Ashland, Illinois History, Economy and Politics
Ashland, Illinois is a small village located in the rural Cass County. The town lies between the Sangamon and Embarras Rivers, which provide a beautiful backdrop to the area. It is surrounded by lush farmland and rolling hills, with the nearby Embarras River providing a picturesque location for outdoor recreation. The village sits at an elevation of 674 feet above sea level and covers an area of just over 1 square mile. Visit Insidewatch to learn about Alexander County, Illinois.
The climate in Ashland is typically mild, with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from lows of 20 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Precipitation levels are moderate throughout the year, with slightly higher levels during spring and early summer months.
Ashland has a variety of local attractions to explore, including historic sites such as the Ashland Historic District and the Ashland Memorial Park Cemetery. There are also numerous parks and recreational areas for activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, boating, camping and more. Additionally, there are several restaurants and shops that offer local produce as well as other goods from nearby cities like Decatur or Springfield.
History of Ashland, Illinois
Ashland, Illinois was founded in 1837 by John E. Ash and his brother James. The brothers had come to the area in search of a new home after their previous settlement in Ohio had been destroyed by Native Americans. Upon arriving in the area, they discovered an ideal spot for farming and decided to purchase the land from local Native Americans, who had been living in the area since the late 1600s.
The Ash brothers quickly established a thriving farming community and built a small village around their farmstead. The village soon became known as Ashland, named after its founders. As time passed, other settlers began to move into the area, establishing churches, stores and a post office. By 1860, Ashland’s population had grown to over 500 people and it was incorporated as a village in 1876.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Ashland flourished as an agricultural center with dairy farms being especially prevalent throughout the area. This period of growth was spurred on by improved transportation links such as railroads which connected Ashland with nearby cities like Decatur and Springfield. During this time, many of the town’s original buildings were constructed including several churches and two schools which still stand today.
Today, while much of Ashland still retains its rural charm and small-town atmosphere, it has also seen growth due to its proximity to larger cities such as Springfield and Decatur which offer employment opportunities for local residents. Additionally, tourism has become an increasingly important part of life for Ashlanders with attractions such as historic sites like the Ashland Historic District or recreational activities like fishing at Embarras River being popular among visitors from near and far alike.
Economy of Ashland, Illinois
Ashland, Illinois is a small rural town located in the heart of central Illinois. The town has a population of approximately 1,700 people and is known for its agricultural roots. Agriculture has been the mainstay of Ashland’s economy since its founding in 1837 and continues to be an important part of the local economy to this day. However, over the years other industries have also grown and diversified Ashland’s economy.
Agriculture remains an important part of Ashland’s economy with many local farms producing corn, soybeans, wheat and other crops. The town is also home to several dairy farms which produce milk, cheese and other dairy products that are sold throughout central Illinois. In addition to agriculture, other industries such as manufacturing, retail trade and health care are also major contributors to Ashland’s economy.
Manufacturing has been an important part of the local economy since its foundation in 1837 when John E. Ash established a manufacturing plant for farm equipment on his property near Ashland’s center square. Over time this business grew into what is now known as John Deere & Company which employs hundreds of workers at their factory located just outside of town. Other smaller manufacturing businesses have also taken root in Ashland over the years such as a furniture factory that produces chairs and tables for local businesses and restaurants.
Retail trade is another major contributor to Ashland’s economy with numerous shops located throughout the town offering goods from nearby cities like Decatur or Springfield as well as locally produced items such as fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms or homemade crafts from local artisans. Additionally, several restaurants have opened up in recent years offering both traditional American fare as well as international cuisine from places like Italy or Mexico providing employment opportunities for many locals while also drawing tourists into town who come for both business and pleasure alike.
Finally, health care services have become increasingly important in recent years with two hospitals now operating within a twenty mile radius of Ashland providing essential medical care for residents throughout central Illinois while also employing many locals at their facilities located just outside of town limits.
Overall, while agriculture remains an integral component of Ashland’s economy it has diversified significantly over time with numerous industries now contributing to its overall economic success story; making it truly unique among small rural towns across America today.
Politics in Ashland, Illinois
Politics in Ashland, Illinois is mainly centered around the Republican Party. While Ashland itself is a small town, its population has grown over the years and it has become increasingly more diverse. This has led to a more balanced political landscape in the area, with both Republican and Democratic candidates having a presence in local elections.
The current mayor of Ashland is a Republican and he is supported by a majority of the city council members. The city council meets regularly to discuss local issues such as taxation, infrastructure improvements, and public safety initiatives. As a result, there are often debates on topics that are important to residents which usually involve representatives from both parties.
The state of Illinois is predominantly Democratic-leaning with Democrats holding all statewide offices except for one US Senate seat. However, there are still some Republicans that hold office in the state legislature representing districts within or near Ashland. These representatives typically focus on issues that are important to their constituents such as job growth and economic development initiatives.
At the federal level, most of Illinois’s congressional delegation consists of Democrats with only one Republican representative from this region in Congress (Illinois’s 15th District). This representative generally focuses on issues such as agriculture, trade policy and healthcare reform while also advocating for smaller government spending and lower taxes for individuals and businesses alike.
Overall, politics in Ashland reflects the trends seen across much of Illinois with an even mix between Republicans and Democrats vying for office at all levels of government while also focusing on issues that matter most to their constituents like job growth or public safety initiatives.
