Makanda, Illinois

History

The village was named after Makanda, a local Native American chieftain.

After Lincoln's inauguration, Theodore and Al Thompson flew the Union flag from a tree atop a hill between Makanda and Cobden in defiance of the Knights of the Golden Circle, a secessionist group that operated throughout the Midwest.

In 2019, citizens of Makanda rallied against the Illinois Central Railroad Company after an announcement of a tower set to be built in the downtown area and a registered flood plain.

After former U.S. Senator Paul Simon died in 2003, Makanda added a "bow tie" to the smiley face water tower to honor Simon.

Geography

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Makanda has a total area of 5.33 sqmi, of which 5.28 sqmi (or 99.04%) is land and 0.05 sqmi (or 0.96%) is water.

Demographics

There were 195 households, out of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.92% were married couples living together, 13.33% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.72% were non-families. 23.59% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.72% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.24 and the average family size was 2.77.

The village's age distribution consisted of 22.0% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 37.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 119.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 143.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $68,958, and the median income for a family was $81,146. Males had a median income of $47,500 versus $41,125 for females. The per capita income for the village was $38,688. About 5.8% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 12.6% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

• Makanda Spring Fest, an annual two-day event featuring local artists and live music.
• Makanda Vulture Fest, an annual two-day event held during the third weekend in October that celebrates the migration of the black vulture and turkey vulture to the region.
• Total solar eclipses: The center lines of the paths of the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 and the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 crossed in Makanda. Tens of thousands of spectators were expected to flock to Makanda and surroundings to witness the 2017 eclipse.
• Historic Boardwalk located downtown is home to local artisan retail shops

Notable people

· Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability. · The article must mention how they are associated with , whether born, raised, or residing. · The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited. · Alphabetical by last name please · All others will be deleted without further explanation

• Wayman Presley, Rural mail carrier and founder of the Bald Knob Cross
• Jeanne Hurley Simon, Illinois state legislator
• Paul Simon, U.S. Senator and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate
• Sheila Simon, 46th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois

References

References

1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau.
2. {{GNIS. 2399228
3. February 24, 1921. "Slogans of the Various Illinois Cities." ''Woodland Daily Democrat'' (Woodland, Calif.). 2.
4. (1922). "Illinois Central Magazine, Volume 10, Issue 7". Illinois Central Railroad Company.
5. "Theodore Wilson Thompson: Southern Illinois Pioneer". opensiuc.lib.siu.edu.
6. (2016). "Illinois Civil War graffiti site added to historic register". www.dailyherald.com.
7. (2019). "New communication tower coming to Makanda; residents voice concern about safety". www.kfvs12.com.
8. SOUTHERN, JOE SZYNKOWSKI THE. "Makanda Water Tower".
9. US Census Bureau. "Gazetteer Files".
10. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov.
11. "Explore Census Data".
12. "Events of Makanda, Illinois".
13. (2015). "Upcoming Solar Eclipses and Makanda". Village of Makanda, Illinois.