Morton, Illinois
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| Morton, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Morton |
| Settlement type | Village |
| Pushpin label position | left |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Tazewell |
| Subdivision type3 | Township |
| Subdivision name3 | Tazewell |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1845 |
| Area total km2 | 24.18 |
| Area total sq mi | 9.34 |
| Area land km2 | 24.18 |
| Area land sq mi | 9.34 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 17568 |
| Population density km2 | 726.5 |
| Population density sq mi | 1881.4 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Coordinates | 40, 36, 40, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 61550 |
| Area code | 309 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-50619 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2399401 |
| Website | https://www.morton-il.gov/ |
Morton, Illinois, is a village in Tazewell County, situated within the Peoria metropolitan area. Incorporated in 1877, the community has grown from its agricultural roots into a significant economic hub, renowned as the self-proclaimed "Pumpkin Capital of the World." The village is home to major corporate headquarters and maintains a strong sense of community through numerous annual festivals and well-regarded public services.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Illinois and Kickapoo peoples before European-American settlement. Founded in 1845 by Levi P. Morton, who would later become the Vice President of the United States under Benjamin Harrison, the village was platted with the arrival of the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railway. Early growth was fueled by agriculture, particularly the cultivation of pumpkins and sweet corn. The community was officially incorporated in 1877 and saw significant development in the 20th century with the establishment of key manufacturing industries, including the Caterpillar Inc. plant which opened in 1964. The village's identity became intertwined with the Libby's pumpkin processing plant, which operated for decades and inspired the famous Morton Pumpkin Festival.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 9.34 square miles, all land. It is located in central Illinois, approximately 10 miles southeast of Peoria along Interstate 74. The village lies within the Grand Prairie division of the Central Illinois plains. Major waterways include Farm Creek and Jackson Branch, which are part of the Illinois River watershed. The topography is generally flat, characteristic of the region, with fertile soils supporting both agriculture and residential development.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 17,568. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income is significantly higher than the state average, reflecting the village's robust economy. Housing is primarily single-family homes, with a high rate of homeownership. The population is served by a low crime rate and a high educational attainment level, with a large percentage of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Economy
The economy is diverse, with a strong foundation in manufacturing, corporate services, and agriculture. It is the global headquarters for Lauterbach Tools and the North American headquarters for the Chr. Hansen ingredient division. The village is a major site for Caterpillar Inc., housing a large manufacturing and logistics facility. The agricultural legacy continues through supporting industries and the famous Libby's pumpkin processing, which cemented the village's pumpkin industry. Retail and healthcare are also significant employers, with facilities like OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center providing numerous jobs. The annual Morton Pumpkin Festival generates substantial economic activity for local businesses.
Education
Public education is administered by Morton Community Unit School District 709, which operates Morton High School, two junior high schools, and several elementary schools. The district is consistently highly rated and known for strong athletic programs, particularly in basketball and cross country running. Private education options include Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Grace Christian Academy. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as Bradley University, Illinois Central College, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. The village is served by the Morton Public Library District.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the village include former Major League Baseball player and manager Jeff Fassero; National Football League player Dallas Bernstine; IndyCar Series driver and Indianapolis 500 competitor Tomas Scheckter; and award-winning children's book author and illustrator Kevin Luthardt. Levi P. Morton, the Vice President of the United States and village namesake, also maintained connections to the community throughout his political career.
Category:Villages in Illinois Category:Villages in Tazewell County, Illinois Category:Peoria metropolitan area