Henry, Illinois: A Midwestern Gem
An in-depth exploration of Henry, Illinois, detailing its history, geography, geology, demographics, and community spirit, presented for higher education students.
Discover History ๐ Explore Geography ๐บ๏ธKey Information
Location & Area
State: Illinois
County: Marshall
Total Area: 1.87 sq mi (4.84 km2)
Land Area: 1.80 sq mi (4.65 km2)
Water Area: 0.073 sq mi (0.19 km2)
Elevation & Climate
Elevation: 492 ft (150 m)
Time Zone: UTC-6 (CST) / UTC-5 (CDT)
Population & Density
Population (2020): 2,320
Density (2020): 1,291.0/sq mi (498.44/km2)
Codes & Web
ZIP Code: 61537
Area Code: 309
FIPS Code: 17-34163
Website: www.cityofhenryil.org
Historical Context
Founding and Early Development
Henry, Illinois, was named in honor of General James D. Henry and underwent its initial survey in 1834. The city's strategic location on the west bank of the Illinois River, characterized by relatively steep banks situated well above flood levels, provided early settlers with a sense of security against inundation. This advantageous topography played a crucial role in the town's establishment and subsequent growth.
The "Dam Site" Slogan
The city proudly bears the slogan, "Best Town in Illinois by a Dam Site." This distinctive moniker originates from Henry's historical significance as the location of the first lock and dam constructed on the Illinois River. The completion of this significant engineering project in 1870, at a cost of $400,000, marked a pivotal moment in the region's development and transportation infrastructure.
Spiritual Center
Henry serves as the site for the Nazareth Retreat House, which was formerly known as King's House. This facility is associated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria, functioning as a place for spiritual retreat and reflection within the community.
Geographical Landscape
Location and Boundaries
Strategically situated in the northern sector of Marshall County, Henry is defined by its eastern border along the Illinois River. This significant waterway also delineates the boundary between Marshall County and Putnam County. The city's placement is integral to the regional geography of central Illinois.
Transportation Networks
Illinois Route 18 traverses the heart of Henry, functioning as Third Street and School Street within the city limits. This highway facilitates crucial east-west connectivity, including passage across the Illinois River via the Henry Bridge. It extends eastward approximately 28 miles (45 km) to Streator. Additionally, Illinois Route 29 runs along the western periphery of the city, providing north-south access and connecting to Spring Valley (24 miles/39 km north) and Peoria (33 miles/53 km southwest).
Area Metrics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Henry encompasses a total area of 1.87 square miles (4.84 km2). Of this, 1.80 square miles (4.66 km2) consist of land, while the remaining 0.07 square miles (0.18 km2), representing approximately 3.85% of the total, is covered by water. This water component primarily comprises the Illinois River and its associated inlets.
Geomorphology and Geology
River Terrace Formation
Henry is situated upon a distinct river terrace, a geological landform characterized by its relatively long and narrow profile, measuring approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) in length and just over 4 miles (6.5 km) in width. This fluvial terrace is underpinned by stratified deposits of yellowish-brown to grayish-brown calcareous sand and gravel, often containing cobbles and boulders. These materials are typically clean and moderately sorted, with occasional interbeds of silt and clay. These deposits unconformably overlie older geological strata, including glacial till or bedrock.
Glacial Influence and the Henry Formation
The sands and gravels forming the terrace beneath Henry were deposited by the Kankakee Torrent approximately 19,000 calibrated years Before Present (BP). These sediments, along with other coarse-grained fluvial and glaciofluvial deposits within Illinois from the Wisconsinan epoch, have been formally designated as the Henry Formation. This geological formation is named in recognition of its type locality, originally exposed in a former sand and gravel pit situated north of Henry along Illinois Highway 29. The Henry Formation's constituent parts, specifically those of fluvial or glaciofluvial origin, are further classified as the Mackinaw facies.
Demographic Profile
Population Trends
As of the 2020 United States Census, Henry recorded a population of 2,320 residents. This represents a decrease from previous census counts, reflecting evolving demographic patterns. The population density stands at approximately 1,291.0 inhabitants per square mile (498.44/km2).
The historical population data illustrates fluctuations over time:
| Census | Population | %ยฑ |
|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 400 | โ |
| 1870 | 2,162 | โ |
| 1880 | 1,728 | โ20.1% |
| 1890 | 1,512 | โ12.5% |
| 1900 | 1,637 | 8.3% |
| 1910 | 1,687 | 3.1% |
| 1920 | 1,637 | โ3.0% |
| 1930 | 1,658 | 1.3% |
| 1940 | 1,877 | 13.2% |
| 1950 | 1,966 | 4.7% |
| 1960 | 2,278 | 15.9% |
| 1970 | 2,610 | 14.6% |
| 1980 | 2,740 | 5.0% |
| 1990 | 2,591 | โ5.4% |
| 2000 | 2,540 | โ2.0% |
| 2010 | 2,464 | โ3.0% |
| 2020 | 2,320 | โ5.8% |
| U.S. Decennial Census | ||
Household and Family Structure
In the year 2000, Henry comprised 1,014 households, with 678 classified as family households. The average household size was 2.42 individuals, and the average family size was 3.00. Approximately 29.6% of households included children under 18. Married couples constituted 55.2% of households, while 8.2% were headed by a female with no husband present. Non-family households represented 33.1%, with 16.9% consisting of individuals aged 65 or older living alone.
Sociodemographic Characteristics
The racial composition in 2000 was predominantly White (97.68%), with smaller percentages of African American (0.51%), Native American (0.20%), Asian (0.20%), and individuals identifying with two or more races (1.30%). Hispanic or Latino individuals represented 0.63% of the population. The age distribution showed 23.9% under 18, 6.9% aged 18-24, 24.1% aged 25-44, 23.0% aged 45-64, and 22.1% aged 65 or older, with a median age of 42 years. Males represented 88.1% for every 100 females. The median income for a household was $40,236, and for a family, it was $50,375. The per capita income was $18,473. Approximately 5.6% of the population and 5.7% of families lived below the poverty line.
Educational Framework
School District Structure
Henry is served by the Henry-Senachwine Consolidated Unit School District #5 (CUSD #5). This district encompasses two distinct educational institutions designed to cater to different age groups and academic levels within the community.
Academic Institutions
The district operates:
- Henry-Senachwine Grade/Junior High School: Serving students from kindergarten through the 8th grade.
- Henry-Senachwine High School (HSHS): Providing education for students in grades 9 through 12.
Mascots and Colors
Each school within CUSD #5 maintains its own unique mascot and identity. The Grade/Junior High School is represented by the Cardinals, while the High School proudly adopts the Mallards as its mascot. Red serves as the primary school color for both institutions, fostering a sense of unity across the district.
Notable Individuals
John P. Cromwell
A distinguished figure associated with Henry is John P. Cromwell. He was a commander of a submarine during World War II and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his exceptional bravery and service. His birthplace in Henry connects him to the town's historical narrative.
Richard Widmark
The renowned actor Richard Widmark spent his formative childhood years in Henry. Although his career flourished elsewhere, his early connection to the town adds a layer of cultural significance to its history.
Marshall County Communities
Cities and Villages
Henry is one of several municipalities within Marshall County, Illinois. The county seat is Lacon. Other significant communities include:
External Resources
Official Connections
For further information and direct engagement with the city and its educational system, please refer to the following official resources:
- Official City Website: www.cityofhenryil.org
- Henry-Senachwine School District: www.hscud5.org
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References
References
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Henry, Illinois
- Hansel, A.K. and Johnson, W.H., 1996. Wedron and Mason Groups: Lithostratigraphic reclassification of deposits of the Wisconsin Episode, Lake Michigan lobe area. Bulletin no. 104. Champaign, Illinois: Illinois State Geological Survey.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding local history, geography, demographics, or any other specialized field. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific needs and verify information from primary sources.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.