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Ottawa, IL

Frequently asked questions

Ottawa, IL

Ottawa is a city in and the county seat of LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. It is located at the confluence of the navigable Fox River and Illinois River, the latter being a conduit for river barges and connecting Lake Michigan at Chicago, to the Mississippi River, and North America's 25,000-mile river system. It is the principal city of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ottawa has a total area of 15.516 square miles (40.19 km²), of which 14.657 square miles (37.96 km²) (or 94.46%) is land and 0.859 square miles (2.22 km²) (or 5.54%) is water.

Ottawa occupies a place on the Illinois River that has long been one end of a portage trail between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. Here the river was reliably deep enough for canoes. The North Portage Trail connected the site over land and water to the Chicago River. Ottawa was the site of the first of the Lincoln–Douglas debates on August 21, 1858. During the Ottawa debate, Stephen A. Douglas, leader of the Democratic Party, openly accused Abraham Lincoln of forming a secret bipartisan group of Congressmen to bring about the abolition of slavery.

The John Hossack House was a "station" on the Underground Railroad, and Ottawa was a major stop because of its rail, road, and river transportation. Citizens in the city were active within the abolitionist movement. Ottawa was the site of a famous 1859 extrication of a runaway slave named Jim Gray from a courthouse by prominent civic leaders of the time. Three of the civic leaders, John Hossack, Dr. Joseph Stout and James Stout, later stood trial in Chicago for violating the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.

Ottawa was also important in the development of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which terminates in LaSalle, Illinois, 12 miles to the west. In 1838, workmen from the canal project were causing public unrest. During a citizens' meeting, a local political leader, Washington Armstrong, suggested that farmer William Reddick be elected sheriff. Reddick was a popular choice due to his large stature and courageous manner. Reddick was elected by a large majority and held the office of sheriff for four consecutive two-year terms. In 1855, while serving in the Illinois State Senate, Reddick commissioned the construction of a large Italianate house for the then-large sum of $25,000 (~$647,617 in 2023). Reddick Mansion is now one of the largest surviving homes in Illinois to predate the Civil War. In 1973, the mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places, as part of the Washington Park Historic District.

Health and wellness are integral to the Ottawa community, with several healthcare facilities serving the residents. The Ottawa Regional Hospital provides comprehensive medical services, contributing to the well-being of the population. Enjoy a wide range of fitness classes, including yoga, Zumba, and aquatics at the Ottawa YMCA. Join group rides and cycling events organized by the Starved Rock Cycling Association. Access fitness classes, gym facilities, and recreational sports leagues offered by the Ottawa Park District and Anytime Fitness. Receive personalized nutrition advice and counseling sessions at La Salle County Health Department.

The top sites in Ottawa, IL are Reddick Mansion, Radium City Brewing Company, Buffalo Rock State Park.

Population: 18,668 (2022). ZIP Code: 61350. Area codes: 815, 779. Elevation: 472 ft (144 m). Area: 15.52 sq mi (40.19 km²).

FAQs

What is Ottawa, IL famous for?

The first of the seven Lincoln-Douglas debates was held in Ottawa in August 1858. Coal mining was important until the 1920s. Ottawa is situated in a rich agricultural area (primarily corn [maize] and soybeans). Manufacturers include plastics, glass, and automotive parts.

Is Ottawa, IL a suburb of Chicago?

Ottawa, Illinois is a vibrant tourist destination located 80 miles outside of downtown Chicago. It is often considered to be “In the Middle of Everywhere”. You are within a stone's throw of many diverse activities–from lush and natural outdoor areas to renowned cultural and historic attractions.

What is the crime rate in Ottawa, IL?

Ottawa has an overall crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Ottawa is 1 in 111. Ottawa's crime rate is lower than approximately 36% of Illinois communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Ottawa 

Ottawa Regional Hospital

Ottawa YMCA

Starved Rock Cycling Association

Ottawa Park District

Anytime Fitness

La Salle County Health Department

Reddick Mansion

Radium City Brewing Company

Buffalo Rock State Park

Britannica

Visit Ottawa

Neighborhoodscout

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