Taylorville, Illinois
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| Taylorville, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Taylorville |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Windmill City |
| Pushpin label | Taylorville |
| Coordinates | 39, 32, 55, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Christian |
| Subdivision type3 | Township |
| Subdivision name3 | Taylorville |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1839 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1857 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Bruce Barry |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 30.66 |
| Area total sq mi | 11.84 |
| Area land km2 | 30.50 |
| Area land sq mi | 11.78 |
| Area water km2 | 0.16 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.06 |
| Elevation m | 192 |
| Elevation ft | 630 |
| Population total | 10629 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 348.49 |
| Population density sq mi | 902.63 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 62568 |
| Area code | 217 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-74547 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 419475 |
| Website | https://www.taylorville.net/ |
Taylorville, Illinois, is the county seat of Christian County and a central hub for the surrounding agricultural region. Known as "The Windmill City," its history is deeply tied to coal mining and manufacturing. The city is situated near Lake Springfield and serves as a commercial and governmental center for the area.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Kickapoo and Potawatomi peoples before American settlement. Founded in 1839 and named for General Zachary Taylor, later the twelfth U.S. President, it was designated the county seat in 1840. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the 1850s spurred growth, and the city was incorporated in 1857. Taylorville's development was heavily influenced by the Illinois Basin coal fields, with numerous mines operating from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. The city was the site of significant labor unrest, including the Virden Massacre and the Springfield Race Riot, which involved miners from the area. The Taylorville Energy Center, a major power plant project, became a focal point of energy policy debates in the early 21st century.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.84 square miles, predominantly land. Taylorville lies within the Springfield metropolitan area and is drained by the Sangamon River and its tributaries. The topography is characterized by flat to gently rolling plains typical of the Midwest prairie. Major transportation routes include Illinois Route 29, which runs north-south, and Illinois Route 48. The city's Taylorville Memorial Airport provides general aviation services. Nearby natural features include South Fork Sangamon River and Lake Taylorville.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 10,629. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as African American, Hispanic, and Asian. The population density was approximately 902 people per square mile. Household data indicated a median income slightly below the state average. Population peaks occurred in the mid-20th century, correlating with peak coal mining activity, followed by a gradual decline as the industrial base shifted.
Economy
Historically dominated by coal mining and related industries, Taylorville's economy has diversified into manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and agriculture. Major employers have included Caterpillar Inc., Morton International, and the Taylorville Correctional Center. The Taylorville Energy Center project, intended as a clean coal facility, was a significant economic initiative. The city serves as a retail and service center for Christian County, with a downtown district featuring local businesses. Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with surrounding farms producing corn and soybeans.
Education
Public education is managed by Taylorville Community Unit School District 3, which operates Taylorville High School. The high school's athletic teams, the Tornadoes, compete in the Apollo Conference. The district also includes Taylorville Junior High School and several elementary schools. Private education is offered by St. Mary's School, affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Higher education opportunities are available through nearby institutions like Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield and University of Illinois Springfield.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the city include John M. Palmer, a Governor of Illinois and U.S. Senator; David Davis, a U.S. Supreme Court Justice; and William G. Stratton, a former Governor of Illinois. Sports figures include Major League Baseball player Ray Jablonski and National Football League player Johnny Lujack. Musician and actor Burl Ives spent part of his youth in the area. Political cartoonist John T. McCutcheon was also a native.
Category:Cities in Illinois Category:County seats in Illinois Category:Christian County, Illinois