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Washington, IL

Frequently asked questions

Washington, IL

Washington is a city in Tazewell County, Illinois, United States. Washington is on U.S. Route 24 and Illinois Route 8, northeast of East Peoria. The population was 16,071 at the 2020 census, a 48.2% percent increase over 2000.It is a suburb of Peoria and is part of the Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area.

According to the 2010 census, Washington has a total area of 8.182 sq mi (21.19 km²), of which 8.17 sq mi (21.16 km²) (or 99.85%) is land and 0.012 sq mi (0.03 km²) (or 0.15%) is water.

Washington was founded in 1825 by William Holland Sr., who came from North Carolina and was hired by the U.S. government to provide blacksmith services to the local Native Americans. During his long and eventful life, he was married three times and was the father of twenty-one children: fourteen by his first wife and seven by his second wife. He had eighty-two grandchildren and fifty great-grandchildren. He died in Washington on November 27, 1871, at the age of ninety-one. The post office (and later the city) was originally named Holland's Grove in 1833 before being renamed in honor of the first U.S. president, George Washington, in 1837.

In the 1920s, a man named George Heyl put Washington on the map as the home of the famous Heyl Pony Farm. Some of the original barns still exist on North Main Street. The Heyl Pony Farm supplied Shetland ponies to buyers around the world; George Heyl also raised purebred poultry. When Heyl died suddenly in 1932, it was recorded as one of the largest funerals ever held in Washington.

Another local site of interest is the "old canning factory", which is now occupied by American Allied Railway Equipment Company Inc. In 1943, the canning factory (which after the war was run by Libby's company) had a shortage of workers, and the government needed K rations and canned goods to feed the troops. So 50 captured German soldiers from the prisoner-of-war camp known as Camp Ellis in Fulton County were brought in. The Washington sub-camp was first commanded by Colonel John S. Sullivan, and later by Captain T. A. Cox. The POWs were brought in on the old rail line that ran down Wood Street (the foundation of a sentry tower can be seen just northeast of the intersection of Wood and Jefferson near the entrance to the bike trail). They were trucked from the camp to various local farms to help with the pumpkin harvest. The prisoners were allowed no visitors, nor could residents speak to the prisoners. An exception was made for local ministers, such as Pastor Kammeyer from St. Mark's Lutheran who spoke fluent German and ministered to the POW's spiritual needs.

In terms of health and wellness, Washington is well-equipped to meet the needs of its residents. The OSF Medical Group serves as a major healthcare provider for the city, offering a range of medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Washington Park District offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Wrought Iron Gym, Russell's Cycling & Fitness Center, and Titan Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Washington, such as Meadow Valley Park and Harry LaHood Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Washington, IL are Washington Historical Society Museum, Quail Meadows Golf Course, and Peoria Zoo.

Population: 15,857 (2024). ZIP code: 61571. Area code: 309. Elevation: 757 ft (231 m). Area: 8.56 sq mi (22.17 km²).

FAQs

Is Washington, IL a good place to live?

Washington is in Tazewell County and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Living in Washington offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Washington there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Washington and residents tend to be conservative.

Is Washington, IL an expensive place to live?

Washington is 11% less expensive than the national average and 12% less expensive to live in than the average city in Illinois. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Food costs in Washington are more affordable than average in the United States. Transportations costs in Washington are as affordable than average in the United States.

What is the crime rate in Washington, IL?

Washington has an overall crime rate of 10 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 Washington is 1 in 101. How does Washington fare compared to other communities in Illinois of all population sizes? Washington's crime rate is lower than approximately 31% of Illinois communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Washington

OSF Medical Group 

Washington Park District 

Wrought Iron Gym

Russell's Cycling & Fitness Center 

Titan Fitness

Meadow Valley Park 

Harry LaHood Park

Washington Historical Society Museum

Quail Meadows Golf Course

Peoria Zoo

Niche

Erieri

Neighborhoodscout

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