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Westville, Illinois facts for kids

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Westville
Village
Signs at the north edge of Westville
Signs at the north edge of Westville
Location of Westville in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Location of Westville in Vermilion County, Illinois.
Westville, Illinois is located in Vermilion County, Illinois
Westville, Illinois
Westville, Illinois
Location in Vermilion County, Illinois
Country United States
State Illinois
County Vermilion
Township Georgetown
Organized 1896
Area
 • Total 1.68 sq mi (4.35 km2)
 • Land 1.68 sq mi (4.35 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation
673 ft (205 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 3,167
 • Density 1,887.37/sq mi (728.56/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
61883
Area code(s) 217
FIPS code 17-80931
GNIS ID 2400157
Website villageofwestville.com

Westville is a small village located in Vermilion County, Illinois, in the United States. It is part of the larger Danville, Illinois area. In 2020, about 3,167 people lived there.

Exploring Westville's Past

Westville was officially started in May 1873 by William P. and Elizabeth A. West. However, people lived in this area much earlier. The first known settler, Moses Scott, bought land and built a home in 1827. The village got its own post office in 1874. Telephone lines arrived in 1900, and electricity came in 1901.

Westville Illinois museum
Museum in Westville

In its early days, Westville was home to many immigrants. They often lived in separate neighborhoods, each with its own cultural feel. Because of this mix of cultures, the town was sometimes called "Little Chicago." Today, many people still have family names from Eastern Europe, and the community is more mixed.

A First in Football History

Westville made history in 1928 by hosting the first regular season night high school football game in the United States. This game counted towards the season record and was played under permanent lights. While some earlier night games happened, they were either not between two high schools or used temporary lights. So, the Friday Night High School Football we know today really began in Westville!

Celebrating Community Spirit

Westville is famous for its annual Labor Day celebration. The village holds a big parade featuring local businesses, schools, and community leaders. St. Mary's church also joins the fun with an International Food Festival and a raffle.

Westville's Location and Size

Westville is found along Illinois Route 1 and U.S. Route 150. It's about seven miles south of Interstate 74 and the county seat of Danville. According to the 2010 census, Westville covers a total area of 1.68 square miles (4.35 km2), and all of it is land.

How Many People Live in Westville?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1900 1,605
1910 2,607 62.4%
1920 4,241 62.7%
1930 3,901 −8.0%
1940 3,446 −11.7%
1950 3,196 −7.3%
1960 3,497 9.4%
1970 3,655 4.5%
1980 3,573 −2.2%
1990 3,387 −5.2%
2000 3,175 −6.3%
2010 3,202 0.9%
2020 3,167 −1.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 3,175 people living in Westville. The village had 1,420 households. About 27.3% of these households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had 2.24 people. The population was spread out, with 22.5% of residents under 18 years old. About 19.1% were 65 years or older.

Schools in Westville

Westville has its own school district, Westville Community Unit School District #2. This district includes:

  • Judith Giacoma Elementary
  • Westville Junior High School
  • Westville High School

Until 2010, there was also a private Catholic school, Saint Mary's Parish Grade School, but it is now closed.

Getting Around Westville

Danville Mass Transit offers bus service in Westville. Route 9 connects the village to downtown Danville and other places.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Westville (Illinois) para niños

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