64-666: The Commercial-News is a daily newspaper that serves Danville, Illinois and surrounding communities. It is owned by CNHI , who acquired it from Gannett in 1998. It maintains a presence as a three-day print, and also an online publication. It was founded, as the Danville Commercial , in 1866. In 1903 it merged with the rival Danville Express , itself founded in 1873, to become the Danville Commercial-News , later shortened to its current name. This article about an Illinois newspaper
128-549: A Wall Street Journal article criticizing Danville and other municipalities nationwide for misappropriating COVID-19 funds. Out of the $ 26 million received from the federal government, Danville spent approximately half on a new water park. Outside of high school and Danville Area Community College sports, Danville is home to one sports team. The Danville Dans are a summer collegiate wooden-bat baseball team that play in Danville Stadium . They were founded in 1989 as
192-443: A 0.2-mile portion which is ADA accessible. Over 200 acres have been allocated for mountain bike use in the park. There are 11 mountain biking routes in this area, ranging from easy to difficult, located in the northeast section of Kickapoo State Park. Some of the more difficult trails have 1–2 foot jumps, steep inclines, switchbacks, and benchcut ravines. The bike trails wind through the forest, abandoned strip mine area, and along
256-474: A 14-room hotel. In 1883 a horsecar based streetcar was established. In 1884 an opera house was constructed. In 1891 the streetcar system was converted to electric streetcars. Danville became a major industrial city in the late 19th and early twentieth centuries. Starting in the 1850s Danville was an important coal mining area; some of the first open pit mining techniques were practiced here. The coal formation underlying eastern Illinois and western Indiana
320-621: A Splash-n-Dash flight over Lake Vermilion. In June regional artists descend on Danville for the annual Arts in the Park event in the historic Lincoln Park. Throughout the summer downtown's Temple Plaza hosts the Summer Sounds Concert Series. The area is home to many other events throughout the year, including parades, farmers' markets , sporting events, and festivals. Danville is home to several significant cultural institutions and museums. Artistic institutions include
384-782: A high of 86 °F (30 °C) in July, although a record low of −26 °F (−32 °C) was recorded in January 1994 and a record high of 112 °F (44 °C) was recorded in July 1936. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.99 inches (51 mm) inches in February to 4.70 inches (119 mm) inches in June. Danville is the principal city of the Danville Micropolitan Statistical Area , which encompasses all of Danville and Vermilion County. As of
448-874: A member of the Central Illinois Collegiate League , which later merged with the Prospect League . The team has won nine championships, all of them coming in the CICL. The Danville Dashers of the Federal Prospects Hockey League played at the David S. Palmer Arena from 2011 to 2020 and were named after the original tenants, the Danville Dashers . In 2021, the arena voted to replace the Dashers with
512-582: A new form of Christianity that had elements of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. The Native Americans lived in the area which is now Kickapoo State Park until sometime during the 16th century. Europeans were drawn to what is now the Kickapoo State Recreation Area with the discovery of salt springs in 1819. Most of the immigrants to this area were English. After the Europeans settled in the area, they began to dig wells all over
576-730: A new team in the Southern Professional Hockey League called the Vermilion County Bobcats . The Bobcats folded during the 2022–23 season . The City of Danville website maintains the complete list of mayors from 1867 to present. The general aviation community is served by the Vermilion Regional Airport . Danville is known as a major railroad intersection with at least four different tracks entering town from different directions, resulting in many crossings throughout
640-464: A number of community events throughout the year; including a summer concert series and a brick relief sculpture created by Texas-based artist Donna Dobberfuhl. Additional recreational opportunities exist throughout the community, including Fetch Dog Park, the Danville Dans collegiate summer league baseball team, and many community sports leagues. The city made national headlines with
704-471: A number of walk-in sites for back country tent campers. The maximum length of stay is 14 days within a 30-day period. Almost half of the sites have electric hookups and there are two shower houses which are open from May 1 through November 1. Note that campers staying at sites with electric hookups must pay for the availability of electricity even if it is never used. Campers must also have their own camping equipment as well as their camping permit before entering
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#1732772331266768-472: A prominent Danville citizen. Williams and Beckwith drew up the first plat map; the city was named after Dan Beckwith at Williams' suggestion, although Beckwith suggested the names "Williamsburg" and "Williamstown". Beckwith was born in Pennsylvania in 1795 and moved to Indiana as a young man; in 1819 he accompanied the first white explorers to the area where Danville later existed because of his interest in
832-584: A small business revolving loan fund and a downtown special service area (SSA). Economic development initiatives in the county, including in Danville, are covered by the organization Vermilion Advantage as well as Downtown Danville Inc, the City of Danville, and other partners. The largest employment sectors in the Danville MSA are government (22.5%), manufacturing (17.8%), and retail (13.1%). Following
896-526: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Danville, Illinois Danville is a city in and the county seat of Vermilion County, Illinois , United States. As of the 2020 census , its population was 29,204. It is the principal city of the Danville micropolitan area . The area that is now Danville was once home to the Miami, Kickapoo, and Potawatomi tribes of Native Americans. Danville
960-531: Is a locally designated historic district. Within the Lincoln Park neighborhood sits the 22-acre Lincoln Park, home of the also locally designed historic landmark the Lamon House. The Danville Neighborhood Leadership Council works to promote neighborhood associations, improve quality of life, and coordinate with City of Danville departments. Danville is broadly divided into three districts. including
1024-682: Is also the longest trail in the park and ran from the group camp area across the Johnson Hill Bridge. However, the Johnson Hill Bridge was demolished in 2006, significantly limiting the length of this trail. The Mountain Bike Trail is a 6.5-mile trail which circles Stump Pond and is located in the northeastern corner of the park. Some of the other shorter trails are: Clear Lake Trail (3 miles), Nature Trail (0.75 miles), High Lake Trail (1.5 miles), Riverview Trail (2.0 miles), and Brian Plawer Nature Trail (0.9 miles). High Lake Trail also has
1088-415: Is available at the park office. In addition to the multitude of bird species spotted within the park, there are also a variety of mammals including white-tailed deer, squirrels, raccoons, cottontail rabbits, and muskrats . Between the two campgrounds within the park there are 184 sites available for tent camping and trailer camping. Reservations can be made at online at Reserve America , however there are
1152-727: Is easily accessible through route I-74. It is 28 miles (45 km) away from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and 95 miles (153 km) from Indianapolis . According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the name Kickapoo originated from the Kickapoo village that once existed near the junction of the Salt Fork and Middle Fork branches of the Vermilion River . After Europeans settled in
1216-684: Is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Middle Fork Woods Nature Preserve is located within Kickapoo State Park and is the only known location of the silvery salamander in Illinois. This nature preserve of 69.2 acres is home to many different tree species including white and black oak, hickory, blue beech, sugar maple, basswood, ironwood, redbud, and sassafras . Cypress trees have been planted along pond edges while strip mine banks have been naturally covered by cottonwood and ash trees. This variety of hardwood species colors
1280-502: Is located in the eastern section of the park. Other settlers such as John Cox, an Indian fighter and scout in the Black Hawk War, and his wife are buried at the entrance to Fox Campground in a small pioneer cemetery. Between 1850 and 1940 the park area was strip-mined for coal, leaving many mine pits and spoil piles. The mine in Kickapoo State Park was one of the first in the country to use mechanization for strip-mining. Over
1344-413: Is named the "Danville Member," after the area where it was first discovered. Danville also served as a significant manufacturing center during the early 1900s, and the city's population doubled between 1900 and 1920. During this time Danville also acted as a rail hub for both passenger and freight service. Danville was the site of a riot in 1903 , which led to the lynching of a black man and an assault on
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#17327723312661408-564: Is one of the city's oldest, dating back to the later part of the 19th century. The neighborhood was home of the Renaissance Initiative Program created in 2000, which worked for the restoration and preservation of the neighborhood's historic assets. While the program officially disbanded in 2008, the West Downtown Neighborhood association continues these efforts. The Lincoln Park neighborhood
1472-528: The census of 2000, there were 33,904 people, 13,327 households, and 8,156 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,994.0 inhabitants per square mile (769.9/km ). There were 14,886 housing units at an average density of 875.5 per square mile (338.0/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 70.19% White , 24.37% African American , 0.21% Native American , 1.20% Asian , 0.03% Pacific Islander , 2.09% from other races , and 1.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.57% of
1536-586: The 8th Judicial Circuit. Danville was home to Ward Hill Lamon his law partner who later served as his bodyguard. Lincoln later gave a speech in his stocking feet from the balcony of Dr. William Fithian, a prominent Danville physician. The Fithian home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as the Vermilion County Museum. In 1882, a small group of Franciscan Sisters formed St. Elizabeth Hospital out of
1600-539: The 8th Judicial Circuit. Danville is a designated Looking for Lincoln gateway community and is home of three Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits. Other tourist attractions include the historic downtown district, home of the Fischer Theatre , which includes a museum dedicated to the many famous performers who have lived in Danville, including Dick Van Dyke , Jerry Van Dyke , Donald O'Connor , Bobby Short , and Helen Morgan . The downtown area also includes
1664-995: The Danville Art League, headquartered in the west downtown neighborhood; the Danville Symphony Orchestra; the Danville Light Opera; the Dark Horse Theater Company; the Red Mask Players ; and the DACC Players (from the Danville Area Community College. Performance venues include the historic Fischer Theatre , the Kathryn Randolph Theater, and the performance venues on DACC's campus. Museums in
1728-500: The Fisher Theatre, expansion of major health care facilities, and the expansion of educational programs focused on job placement. Danville is located approximately 120 miles (190 km) south of Chicago , 35 miles (56 km) east of Champaign-Urbana , and 90 miles (140 km) west of Indianapolis, Indiana . Illinois Route 1 , U.S. Route 136 , and U.S. Route 150 intersect in Danville; Interstate 74 passes through
1792-666: The Fithian Home, where Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in 1858; and the Danville Branch, National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers Historic District , currently located on the campus of DACC; the VA; and the Danville National Cemetery . In July the city attracts hot air balloon enthusiasts from around the region for Balloons Over Vermilion, which takes place at the Vermilion Regional Airport , and
1856-501: The Heron County Park Wetlands Boardwalk extends into Lake Vermilion and includes a 950-foot handicapped-accessible floating boardwalk that weaves through the marshland. The park also contains a 30-foot observation tower, which often provides views of bald eagles and American egrets . The downtown district contains five pocket parks, including Lindley Sign Forest and Temple Plaza. Temple Plaza hosts
1920-575: The Vermilion River and paddling through 3 lakes in the park. In addition to rental services, Kickapoo Adventures sells fishing licenses, tackle, and an assortment of worms for bait. The concession also has live music at the dockside cafe Tuesday and Friday nights all summer long. There are 7 marked hiking trails within Kickapoo State Recreation Area. One of the more challenging trails is the 7.6-mile Out and Back running trail which winds through forest and edges of cropland. The Out and Back trail
1984-502: The Vermilion River. Mountain bike trails are open for visitors to use year-round, although they close during the annual fall firearm hunting seasons (usually falling on 2 to 4 weekends in November and December), and occasionally due to extended muddy conditions such as the spring thaw or damage following heavy storms. Registered hunters (using firearms or bows) are allowed to hunt white-tailed deer, cock pheasant, rabbit, and squirrels in
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2048-672: The Veterans Administration which were renovated throughout the 1960s for educational purposes. These acquisitions placed the college on a larger campus shared with the National Cemetery and modernized Veteran's Hospital. In the 1970s the enclosed Village Mall was constructed. By 1966 only 6 mines remained in Vermilion County. With the closure of the mines and many factories, including a major General Motors plant, Danville's economic base suffered in
2112-615: The area and displaced the Native Americans, the Europeans began to dig wells to harvest salt from salt springs, called salines. In the early 20th century the land was then strip-mined for coal. Kickapoo State Park was the first park in the United States to be located on strip-mined land. The state of Illinois purchased the Kickapoo State Park Area in 1939 with donation money from Danville residents and
2176-403: The average family size was 3.01. In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males. The median income for a household in the city
2240-477: The campgrounds. There are many fish species found within the park's 22 ponds and the Vermilion River. Some of the most common catches by fishermen are largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, bluegill , crappie , and redear sunfish according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Rainbow trout is another popular fish species to catch in the fall and spring months when the lakes are stocked. For boating activities, there are 12 launching ramps on 9 of
2304-618: The city include the Vermilion County Museum , the Vermilion County War Museum, and the Fischer Arts & Entertainment Museum. The city of Danville maintains 20+ parks and recreation facilities, from small pocket parks to large regionally significant parklands. Danville's parks contribute to a county-wide collection that includes four county parks and three state parks. When combined with
2368-506: The city parkland, these total more than 15,000 acres, providing more acres of public park per capita than in any other county in Illinois. Danville sits along the shore of Lake Vermilion , which is a 1,000-acre reservoir. The lake allows for fishing, bird watching, and unlimited-horsepower marine boating, jet-skiing, and waterskiing. Danville also sits along the Vermilion River , which provides recreational opportunities and supports abundant wildlife. There are several notable parks within
2432-541: The city, including Lincoln Park, home of mature trees, tennis courts, and the Abraham Lincoln–associated Lamon House (a Greek Revival cottage built in 1850 by Joseph and Melissa Beckwith Lamon). On the west side of the city, the North Fork of the Vermilion River winds through Harrison Park Golf Course , providing a backdrop for the 235-acre golf course and hiking destination. On the north side,
2496-600: The community has increased after a large influx of redevelopment and green development, beginning in 2013 with the addition of Meijer and the Kohl's Plaza. Portions of Danville are covered under the Illinois Enterprise Zone Program tax incentive program. Additionally, the City of Danville has created five Tax Increment Financing districts, including downtown, campus corridor, midtown, east Voorhees, and western gateway. Other available programs include
2560-400: The country; people are being laid off...[you] have to consider the national economy. The national economy is part of...[why we must close the park]." The decision to close the park was met with much resistance. More than 300 protesters, made up of a conglomeration of local Danville residents and University of Illinois students, met at Kickapoo in late August 2008 to protest its closure. Due to
2624-716: The county jail. The Danville Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers opened in 1898 and, by 1910, 4,257 veterans were at the branch. This branch was the eighth of ten branches founded by the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (NHDVS), nationwide, between 1866 and 1929. The Soldiers' Home was a major center in-itself with its own passenger train service, streetcar line, mess hall, farms, livestock, lake, jail, hospital, bakery, laundry stables, stores, theater, chapel, mortuary, office buildings, power plant, print shop, shoemakers, tinsmiths, barber shop and fire department. The first Danville Public Library
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2688-429: The downtown district, the retail district, and the campus district. The downtown district consists of the historic core of the city, the retail district includes the northside retail corridor, and the campus district includes the Danville Area Community College (DACC) and VA campuses on the city's east side. In recent years, average temperatures in Danville have ranged from a low of 17 °F (−8 °C) in January to
2752-579: The existence of a village inhabited by Native Americans of the Woodland and Mississippian cultures somewhere between 500 and 1500. This village was located at the junction of the Middle Fork and Salt Fork Rivers. The village was home to Kennekuk , a Native American known as the "Kickapoo Prophet," who brokered many treaties between the European settlers and Native Americans. Kennekuk was a proponent of
2816-434: The lakes in Kickapoo State Park although only electric motors are allowed on these lakes. Kickapoo Adventures, previously known as Kickapoo Landing, is a concession place within the park offering canoe, paddle board, tube, and kayak rentals, shuttle services to parts of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River, bait, firewood, and a restaurant for visitors to enjoy. Visitors may rent boats by the hour for use on Clear Lake within
2880-406: The land has since recovered from the extraction of these resources. Today, Kickapoo State Park has 221 acres (89 ha) of ponds and lakes with nearly 35 miles (56 km) of hiking trails for many types of recreational activities including camping, canoeing, hunting, mountain biking, and fishing. In the winter season, ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular pastimes for visitors to
2944-565: The land. From these wells they harvested salt brine and boiled it down to produce salt. This salt operation continued until 1848, producing as much as 120 bushels of salt per week during the peak of its production process. One of the iron rendering kettles used in the production process can be seen at the Salt Kettle Rest area on I-74. Many European settlers from the early 20th century are buried in Allhands Cemetery, which
3008-401: The latter half of the 20th century and the population began to decline significantly. Many of the former mines were converted into lakes, creating fishing and recreation opportunities at parks such as Kickapoo State Recreation Area and Kennekuk Cove County Park . The 21st century has seen continued population decline but also major economic development initiatives including the restoration of
3072-759: The legalization of Cannabis in Illinois , Danville's location on the Indiana state line made it an attractive location for a recreational cannabis dispensary (cannabis remains illegal in Indiana). Cresco Labs opened an adult-use dispensary under the Sunnyside brand in Danville in May 2020. Tourism provides a significant economic impact to the Danville area. Danville is rich in Lincoln history, with over 12 sites commemorating his 18 years practicing law there while riding
3136-437: The park has gradually recovered from the mine pits and spoil piles left behind from the strip-mining process. In the fall of 2008, a shortage in the state budget of $ 2 billion led to the threat of park closure. The state was planning to close 11 parks on November 1, including Kickapoo State Park, to help meet its budget. Kelley Quinn, a spokeswoman from former Governor Rod Blagojevich 's office, said "[p]arks are closing across
3200-433: The park in the fall season and attracts many visitors. In the springtime, a variety of wildflowers can also be seen including: violets, bluebells, spring beauties, Dutchman's-breeches , and nodding trilliums. Of the 100 different bird species spotted within the park, the belted kingfisher , pileated woodpecker , red-winged blackbird , great blue heron , and least bittern are the most commonly seen. A birding checklist
3264-446: The park twice a year. There are over 1,000 acres of land for hunters to use each fall. Trap and archery ranges are available to visitors to Kickapoo State Park as well. Other recreational activities at Kickapoo State Recreation Area include cross-country skiing and scuba diving, and is one of the few state parks in Illinois that allows scuba diving. Certified divers may explore the depths of Inland Sea and Sportsman's Lake. A company by
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#17327723312663328-419: The park, or sign up for a trip down the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River with a canoe, kayak, or inner tube. The tube trip is 2 miles long starting at Sportsman's Lake and ending in the state park. For visitors wishing to partake in kayaking or canoeing activities down the river they may choose between a 13-mile trip beginning at Kinny's Ford, an 8-mile trip starting at Bunker Hill, or a combination of 2 miles on
3392-458: The park. Campsites are available year-round with RV and electric hookups available. There are 22 deep water ponds which are accessible to electric motor boats, canoes, and kayaks. Visitors to the park may rent a canoe or kayak to paddle down the Vermilion River, which runs through the center Kickapoo State Park. Scuba diving is also allowed within the park. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, archaeological evidence indicates
3456-418: The performance space Temple Plaza, Palmer Arena and ice rink, and 18 murals painted in 4 days by 160 Walldog artists from all over the world. Danville is home to a number of noteworthy buildings and structures, including 10 places on the National Register of Historic Places and 21 places on the local registry. These notable places include a Carnegie library , now operating as the Vermilion County War Museum;
3520-408: The population. There were 13,327 households, out of which 28% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 15.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and
3584-429: The protests, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich decided to allow Kickapoo to remain open while 7 other state parks were closed. In celebration of the park remaining open, a cleanup day of Kickapoo was scheduled on April 25, 2009. Volunteers were provided with the equipment necessary to remove litter from campsites and lakes. Since then there have been many cleanup efforts by local residents. Kickapoo State Recreation Area
3648-474: The salt springs of the Vermilion River. He died in 1835 of pneumonia contracted on a horseback ride back from Washington; he was 40 years old. In 1838 the Potawatomi Trail of Death camped and then passed through Danville. Four Potawatomi people died and were buried in Danville. In the mid-1800s Abraham Lincoln visited Danville over the course of approximately 18 years as he practiced law across
3712-476: The south end of town. Lake Vermilion is located on the northwest side of town. According to the 2010 census, Danville has a total area of 17.967 square miles (46.53 km ), of which 17.89 square miles (46.33 km ) (or 99.57%) is land and 0.077 square miles (0.20 km ) (or 0.43%) is water. Danville is made up of many neighborhoods, of which 14 have or have had official neighborhood associations and 9 have official borders. The West Downtown neighborhood
3776-579: The town. CSX Transportation , Norfolk Southern Railway , and Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad all operate rail lines that pass through Danville. Danville Mass Transit (DMT) operates 14 fixed route buses in Danville and surrounding areas. Kickapoo State Recreation Area Kickapoo State Recreation Area is an Illinois state park on 2,842 acres (1,150 ha) in Vermilion County, Illinois , United States. Located between Oakwood, Illinois and Danville, Illinois , this park
3840-494: The years these mine pits have filled with water and become lakes and barren areas have been largely reforested. The state of Illinois initially purchased 1,290 acres of land from the United Electric Coal Company in 1939 and added additional areas to the park in subsequent years. Clint C. Tilton, a local newspaper owner and historian, began the drive that brought this park to Vermilion County. Since then
3904-503: Was $ 30,431, and the median income for a family was $ 39,308. Males had a median income of $ 31,027 versus $ 22,303 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 16,476. 18.1% of the population and 13.4% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 26.8% were under the age of 18 and 10.5% were 65 or older. In 2014, according to the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis , Danville
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#17327723312663968-449: Was formed out of various existing collections in 1883 and was replaced by a Carnegie library in 1904. In 1910, a group of 9 elephants escaped from a Ringling circus and ran through Danville before being recaptured. An extension University of Illinois was created in Danville in 1946. The extension became an independent junior college in 1949. The college, now called Danville Area Community College, acquired several historic buildings from
4032-477: Was founded in 1827 on 60 acres (240,000 m ) of land donated by Guy W. Smith and 20 acres (81,000 m ) donated by Dan W. Beckwith. The sale of lots was set for April 10, 1827 and advertised in newspapers in Indianapolis, Indiana and the state capital of Vandalia . The first post office was established in May of the same year in the house of Amos Williams, organizer of Vermilion and Edgar Counties and
4096-572: Was the cheapest place to live in the United States. Racial Makeup of Danville (2019) Racial Makeup of Danville excluding Hispanics from Racial Categories (2019) NH=Non-Hispanic Racial Makeup of Hispanics in Danville (2019) Danville's main shopping center is the Village Mall , opened in 1975. Additional retail has spread north on Route 1/Vermilion Street since the early 90s, ranging from traditional big-box stores to retail infill and redevelopment of abandoned shopping centers. Retail in
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