518 ft (158 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 786 |
| • Density | 503.85/sq mi (194.57/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code(s) |
62476
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| Area code(s) | 618 |
| FIPS code | 17-80853 |
| GNIS ID | 2400144 |
| Wikimedia Commons | West Salem, Illinois |
West Salem is a small village in Edwards County, Illinois, United States. In 2020, about 786 people lived there. This was a bit less than the 897 people counted in 2010.
Contents
The History of West Salem
Early Settlers and the Moravian Church
The area where West Salem is now was first settled in the 1830s and early 1840s. Many of these early settlers were Moravians. They came from places like Salem, North Carolina, and Hope, Indiana.
In 1841, a Moravian pastor named William Eberman visited the new settlers. By 1843, over 80 Moravian families lived nearby. A missionary named Martin Hauser helped start a Moravian Church and establish the town. In 1844, 15 families signed an agreement to form a new Moravian church. Hauser also bought 120 acres of land for the church, which is where West Salem is today.
A Growing Community and Challenges
The new community of West Salem began to grow. In 1849, more than 60 immigrants from Germany arrived. They hoped to build homes and join the Moravian Church. They were welcomed, but soon there were problems between the German and English-speaking settlers. Language differences and old customs caused issues.
The church split into two groups: one English and one German. Each had its own pastor but shared the church building and cemetery. In 1858, they became two separate churches. The German group kept the old church, and the English group built a new one. The two groups reunited in 1925. The two cemeteries also joined together.
How West Salem Got Its Name
When the Moravians first arrived, they wanted to name their settlement "New Salem." This was because they came from Salem, North Carolina. However, there was already a New Salem in Illinois. This other New Salem was where Abraham Lincoln once lived.
So, the settlers chose a new name: "West Salem." They picked this name because their new village was west of Salem, North Carolina. The village was officially recognized on February 8, 1857. Interestingly, West Salem is east of another town called Salem, Illinois, which was founded earlier.
Village Government and Growth
West Salem officially became an organized village on February 5, 1898. The first Board of Trustees included William Foster Sr. as president. In 1914, the first organized board meeting took place. They hired an attorney to create rules for the village. These rules covered things like taxes, traffic, and public safety.
In 1951, West Salem got a much-needed water system. In 1962, a sewer system was finished, which was a big improvement for the village. In 2002, a new water storage tank was built.
Community Spaces and Celebrations
In 1957, a committee bought land for a new park and baseball area. This park was named Centennial Park. It is used for youth baseball, circuses, and other community events. The West Salem Volunteer Fire Department sponsors a popular fireworks display there every year around the 4th of July.
In 1965, a building was bought for the Village Hall. It housed the volunteer fire department, village offices, and the police department. In 1967, the West Salem Public Library opened its doors. West Salem celebrated its 100th birthday in 1957 and its 150th birthday in 2007.
Geography of West Salem
West Salem is located in the northeastern part of Edwards County. It is about 12 miles northeast of Albion, which is the main town in the county. Illinois State Route 130 runs just west of the village.
According to the 2010 census, West Salem covers an area of about 1.56 square miles. All of this area is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 315 | — | |
| 1890 | 476 | 51.1% | |
| 1900 | 700 | 47.1% | |
| 1910 | 725 | 3.6% | |
| 1920 | 946 | 30.5% | |
| 1930 | 825 | −12.8% | |
| 1940 | 909 | 10.2% | |
| 1950 | 902 | −0.8% | |
| 1960 | 956 | 6.0% | |
| 1970 | 979 | 2.4% | |
| 1980 | 1,145 | 17.0% | |
| 1990 | 1,042 | −9.0% | |
| 2000 | 1,001 | −3.9% | |
| 2010 | 897 | −10.4% | |
| 2020 | 786 | −12.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
As of the 2020 census, 786 people lived in West Salem. There were 332 households, which are groups of people living together. Most people in the village were White (96.44%).
About 27.2% of the people were under 18 years old. The average age in the village was 37.8 years. The median income for a household was $47,024. This means half the households earned more than this, and half earned less.
Earthquakes in the Area
West Salem is located in the Wabash Valley seismic zone, an area where earthquakes can happen.
- On April 3, 1974, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit near the town. It caused small damage like chimneys falling.
- On April 18, 2008, a stronger earthquake of 5.2 magnitude was centered near West Salem. People felt it across southern Illinois, central Indiana, and eastern Missouri, including St. Louis.
- On November 20, 2012, a 3.6 magnitude earthquake shook the village. People in Evansville, Indiana also felt it.
Industries of West Salem
West Salem has had different types of industries over the years, even though it is in a rural area.
Early Industries
In the 1850s, a cooper's shop made barrels for packing fruits. A large building built in 1878 was used as a flour mill. It also had a saw mill. West Salem was known for growing fruits like blackberries and strawberries. It also had a plant that made ice.
Brick Making
The brick plant was very important for West Salem's early growth. In 1918, the plant could make 22,000 bricks a day. It employed 50 men, who earned about $18 per week. The bricks from this plant were used to build the First Christian Church.
Champion Laboratories
While bricks made West Salem famous locally, Champion Laboratories gave it national recognition. This company became a major supplier of automotive filters.
In the 1950s, local leaders worked to bring new businesses to the area. In 1955, a new company called Kleen-Pak Corporation was started. In 1958, Kleen-Pak joined with Pyroil Company. Pyroil had bought Champion Laboratories, which made filters. Champion moved to West Salem and merged with Kleen-Pak. The company grew, and new buildings were added over the years. In 2007, all production moved to the Albion facility.
Oil Industry
In the early 1980s, West Salem had an oil boom. At one point, 32 oil wells were pumping oil. This oil boom helped the town's budget, bringing in extra money when many towns were struggling.
Education in West Salem
The first school in West Salem was a small wooden building built around 1850. A two-story brick school was built in 1880. This building was later made bigger. In 1947, several smaller schools joined with the West Salem district. A modern addition was built in 1952, and the old building was replaced in 1960. Kindergarten classes were added in 1951-1952.
Today, West Salem is part of the Edwards County Community School District #1.
See also
In Spanish: West Salem (Illinois) para niños
