Category Archives: Local government

Leland Grove

Posted on April 17, 2013 by editor

Founded: The city of Leland Grove was formed in response to a plague of potholes. Subdivision development took off in the area, on the southwest side of the city of Springfield, after World War II. But it wasn’t an easy sell. … Continue reading →

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Grandview

Posted on April 17, 2013 by editor

Founded: Like Jerome and Southern View, the village of Grandview, which lies along North Grand Avenue east of Wheeler Avenue, was formed in 1939 so the village could obtain water from the city of Springfield. The incorporation initiative began with … Continue reading →

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Southern View

Posted on April 17, 2013 by editor

Like Grandview and Jerome, the village of Southern View, which abuts Springfield’s south side, was formed so the village could obtain water from the city of Springfield. Founded: Southern View residents voted 117 to 30 in 1939 to incorporate in … Continue reading →

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Jerome

Posted on April 17, 2013 by editor

Like Grandview and Southern View, the village of Jerome, which is nearly surrounded by Springfield on the city’s south and west sides, was incorporated in 1939 so the village could obtain water from the city of Springfield. Founded and named: … Continue reading →

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Riverton

Posted on April 7, 2013 by editor

Like many early towns, the village of Riverton’s proximity to the Sangamon River contributed to its beginnings. A ferry across the Sangamon, operated by Ezikiel Judd, was the first enterprise in the area. He later transferred the ferry to his … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Coal mines and mining, Communities, Early residents, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Mills, Railroads, Sangamon River, Schools and school districts, Sports and recreation, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Williamsville

Posted on March 26, 2013 by editor

European settlers lived in the Williamsville area by the early 1820s, but the village itself wasn’t laid out until 1853. The community’s first house was built by Jacob Flagg in the fall of that year. Williamsville is named after Col. … Continue reading →

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Sangamon County, founding of

Posted on March 22, 2013 by editor

Sangamon County was created by an act of the Illinois General Assembly on Jan. 30, 1821. It was subdivided from Madison and Bond counties and at the time was one of only 33 counties in the state (there are now … Continue reading →

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Historic sites of Springfield

Posted on March 18, 2013 by editor

The Historic Sites Commission of Springfield has designated 66 buildings as having local historic significance. The commission’s primary goal is to increase awareness of the need for historic preservation, although designation as a historic site can also be helpful in obtaining economic … Continue reading →

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Springfield, origin of

Posted on March 18, 2013 by editor

Whether or not Elisha Kelley was the first resident of the area that later became Springfield, the “Kelley cabins,” occupied by Elisha, John and Henry Kelley and others, were the heart of early Springfield. Even though their settlement was tiny, nowhere … Continue reading →

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