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Coordinates: 41°18′27″N 88°08′46″W / 41.307515°N 88.146143°W / 41.307515; -88.146143
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{{Infobox settlement|official_name = Wilmington, Illinois
{{For|the village in Greene County|Wilmington, Greene County, Illinois}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
|nickname = The home of steers and queers, but no body got horns
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Wilmington, Illinois
|image_skyline =
|settlement_type = [[List of cities in Illinois|City]]
|coordinates_display = inline,title
|nickname = The Island City
|coordinates_region = US-IL
|image_skyline = Wilmington_IL.jpg
|subdivision_type = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
|image_caption = Baltimore Street ([[Illinois Route 53|IL-53]])
|subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]]
|image_map = File:Will County Illinois Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Wilmington Highlighted.svg
|mapsize = 260px
|map_caption = Location of Wilmington in Will County, Illinois.
|coordinates =
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Illinois|Counties]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Illinois|Counties]]
|subdivision_name = [[United States]]
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_name1 = [[Illinois]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Illinois]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Will County, Illinois|Will]]|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Will County, Illinois|Will]]
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name = Ben Dietz<ref>{{cite web |title=City Officials |url=https://www.wilmington-il.com/city-officials |publisher=City of Wilmington |access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>
|leader_name = Martin Orr
|area_total_km2 = 11.7
|area_total_km2 = 37.61
|population_as_of = 2000
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_total = 5600
|population_total = 5664
|timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
|timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset = -6
|utc_offset = -6
|timezone_DST = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
|timezone_DST = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 60481
|area_code = 815
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft = 528
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|established_title = Founded <!-- Settled -->
|established_title = Founded <!-- Settled -->
|established_date = 1836
|established_date = 1836
|established_title2 = Incorporated
|established_title2 = Incorporated
|established_date2 = 1854
|established_date2 = 1854
|established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) -->
|established_title3 = <!-- Incorporated (city) -->
|established_date3 =
|established_date3 =
|footnotes = <
|footnotes =
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standards|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 17-82101 <ref>{{cite web|title=Wilmington, Illinois (Will County)|url=http://roadsidethoughts.com/il/wilmington-xx-will-misc.htm|website=Roadside Thoughts|access-date=14 June 2017}}</ref>
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 2397328<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2397328}}</ref>
|website = {{URL|https://www.wilmington-il.com}}
|pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_footnotes =
|population_est =
|population_density_sq_mi = 410.35
|unit_pref = Imperial
|population_density_km2 = 158.44
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_17.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
|area_total_sq_mi = 14.52
|area_land_km2 = 35.75
|area_water_km2 = 1.86
|area_land_sq_mi = 13.80
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.72
|population_footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Wilmington''' is a city in [[Will County, Illinois]], United States. Located on [[Illinois Route 53]] and [[Historic U.S. Route 66]] along the east bank of the [[Kankakee River]], it is approximately {{convert|60|mi}} south-west from downtown [[Chicago]]. The population was 5,664 at the 2020 census. Wilmington is just south of [[Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie]], which is home to the largest [[bison]] herd in the state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wetli |first=Patty |date=May 7, 2021 |title=It’s a Bison Baby Boom at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie |url=https://news.wttw.com/2021/05/07/it-s-bison-baby-boom-midewin-national-tallgrass-prairie |website=WTTW News}}</ref>
'''Wilmington''' is a city in [[Will County, Illinois|Will County]], [[Illinois]], [[United States]]. The population was 5,134 at the 2000 census.


==Geography==
==History==
Thomas Cox purchased land near Alden's Island in 1834 and built a sawmill, corn cracker, gristmill, and a carding machine facility all of which were powered by water wheels situated on a mill right off of the Kankakee River which runs through Wilmington.<ref name="History">{{Cite web |title=Wilmington History |url=https://www.wilmingtonlibrary.org/about-us/wilmington-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112054501/https://www.wilmingtonlibrary.org/about-us/wilmington-history/ |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |website=Wilmington Public Library}}</ref>
Wilmington is located at {{Coord|41|18|27|N|88|8|46|W|city}} (41.307515, -88.146143).{{GR|1}} It is located on the banks of the [[Kankakee River]], approximately {{convert|50|mi|km}} southwest of [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]] and {{convert|15|mi|km}} south of [[Joliet, Illinois|Joliet]].
[[Image:Gemini-Giant.jpg|thumb|left|upright|alt=The Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois U.S. Route 66.|The Gemini Giant at its former location in Wilmington on U.S. Route 66]]


The city is home to the historic [[Eagle Hotel (Wilmington, Illinois)|Eagle Hotel]] located on the northwest corner of state Rt 53 (Rt 66) and Water street (Rt 102). It later became famous as a stop on [[U.S. Route 66]], which followed the route of modern-day [[Illinois Route 53]]. A notable attraction for travelers along this route is the [[Gemini Giant]], a [[Muffler Men|muffler man]]-type statue. Countless photos of travelers, both domestic and foreign, standing at the base of the Gemini Giant are taken each year.<ref>{{cite web |last=Searl |first=Ryan |date=March 11, 2021 |title=Legendary Route 66 Sights: The Gemini Giant |url=https://www.thefirsthundredmiles.com/2021/03/11/legendary-route-66-sights-the-gemini-giant/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518083743/https://www.thefirsthundredmiles.com/2021/03/11/legendary-route-66-sights-the-gemini-giant/ |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |website=The First Hundred Miles |language=English}}</ref>
One of Wilmington's most notable geographical features is a large island in the Kankakee River, much of which is occupied by a city park. This island divides the river into a large channel and a smaller one which was used as a natural mill race during the early years of the city. The island is the source of the city's nickname, "The Island City."


Wilmington is also home to Cinder Ridge Golf Course, located off of [[Interstate 55|I-55]]. Wilmington was the scene of the brutal murder of [[Murder of Riley Fox|Riley Fox]].
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 4.5&nbsp;square miles (11.7&nbsp;km²), of which, 4.2&nbsp;square miles (10.9&nbsp;km²) of it is land and 0.3&nbsp;square miles (0.8&nbsp;km²) of it (6.86%) is water.


A mural depicting historic Downtown Wilmington was installed facing the Eagle Hotel in October 2023, in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Route 66 coming up in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2023 |title=Have you seen the new mural? |url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/1615149492100206/posts/3600823696866099/?__cft__[0]=AZUTTeJV6lLnMVRVO2iVz7QVEXaBDBuGiyUdQk9ufqoBzPiQZxsQl3XTlXNFTTZp_f8AE4-rl3ampuiQED2lARGlLhDiYLzEIKQEhDUqhjRTutsvb0l3ejUHahGm3kBFknS2F2J4llFZ3ijcAjrZHyOM&__tn__=%2CO*F |website=the DAILY 411}}</ref>
[[Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie]]


==Geography==
Today Midewin is one of the most seen views is the mother and sister getting it on in the park on the ol' bench. In the future, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will have more than 19,000 acres of restored native habitat.
Wilmington is located at {{coord|41.307515|-88.146143|type:city|format=dms|display=inline,title}}.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> It is located on the banks of the [[Kankakee River]], approximately {{convert|50|mi|km}} southwest of [[Chicago]] and {{convert|15|mi|km}} south of [[Joliet, Illinois|Joliet]].


One of Wilmington's most notable geographical features is a large island in the Kankakee River, much of which is occupied by a city park. This island divides the river into a large channel and a smaller one which was used as a natural mill race during the early years of the city. The island is the source of the city's nickname, "The Island City."<ref name="History"/>
30239 South State Route 53 | Wilmington, Illinois 60481
Voice: (815) 423-6370 | Fax: (815) 423-6376


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|4.5|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|4.2|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.3|sqmi|km2}} (6.86%) is water.
==History==
{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2010}}
Thomas Cox purchased land near [[Alden's Island]] in 1834 and built a sawmill, corn cracker, gristmill, and a carding machine.
[[Image:Gemini-Giant.jpg|thumb|alt=The Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois U.S. Route 66.|The Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois on U.S. Route 66.]]
Wilmington was founded by Thomas Cox in the spring of 1836 as the town of "Winchester." The name was changed to Wilmington in 1838. The village of Wilmington was officially incorporated in 1854. An accidental discovery of coal occurred in 1863 by William Henneberry, and as a result, Wilmington was incorporated as a city. John H. Daniels served as Wilmington's first [[mayor]].


==Demographics==
Wilmington later became famous for being a stop on [[U.S. Route 66]], which followed the route of modern-day [[Illinois Route 53]]. The only rest-inn in the town is called "Van Duyne's" and is situated right on old Route 66. A notable attraction for travelers along this route is the "Gemini Giant" [[Muffler Men|Muffler Man]] type statue located next to the Launching Pad fast food restaurant.
{{US Census population
|1870= 1828
|1880= 1872
|1890= 1576
|1900= 1420
|1910= 1450
|1920= 1384
|1930= 1741
|1940= 1921
|1950= 3354
|1960= 4210
|1970= 4335
|1980= 4424
|1990= 4743
|2000= 5134
|2010= 5724
|2020= 5664
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}
As of the 2020 [[census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |access-date=2024-09-12 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> there were 5,664 people and 2,330 households residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 90.18% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.4% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.44% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.71% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 5.79% from two or more races.


The median income for a household in the city was $66,538. Males had a median income of $52,633 versus $32,783 for females. About 10.3% of the population were below the [[poverty line]].
A scene from ''[[Planes, Trains & Automobiles]]'' was filmed in Wilmington. The bus station scene was here.


== Notable people ==
==Notable natives and residents==
<!---♦♦♦ Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability. ♦♦♦--->
* [[Damien Anderson]] ([[National Football League]] player; born 1979)
<!---♦♦♦ The article must mention how they are associated with <city name>, whether born, raised, or residing. ♦♦♦--->
* [[Harry Butcher]] ([[Indianapolis 500]] driver; 1892—1942)
<!---♦♦♦ The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited. ♦♦♦--->
* [[George Cutshaw]] ([[Major League Baseball]] player; 1887—1973)
<!---♦♦♦ Alphabetical by last name please ♦♦♦--->
* [[John J. Feely]] ([[United States Representative]]; 1875—1905)
<!---♦♦♦ All others will be deleted without further explanation ♦♦♦--->
* [[Philip Francis]] (Chairman and CEO of PetsMart; Present)
* [[Francis Joseph Magner]] Roman Catholic bishop; 1887&ndash;1947


* [[Damien Anderson]], National Football League player (born 1979)
==List of Recent Mayors==
* [[Harry Butcher (racing driver)|Harry Butcher]], driver in the [[Indianapolis 500]] (1892–1942)
* Bob Wiedling (1989–1993)
* [[George Cutshaw]], Major League Baseball player (1887–1973)
* Jerry Hill (1993–1997)
* [[John J. Feely]], congressman (1875–1905)
* Bill Wiedling (1997–2001)
* [[Leroy Ioas]], Hand of the Cause of the Bahá'í Faith (1896–1965)
* Tony McGann (2001–2005)
* [[Burt Keeley]], Major League Baseball pitcher (1879–1952)
* Roy Strong (2005–2009)
* [[Kiiara]], singer (born 1995)
* Martin Orr (2009-)
* [[Francis Joseph Magner]], Roman Catholic bishop (1887–1947)

* [[Kelly Murphy (volleyball)|Kelly Murphy]] (born 1989) Olympic Volleyball player
==Regional Music==
* [[Tanner Roark]], Major League Baseball player (born 1986)
Wilmington has been the featured topic in no less than 4 songs:
* [[Josephine Trott]], composer (1874–1950)

* - "It's a Wilmington Day" by country music band "Comet Country".
* - "[[The Wilmington Song]]" by White Trashistan; a party rock band.
* - "Mr. Wilmington" by Lucky Boys Confusion
* - "Chicago Illin' Noise" by Freight-Train Trivates.

"It's a Wilmington Day" and "I Hate This Town" both rose to number 1 requested songs on local radio stations.{{Citation needed|date=March 2007}}

"Chicago Illin' Noise" is a cryptic story centered around a controversial romance that took place in Wilmington.{{Citation needed|date=March 2008}}


==References==
==References==
Line 85: Line 123:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* [http://www.Wilmington-il.com City of Wilmington IL, Official Web Site]
* [http://www.CatfishDays.com Catfish Days, Wilmington IL]
*[http://www.Wilmington-il.com City of Wilmington IL, Official Web Site]
* [http://www.route66wilmington.com Downtown, Wilmington IL]
*[http://www.CatfishDays.com Catfish Days, Wilmington IL]
*[http://www.route66wilmington.com Downtown, Wilmington IL]
*[https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/midewin/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=FSEPRD533279 Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie]


{{Will County, Illinois}}
{{Will County, Illinois}}


{{authority control}}
[[Category:Populated places in Will County, Illinois]]
[[Category:Cities in Illinois]]
[[Category:Communities on U.S. Route 66]]


[[nl:Wilmington (Will County, Illinois)]]
[[Category:Cities in Illinois]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1836]]
[[simple:Wilmington, Will County, Illinois]]
[[Category:Cities in Will County, Illinois]]
[[Category:1836 establishments in Illinois]]

Latest revision as of 14:34, 10 November 2024

For the village in Greene County, see Wilmington, Greene County, Illinois.

Wilmington, Illinois
City
Baltimore Street (IL-53)
Baltimore Street (IL-53)
Nickname: 
The Island City
Location of Wilmington in Will County, Illinois.
Location of Wilmington in Will County, Illinois.
CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
CountiesWill
Founded1836
Incorporated1854
Government
 • MayorBen Dietz[1]
Area
[2]
 • Total
14.52 sq mi (37.61 km2)
 • Land13.80 sq mi (35.75 km2)
 • Water0.72 sq mi (1.86 km2)
Elevation
[3]
528 ft (161 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
5,664
 • Density410.35/sq mi (158.44/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
60481
Area code815
FIPS code17-82101 [4]
GNIS feature ID2397328[3]
Websitewww.wilmington-il.com

Wilmington is a city in Will County, Illinois, United States. Located on Illinois Route 53 and Historic U.S. Route 66 along the east bank of the Kankakee River, it is approximately 60 miles (97 km) south-west from downtown Chicago. The population was 5,664 at the 2020 census. Wilmington is just south of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, which is home to the largest bison herd in the state.[5]

History

[edit]

Thomas Cox purchased land near Alden's Island in 1834 and built a sawmill, corn cracker, gristmill, and a carding machine facility all of which were powered by water wheels situated on a mill right off of the Kankakee River which runs through Wilmington.[6]

The Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois U.S. Route 66.
The Gemini Giant at its former location in Wilmington on U.S. Route 66

The city is home to the historic Eagle Hotel located on the northwest corner of state Rt 53 (Rt 66) and Water street (Rt 102). It later became famous as a stop on U.S. Route 66, which followed the route of modern-day Illinois Route 53. A notable attraction for travelers along this route is the Gemini Giant, a muffler man-type statue. Countless photos of travelers, both domestic and foreign, standing at the base of the Gemini Giant are taken each year.[7]

Wilmington is also home to Cinder Ridge Golf Course, located off of I-55. Wilmington was the scene of the brutal murder of Riley Fox.

A mural depicting historic Downtown Wilmington was installed facing the Eagle Hotel in October 2023, in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Route 66 coming up in 2026.[8]

Geography

[edit]

Wilmington is located at 41°18′27″N 88°08′46″W / 41.307515°N 88.146143°W / 41.307515; -88.146143.[9] It is located on the banks of the Kankakee River, approximately 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Chicago and 15 miles (24 km) south of Joliet.

One of Wilmington's most notable geographical features is a large island in the Kankakee River, much of which is occupied by a city park. This island divides the river into a large channel and a smaller one which was used as a natural mill race during the early years of the city. The island is the source of the city's nickname, "The Island City."[6]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.5 square miles (12 km2), of which 4.2 square miles (11 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2) (6.86%) is water.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18701,828—
18801,8722.4%
18901,576−15.8%
19001,420−9.9%
19101,4502.1%
19201,384−4.6%
19301,74125.8%
19401,92110.3%
19503,35474.6%
19604,21025.5%
19704,3353.0%
19804,4242.1%
19904,7437.2%
20005,1348.2%
20105,72411.5%
20205,664−1.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]

As of the 2020 census,[11] there were 5,664 people and 2,330 households residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 90.18% White, 1.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.71% from other races, and 5.79% from two or more races.

The median income for a household in the city was $66,538. Males had a median income of $52,633 versus $32,783 for females. About 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line.

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "City Officials". City of Wilmington. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
  2. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  3. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Wilmington, Illinois
  4. ^ "Wilmington, Illinois (Will County)". Roadside Thoughts. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  5. ^ Wetli, Patty (May 7, 2021). "It's a Bison Baby Boom at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie". WTTW News.
  6. ^ a b "Wilmington History". Wilmington Public Library. Archived from the original on November 12, 2023.
  7. ^ Searl, Ryan (March 11, 2021). "Legendary Route 66 Sights: The Gemini Giant". The First Hundred Miles. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021.
  8. ^ "Have you seen the new mural?". the DAILY 411. October 12, 2023.
  9. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  10. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  11. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
[edit]
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