Decatur, Illinois is a classic, small, tree lined mid-western city which lies on the man-made Lake Decatur and the Sangamon River. A college town, according to statistics released in 2010, Decatur has a population of just over 76,000 inhabitants (a decrease of 6.9 percent since 2000) whose nearest large cities are Chicago and St. Louis. Those moving to Decatur will find a medium-sized city with small town values.
Economy:
Statistics released in January 2011 show that the Cost of Living Index for Decatur was 84 points, well below the United States average of 100 points.
The economy of the city is based on agriculture (mainly soy beans) and industry, but Decatur is slowing changing from these traditional areas to a service based economy.
Large employers and contributors to the economy of Decatur are Caterpillar, Tate & Lyle, Archer Daniels Midland and Mueller; and Norfolk Southern Railway and the area's universities.
History:
Decatur was founded in 1823 and incorporated in 1881. Its most famous historical figure was Abraham Lincoln, who came with his family in 1830 and settled in an area to the west of the city. In later years he was a practising lawyer in Decatur.
Decatur is the site of his maiden political speech, which set him on his road to the presidency. He received endorsement for the elected office of President of the United States in 1860 in the city and was known as the Railsplitter Candidate.
Tourism:
Architecture buffs will enjoy exploring the brick built buildings in the downtown area of Decatur, which is affiliated to the US Main Street Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Frank Lloyd Wright was the architect of the Edward P Irving House, while his assistants designed the Robert and Adolph Mueller homes.