Quincy, Illinois
Encyclopedia : Q : QU : QUI : Quincy, Illinois
Quincy, known as the "Gem City", is a city in Adams County, Illinois, United States. The population was 40,366 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Adams County[Geographic references#6GR6]. It lies along the Mississippi River about 100 miles north of Saint Louis. Quincy lies in-between Keokuk, Iowa and Hannibal, Missouri making Quincy the economic center of the Tri-State Area (Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri). The city has always been known to live in the shadow of Mark Twain because of Hannibal's publicity. Never the less Quincy is a very modern city with a mall, interstate access, and a downtown. The city plays off of a reputation at being not quite rural and not quite urban.
History
Quincy sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. The site was home to Sauk, Fox and Kickapoo Native American tribes. Quincy’s founder, John Wood, came west from Moravia, New York in 1818 and settled in the Illinois Military Tract. Wood purchased 160 acres from a veteran for $60 and the next year became the first settler in what was originally called "Bluffs," and by 1825 would be known as Quincy. Wood was later elected Lieutenant Governor of Illinois in 1856 and became Governor in 1860 upon the death of elected Governor William Henry Bissell.In 1825 Quincy became the Adams County seat, both named in honor of the newly-elected U.S. President, John Quincy Adams.
Five thousand members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Mormons, were driven from their homes in Missouri and arrived in Quincy during the winter of 1838-1839. Though vastly outnumbered by the new arrivals, the residents of Quincy provided food and shelter for the Mormons until Joseph Smith led his followers 40 miles up river to the settlement of Nauvoo.
Quincy’s earliest settlers, primarily from New England in origin, were joined by a wave of German immigrants in the 1840s. The new residents brought with them much needed skills for the expanding community.
The matter of slavery was a major religious and social issue in Quincy’s early years. The Illinois city’s location, separated only by the Mississippi River from the slave state of Missouri, made Quincy a hotbed of political controversy. Dr. Eells House, at 415 Jersey, was considered station number one on the Underground Railroad from Quincy to Chicago.
Father Augustine Tolton became the nation's first black Catholic priest when he was ordained on April 24, 1886. He celebrated Mass for the first time in Quincy on July 18, 1886.
Quincy grew rapidly in the 1850s. In the 1850s steamboat arrivals and departures made Quincy’s riverfront a beehive of activity. Quincy was a site for the sixth Senatorial debate by U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas and his challenger, Abraham Lincoln. Quincy was the largest city in which Lincoln and Douglas appeared.
The Civil War brought increasing prosperity to Quincy. By 1870, Quincy passed Peoria to become the second largest city in Illinois. A massive railroad bridge across the Mississippi River had been completed, and Quincy was linked by rail to Omaha, Nebraska, Kansas City and points west.
Twice recognized as an All-American City, Quincy has a vast collection of some of the most impressive architecture of any community in Illinois, including several Gothic style churches. The Villa Kathrine, a Moroccan castle situated on the river bluffs, is a unique example of Mediterranean architecture in the Midwest. The city is home to Quincy University, a Catholic Franciscan College founded in 1860, John Wood Community College, as well as a technical college and the Blessing-Riemann College of Nursing. The city is also home to several museums, an extensive park system, several manufacturing companies, high tech & telecommunications companies and a large health care system. Quincy is home to several performing arts organizations including the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, Quincy Community Theater and the Muddy River Opera Company.
Quincy is the birthplace and childhood home of silent & sound film actress Mary Astor.
During the Mississippi River flood of 1993, riverside businesses and industries suffered extensive damage when the river crested a record 32 feet (9.8 meters) above flood stage. For a time, the Bayview and Memorial Bridges were the only bridges across the Mississippi River open between Alton, Illinois and Burlington, Iowa. On July 16, the bridges closed for 40 days when the river submerged the western approaches.
Demographics
As of the census[Geographic references#2GR2] of 2000, there were 40,366 people, 16,546 households, and 10,109 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,066.0/km² (2,761.2/mi²). There were 18,043 housing units at an average density of 476.5/km² (1,234.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.02% White, 4.65% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.94% of the population.There were 16,546 households out of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.9% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,956, and the median income for a family was $40,718. Males had a median income of $30,734 versus $20,748 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,479. About 9.2% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.2% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.
Geography
Quincy is located at (39.932335, -91.388737)[Geographic references#1GR1].According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.9 km² (14.6 mi²). 37.9 km² (14.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.20%) is water.
Micropolitan Area
Main Article: Quincy-Hannibal Micropolitan Area
Quincy is considered a micropolis, defined as an area surrounding the city within a certain distance that contains a population between 10,000 and 49,999 people. The micropolitan area also extends into Lewis County, Missouri and possibly Marion County including the city of Hannibal.
With the city of Quincy and its suburbs, the population is about 46,966 people. A recent survey shown that within 10 miles of Quincy, the population exceeds 55,000 people. The survey was extended to 25 miles and showed that there are 112,000 people in the area. The Sansone Group conducted the survey when constructing the Prairie Crossings Shopping Complex on the east side of Quincy.
Suburbs
The city has five suburbs within 10 miles (16 km), all unincorporated or technically annexed into Quincy itself.
- Hickory Grove, Illinois is a small rural community east of Quincy, on the other side of Interstate 172. The town was annexed by Quincy in 2004 when development of a new shopping complex was being built across the interstate. Illinois 104 (Broadway) is the town's busiest street, with a clothing store, restaurant, and car dealership. Currently the population is around 2,300.
- West Quincy, Missouri is a commercial city with no population along U.S. Route 24. The town was deserted in the Flood of 1993 and now only gas stations, pawn shops, restaurants, and a go-kart track call it home. During the summer numerous tents selling fireworks are set up, the sale of fireworks being illegal in Illinois but legal in Missouri. The town is separated from Quincy by the Mississippi River.
- North Quincy, Illinois rests north of Quincy and is a fairly large village of about 3,000. The city was never annexed, but just grew out of the subdivisions over the time. The border between Quincy and North Quincy is Koch's Lane, which travels from U.S. 24 to 36th street. U.S. 24 and Illinois Route 96 run through the town, while the Quincy train station is to its northeast.
- Ewbanks, Illinois is a village northeast of Quincy. The village of Ewbanks has about 300 people in it and its only major feature is a radio tower. It is connected to Quincy by Ellington Road.
- Marblehead, Illinois is located south of Quincy on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. The town is located along Illinois 57 (Gardner Expressway) and has a population of about 1,000 people.
Other feeder cities
- Keokuk, Iowa is a city of almost 11,000 people 38 miles (61 km) north of Quincy. The primary routes to Keokuk are via the U.S. Route 61 expressway on the west side of the river, or Illinois 96 on the east side of the river.
- Hannibal, Missouri is a city of almost 18,000 people 26 miles (42 km) south of Quincy. The primary routes to Hannibal are via U.S. 61 on the west side of the river, or Interstate 172 on the east side of the river.
- Palmyra, Missouri is a much smaller city of 3,467 people. It lies in-between Quincy and Hannibal and is the home of some of Quincy's workforce. The city also is the county seat of Marion County.
- Other small feeder cities may include Liberty, Payson, La Grange, Canton, Ursa, Camp Point, and Mendon
Media
Quincy's media may model that of many larger cities. Its television market includes the cities of Quincy, Hannibal, Burlington, Macomb, and Keokuk. The market is widely served by Insight Communications or Dish Network. The city is usually combined with Hannibal due to their close proximety and labeled as the 169 market on the DMA chart. With regards to television service, Quincy and the surrounding region are served by affiliates of CBS, NBC, FOX, and the WB Network. STARadio Corporation and Quincy Newspapers own many of the local media in the region. Quincy Newspapers also owns the Quincy Herald-Whig, which is the most widely read newspaper in the region. The city also has 2 other lesser known periodicals. As of February 2006, Quincy can receive 17 FM stations, 5 AM stations, and one NOAA Wideband Weather Radio station.
Attractions
As the largest city between the Quad Cities, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia areas, the Quincy area contains numerous architectural and historical destinations. Some of the more featured attractions in the city include the Quincy Museum, the Gardner Musem of Architecture and Design, and the Villa Katherine Castle.
During the year, the city holds numerous events. Some of these events are located on the riverfront, such as the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, the U.S. Catfish Anglers Tournament, and "Movies on the Muddy" — an event that offers showings of recently released movies along the banks of the Mississippi River. Other events take place in some of the city's neighborhoods, such as Washington Square.
Infrastructure
Health and medicine
Quincy is home to Blessing Hospital, which is the leading hospital in the Tri-State. Blessing also operates the Blessing Riemann College of Nursing. Besides Blessing, the Quincy Medical Group is a walk-in clinic. Denman Medical Services call Quincy home, they supply hospitals and clinics alike with supplies.Transportation
Interstate 72 passes just south of Quincy. Its spur route, Interstate 172, passes just east of town. In recent years, the Prairie Crossings Shopping Complex has been a focal point for development in this area. Illinois Route 104 (Broadway) is a main east-west artery from the Mississippi River bridges to Interstate 172. Illinois Route 96 enters the city from the southeast and travels north (through the east side of Quincy) to U.S. Route 24. Illinois Route 57 branches south from U.S. 24 downtown and passes Quincy's Civic Center on its way to Interstate 172 southeast of the city. Illinois 96 also serves as the Great River Road, which follows the path of the Mississippi River. Eastbound U.S. 24 crosses the Mississippi River from Missouri on the Quincy Memorial Bridge, while westbound traffic uses the newer Bayview Bridge.On the Missouri side, U.S. Route 61 carries the Avenue of the Saints, a four-lane highway connecting Saint Louis and the Twin Cities. The Avenue of the Saints gets its name from Saint Louis and Saint Paul, Minnesota.
The Quincy Regional Airport is to Quincy's east, about 5 miles (8 km) past the city limits. Quincy is also an Amtrak community with a rail station on the north side of town. Quincy and nearby Hannibal, Missouri share a public bus line and taxi company.
Quincy can also be reached by rail, by the once daily Amtrak Illinois Zephyr.
Ongoing projects will improve transportation links with nearby major cities. U.S. Route 36, south of Quincy and multiplexed with Interstate 72, is currently (as of early 2006) being upgraded to a 4-lane highway, which will connect Quincy with Saint Joseph, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri. With the continuing improvements to Illinois Route 336 north of the city, Quincy should also have a direct connection to Peoria in 2009.
See also
- Sister Cities of Quincy, Illinois
- List of famous people from Quincy, Illinois
- List of corporations in Quincy, Illinois
External links
- [City of Quincy Official Site]
- [Virtual Quincy]
- [Quincy Convention & Visitor's Bureau]
- [Quincy Net]
- [Oakley-Lindsay Convention Center]
- [Quincy University]
- [John Wood Community College]
- [Quincy Mall]
- [Quincy Newspapers]
- [Quincy Museum]
- [Gardner Museum of Architecture & Design]
- [Muddy River Opera Company]
- [Quincy Raceways]
- [Jesus Tree Pictures]
- [Quincy Tourism Website]
- [Downtown Quincy]
- [YP Quincy]
- [Mr. Lincoln and Freedom: Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Quincy]
- [Iliamo.com Tri-States Online Marketplace]
- [Quincy Author Lon Dawson]
- [Beautiful recent Quincy aerial photos including Quincy Riverfront and major features]
Refererences
- Anonymous. "Floods on the Mississippi River in the 1990s". [http://www.greatriver.com/FLOOD.htm]. Retrieved January 13, 2006.
- Modjesvski and Masters. "Bayview". [http://www.modjeski.com/projects/servproj/bayview.htm]. Retrieved January 13, 2006.
- [Sansone Plans for Prairie Crossings complex and their area study with the population chart.]
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