Bloomington, Illinois
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| Bloomington, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bloomington, Illinois |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The City of Saints |
| Motto | "A Community of Excellence" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | McLean |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1822 |
| Government type | Council–manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Mboka Mwilambwe |
| Area total km2 | 70.33 |
| Area total sq mi | 27.15 |
| Area land km2 | 70.33 |
| Area land sq mi | 27.15 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 243 |
| Elevation ft | 797 |
| Population total | 78,680 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 61701-61705 |
| Area code | 309 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-06613 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2394180 |
| Website | cityblm.org |
Bloomington, Illinois. It is the county seat of McLean County and, alongside neighboring Normal, forms the core of the Bloomington–Normal metropolitan area. The city was founded in 1822 and grew as a commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural region, later becoming a significant center for insurance and manufacturing. It is home to Illinois Wesleyan University and is adjacent to the main campus of Illinois State University.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Kickapoo and other indigenous nations before European-American settlement. Founded in 1822 as the county seat, the community was initially known as "Blooming Grove". The city played a notable role in state politics, hosting the 1856 state Republican convention where a local lawyer, Abraham Lincoln, delivered his famous "Lost Speech" against the expansion of slavery. The arrival of the Chicago and Alton Railroad in the 1850s spurred significant growth, cementing its status as a regional transportation and commercial center. In 1860, the city was the site of a pivotal meeting between Abraham Lincoln and his campaign managers, including David Davis and Jesse W. Fell, to plan his successful presidential campaign. The late 19th century saw the establishment of major institutions like State Farm in 1922 and the growth of Eureka College, whose alumni include Ronald Reagan.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.15 square miles, all land. It lies within the Grand Prairie region of central Illinois, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain. Major waterways include Sugar Creek, which flows through the southern part of the city. The climate is classified as humid continental, with four distinct seasons, and the city is situated along the historic Route 66. Its geography has facilitated development as a major transportation node, intersected by Interstate 55, Interstate 74, and Interstate 39.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 78,680. The racial makeup was approximately 74.5% White, 11.1% African American, 6.8% Asian, and 5.5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 8.1% of the population. The Bloomington–Normal metropolitan area has a population exceeding 170,000. Educational attainment is high, with over 45% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, due in large part to the presence of Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University.
Economy
The economy is historically anchored by agriculture, insurance, and higher education. State Farm Insurance, founded here by George J. Mecherle, remains one of the largest employers, with its national headquarters located in the city. Other major corporate presences include Country Financial and Rivian, which operates a manufacturing plant in nearby Normal. The Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University are also significant economic drivers. The city serves as a retail and healthcare hub for the region, with major employers including the OSF HealthCare system and Carle BroMenn Medical Center.
Culture and recreation
The city hosts numerous cultural institutions and events. The McLean County Museum of History, located in the historic McLean County Courthouse, details the region's past. Performing arts are centered at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts and the Illinois State University College of Fine Arts. Annual events include the Illinois Shakespeare Festival at Ewing Manor and the Bloomington-Normal Pride Parade. Recreational facilities are extensive, featuring the Miller Park Zoo, the Bloomington Ice Center, and the Constitution Trail system. The city is also home to the David Davis Mansion and the Stevenson Hall at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Government
The city operates under a council–manager system. Legislative power is vested in a nine-member City Council, consisting of the mayor and eight aldermen elected from four wards. The current mayor is Mboka Mwilambwe. The council appoints a professional city manager to oversee daily administrative operations. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including police through the Bloomington Police Department, fire protection, and public works. It is part of Illinois's 13th congressional district and is represented in the Illinois General Assembly by members from the 40th and 105th districts.
Category:Cities in Illinois Category:McLean County, Illinois Category:County seats in Illinois