Mackinaw, Illinois
Encyclopedia
Mackinaw is a village in Tazewell County
, Illinois
, United States
. The population was 1,452 at the 2000 census. Mackinaw is part of the Peoria, Illinois
Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the village has a total area of 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²), of which, 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (2.34%) is water.
of 2000, there were 1,452 people, 579 households, and 408 families residing in the village. The population density
was 1,157.2 people per square mile (448.5/km²). There were 608 housing units at an average density of 484.6 per square mile (187.8/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.73% White, 0.28% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races
, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.31% of the population.
There were 579 households out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples
living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the village the population was spread out with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $40,766, and the median income for a family was $49,750. Males had a median income of $37,112 versus $20,648 for females. The per capita income
for the village was $19,279. About 1.2% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.1% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.
, which is first mentioned in the journal of Patrick Kennedy in 1773 as the Little Michilimackinac River, and the name evolved to Mackinaw. The meaning is thought to be the same as the meaning in the case of Mackinac Island and Straits area in Michigan
, which comes from the Ojibway word for turtle (Michilimackinac means Great Turtle). This information comes from Virgil Vogel's book Indian Place Names in Illinois
and most others concur. No one knows why OUR river was named this, but it is assumed that the word Mackinaw means turtle in several different Native Indian languages in the Algonquian language family, not just Ojibway.
was just organized and the commissioners appointed to select a county seat chose the settlement which had come to be known as Mackinaw. Thus, the Village was surveyed and became a legal municipality in 1827. The first tax levy passed to defray expenses of the new county government called for a tax of 1/2 of 1% on carriages, distilleries, livestock in trade, slaves and horses - but no real estate tax. A settler named Amasa Stout constructed the first Tazewell County Court House for $125. This Court House was an imposing structure for the time.
at that time. Nevertheless, the very first prisoner incarcerated within its heavy walls took flight the same night. This individual, William Cowhart, is also noted for being the first horse thief in Tazewell County
.
was a significant part of Mackinaw's history. The Mackinaw Depot, which is still standing on the north side of town, is the first building in Tazewell County
to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places
.
The origin and development of the Illinois Terminal Railroad (earlier known as the Illinois Traction System (ITS)) began in 1895. From 1895 - 1910 lines were built from Danville
on the east through Champaign
, Decatur
and Springfield
on the west. The second line ran from Decatur
to Bloomington
through Mackinaw to Peoria
on the west. A third line ran from Mackinaw Junction (1/2 miles west of the Mackinaw Depot, 100 yards east of the Mackinaw River
) through Springfield to St. Louis
.
By 1945 the rail system of 476 miles (766 km) served the heart of the agricultural district of Illinois
and many great industrial centers. In 1945 the ITS handled 336,296 cars of revenue freight and 10,348,063 revenue passengers. In 1945, 14 daily trains operated on the line from Peoria
through Mackinaw Junction to St. Louis
. Three trains in each direction were high speed, deluxe air-conditioned reserved seats with comfortable individual chairs. A la carte dining service was provided on these trains. The rapid decline for freight and passenger service in the late 40s and early 50s brought the system to a halt. The Mackinaw Depot was last used in 1953.
A train car was used for the first Mackinaw Station. Construction of the present Depot began in 1909 and was completed in 1910. The Depot is among the few examples of Spanish-style architecture left in Illinois
. The Mackinaw Depot is one of only a few left standing and in use. The Mackinaw Historical Society purchased the depot in 1978. In 1998, the Mackinaw Depot was purchased by a local family and turned into a floral shop and tea room.
Heritage Lake underwent development as a recreational facility in 1969-1970. Some of the first structures were small weekend and vacation cottages. Within a few years people began viewing Heritage Lake as a desirable location for year round homes and living.
There are now approximately 300 homes at Heritage Lake with 200 having been constructed in the last 15 years. Approximately 75 have been built in the last 3 years. Today Heritage Lake serves a joint purpose as a rural subdivision and as a source for family recreation. Many non-resident members enjoy the same privileges and facilities offered to those who live in the area.
Heritage Lake is managed by a Homeowner's Association with a seven member Board of Directors (elected by property owners) and various committees. The association is an Illinois
corporation but the area is not incorporated as a village or city for governmental purpose.
Tazewell County, Illinois
Tazewell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 135,394, which is an increase of 5.4% from 128,485 in 2000. Its county seat and largest city is Pekin. The majority of the population live in the suburbs and bedroom communities...
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 1,452 at the 2000 census. Mackinaw is part of the Peoria, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. It is named after the Peoria tribe. As of the 2010 census, the city was the seventh-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 115,007, and is the third-most populated...
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Peoria metropolitan area
The Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of five counties in Central Illinois, anchored by the city of Peoria...
.
Geography
Mackinaw is located at 40°32′2"N 89°21′31"W (40.533977, -89.358630).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the village has a total area of 1.3 square miles (3.4 km²), of which, 1.2 square miles (3.1 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (2.34%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 1,452 people, 579 households, and 408 families residing in the village. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,157.2 people per square mile (448.5/km²). There were 608 housing units at an average density of 484.6 per square mile (187.8/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.73% White, 0.28% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.31% of the population.
There were 579 households out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the village the population was spread out with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $40,766, and the median income for a family was $49,750. Males had a median income of $37,112 versus $20,648 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the village was $19,279. About 1.2% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.1% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.
Education
- Deer Creek-Mackinaw School District #701
- Deer Creek-Mackinaw Primary School
- Deer Creek-Mackinaw Jr High School
- Deer Creek-Mackinaw Intermediate School
- Deer Creek-Mackinaw High School
Native Americans
Early settlers in the area encountered Native American Indians of the Illini and Peoria tribes who were, for the most part, friendly. [More content here would be nice.]Name Origination
Mackinaw is named for the Mackinaw RiverMackinaw River
The Mackinaw River, also called Mackinac River, is a river in the U.S. state of Illinois. It flows through what was once the Grande Prairie region of central Illinois...
, which is first mentioned in the journal of Patrick Kennedy in 1773 as the Little Michilimackinac River, and the name evolved to Mackinaw. The meaning is thought to be the same as the meaning in the case of Mackinac Island and Straits area in Michigan
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is an island and resort area covering in land area, part of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located in Lake Huron, at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac, between the state's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The island was home to a Native American settlement before European...
, which comes from the Ojibway word for turtle (Michilimackinac means Great Turtle). This information comes from Virgil Vogel's book Indian Place Names in Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
and most others concur. No one knows why OUR river was named this, but it is assumed that the word Mackinaw means turtle in several different Native Indian languages in the Algonquian language family, not just Ojibway.
Lay of the land
Settlers probably found the area around Mackinaw geographically desirable for the same reasons the Indians did - nearness to water (the river) and general "lay of the land." For example, the highest point of elevation for many miles around is about 1 miles (1.6 km) east of Mackinaw - near the entrance to Heritage Lake.Official Village
The history of Mackinaw as a Village may be said to begin early in 1827. At that time, Tazewell CountyTazewell County, Illinois
Tazewell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 135,394, which is an increase of 5.4% from 128,485 in 2000. Its county seat and largest city is Pekin. The majority of the population live in the suburbs and bedroom communities...
was just organized and the commissioners appointed to select a county seat chose the settlement which had come to be known as Mackinaw. Thus, the Village was surveyed and became a legal municipality in 1827. The first tax levy passed to defray expenses of the new county government called for a tax of 1/2 of 1% on carriages, distilleries, livestock in trade, slaves and horses - but no real estate tax. A settler named Amasa Stout constructed the first Tazewell County Court House for $125. This Court House was an imposing structure for the time.
First Jail
The first jail of the county was erected in Mackinaw at a cost of $325.75, and was one of the strongest and most costly jails erected in Central IllinoisIllinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
at that time. Nevertheless, the very first prisoner incarcerated within its heavy walls took flight the same night. This individual, William Cowhart, is also noted for being the first horse thief in Tazewell County
Tazewell County, Illinois
Tazewell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 135,394, which is an increase of 5.4% from 128,485 in 2000. Its county seat and largest city is Pekin. The majority of the population live in the suburbs and bedroom communities...
.
Historic Inns
It is generally believed that the first building in the Village, the Mackinaw Inn, was built in 1827 out of logs. Later, after 1880, James and Delia Genseal purchased the building and turned it into their home. Another inn, Pendergast Inn was built in 1845 and became the best known of the inns in the area. Abraham Lincoln was often a guest at the Pendergast Inn.Train depot
The Illinois Terminal RailroadIllinois Terminal Railroad
The Illinois Terminal Railroad, known as the Illinois Traction System until 1937, was a heavy duty interurban electric railroad with extensive passenger and freight business in central and southern Illinois from 1896 to 1982...
was a significant part of Mackinaw's history. The Mackinaw Depot, which is still standing on the north side of town, is the first building in Tazewell County
Tazewell County, Illinois
Tazewell County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 135,394, which is an increase of 5.4% from 128,485 in 2000. Its county seat and largest city is Pekin. The majority of the population live in the suburbs and bedroom communities...
to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
The origin and development of the Illinois Terminal Railroad (earlier known as the Illinois Traction System (ITS)) began in 1895. From 1895 - 1910 lines were built from Danville
Danville, Illinois
Danville is a city in Vermilion County, Illinois, United States. It is the principal city of the'Danville, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses all of Danville and Vermilion County. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 32,467. It is the county seat of...
on the east through Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
Champaign is a city in Champaign County, Illinois, in the United States. The city is located south of Chicago, west of Indianapolis, Indiana, and 178 miles northeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Though surrounded by farm communities, Champaign is notable for sharing the campus of the University of...
, Decatur
Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,...
and Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...
on the west. The second line ran from Decatur
Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,...
to Bloomington
Bloomington, Illinois
Bloomington is a city in McLean County, Illinois, United States and the county seat. It is adjacent to Normal, Illinois, and is the more populous of the two principal municipalities of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area...
through Mackinaw to Peoria
Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. It is named after the Peoria tribe. As of the 2010 census, the city was the seventh-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 115,007, and is the third-most populated...
on the west. A third line ran from Mackinaw Junction (1/2 miles west of the Mackinaw Depot, 100 yards east of the Mackinaw River
Mackinaw River
The Mackinaw River, also called Mackinac River, is a river in the U.S. state of Illinois. It flows through what was once the Grande Prairie region of central Illinois...
) through Springfield to St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
.
By 1945 the rail system of 476 miles (766 km) served the heart of the agricultural district of Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
and many great industrial centers. In 1945 the ITS handled 336,296 cars of revenue freight and 10,348,063 revenue passengers. In 1945, 14 daily trains operated on the line from Peoria
Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. It is named after the Peoria tribe. As of the 2010 census, the city was the seventh-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 115,007, and is the third-most populated...
through Mackinaw Junction to St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
. Three trains in each direction were high speed, deluxe air-conditioned reserved seats with comfortable individual chairs. A la carte dining service was provided on these trains. The rapid decline for freight and passenger service in the late 40s and early 50s brought the system to a halt. The Mackinaw Depot was last used in 1953.
A train car was used for the first Mackinaw Station. Construction of the present Depot began in 1909 and was completed in 1910. The Depot is among the few examples of Spanish-style architecture left in Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
. The Mackinaw Depot is one of only a few left standing and in use. The Mackinaw Historical Society purchased the depot in 1978. In 1998, the Mackinaw Depot was purchased by a local family and turned into a floral shop and tea room.
Businesses
Throughout Mackinaw's early history there were many businesses in the village and surrounding area. They included a hotel, opera house, cheese factory, several mills, furniture company, blacksmith shop and livery stable, dry goods store, ice business, hardware store and a newspaper - Mackinaw Enterprise Gazette. The Pomona Fair was held annually featuring parades and horse racing. As in other communities of the day, there were the usual tradesmen, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, doctors, lawyers, bankers and druggist. From the '20s and '30s through the '40s the drugstore was owned by "Bud" Windsor. The banker was Ray Carlock and the grocery store was owned by Charles E. Tyrrell. There was also a raincoat factory owned by Gilbert Stowell. In the late '30s, as a kid, you could get a haircut for $.25, get a nickel change back and take it to the drug store for an ice cream cone.History Section Reference
The above history content came completely and directly from the mackinawillinois.org website, but I'm uncertain how to cite or reference it as the source.Heritage Lake Subdivision
Heritage Lake, located 1 miles (1.6 km) east of Mackinaw, was originally built as Maraldo Lake in 1968.Heritage Lake underwent development as a recreational facility in 1969-1970. Some of the first structures were small weekend and vacation cottages. Within a few years people began viewing Heritage Lake as a desirable location for year round homes and living.
There are now approximately 300 homes at Heritage Lake with 200 having been constructed in the last 15 years. Approximately 75 have been built in the last 3 years. Today Heritage Lake serves a joint purpose as a rural subdivision and as a source for family recreation. Many non-resident members enjoy the same privileges and facilities offered to those who live in the area.
Heritage Lake is managed by a Homeowner's Association with a seven member Board of Directors (elected by property owners) and various committees. The association is an Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
corporation but the area is not incorporated as a village or city for governmental purpose.