Delavan, Illinois
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| Delavan, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Delavan, Illinois |
| Settlement type | City |
| Pushpin label position | left |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Tazewell County |
| Subdivision type3 | Township |
| Subdivision name3 | Delavan Township |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1837 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1858 |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Liz Skinner |
| Area total km2 | 2.00 |
| Area total sq mi | 0.77 |
| Area land km2 | 2.00 |
| Area land sq mi | 0.77 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation m | 222 |
| Elevation ft | 728 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 1646 |
| Population density km2 | 823.0 |
| Population density sq mi | 2131.2 |
| Timezone | Central (CST) |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 61734 |
| Area code | 309 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-19271 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2394493 |
| Website | www.delavanil.org |
Delavan, Illinois. Delavan is a city in Tazewell County, Illinois, United States, situated within the agricultural heartland of central Illinois. The community was founded by settlers from Delavan, Wisconsin and formally incorporated in the mid-19th century. Known for its historic downtown and as the birthplace of the Ringling Brothers, Delavan maintains a small-town character while serving as a residential hub for the larger Peoria metropolitan area.
History
The area was first settled by Euro-Americans in the 1830s, with the town platted in 1837 by Henry and Philander Waldo, who named it for their previous home of Delavan, Wisconsin. The community grew steadily as a trading center for the surrounding farmland, aided by the arrival of the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railway in the 1850s. Delavan is famously linked to the origins of the Ringling Brothers Circus; in 1848, August Rüngeling (later anglicized to Ringling) immigrated from Germany to the area, where his sons, including Alfred and Charles Ringling, were born before the family moved to Baraboo, Wisconsin. The city was officially incorporated in 1858 and developed with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial enterprises, including the Delavan Brick Company and various agricultural implement manufacturers.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.77 square miles, all land. Delavan lies in the Central Illinois region, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain typical of the Grand Prairie division. The city is located approximately 20 miles south of Peoria and 30 miles north of Springfield. Major nearby roadways include Illinois Route 122 and Illinois Route 9, providing connectivity to Interstate 155 and the broader state highway network. The Mackinaw River flows a few miles to the west of the city limits.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 1,646, representing a slight decline from the previous 2010 count. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian. The population density was over 2,100 people per square mile. Household data indicated a median age slightly above the state average, with a mix of family and non-family households. The city is part of the Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Economy
The local economy has historically been rooted in agriculture and related manufacturing. Major employers have included Caterpillar Inc. facilities in the greater Peoria region, drawing a commuter workforce. Local commerce is centered along Locust Street and Second Street in the downtown district, featuring small retail shops, restaurants, and service businesses. The city also benefits from its proximity to Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake, which support recreational tourism. Agricultural production in the surrounding area remains dominated by corn and soybean cultivation.
Education
Public education is provided by Delavan Community Unit School District 703. The district operates Delavan Elementary School, Delavan Junior High School, and Delavan High School. The high school's athletic teams, known as the Delavan Panthers, compete in the Lincoln Trail Conference. The city is also served by the Delavan Public Library, a member of the Alliance Library System. For higher education, residents have access to institutions such as Illinois Central College in East Peoria and Bradley University in Peoria.
Notable people
* Alfred T. Ringling (1862–1919), co-founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus. * Charles Ringling (1863–1926), co-founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus. * John Ringling (1866–1936), co-founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus, born shortly after the family left the area but closely associated with its origins. * William S. Jewell (1823–1886), Illinois State Senator and Civil War officer in the 97th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. * D. W. Griffith (1875–1948), pioneering film director, resided briefly in Delavan as a child while his father operated the White Hall Hotel.
Category:Cities in Illinois Category:Cities in Tazewell County, Illinois Category:Populated places established in 1837