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Oglesby

city

Oglesby, Illinois, nestled in LaSalle County, is a city with a rich history rooted in the mining and manufacturing industries. Located near the confluence of the Illinois and Vermilion Rivers, Oglesby's population was 3,712 at the 2020 census. The city offers a blend of suburban and rural living, attracting both families and retirees. Historically a hub for coal, limestone, and silica mining, Oglesby has evolved into a community with diverse employment sectors. Key institutions such as Illinois Valley Community College contribute to the local economy and provide educational opportunities. The city's location provides access to major transportation routes, making it an attractive location for business and distribution. Oglesby is perhaps best known for its proximity to Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, offering residents and visitors alike unparalleled access to natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The city's historical roots as a mining center, combined with its access to state parks, make it a unique place to live and visit.

Oglesby, Illinois

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
17-55353
Country
United States
County
LaSalle
Geography
Region
North-central Illinois
Elevation
633 ft
Total Area
4.99 sq mi
Land Area
4.99 sq mi
Water Area
0 sq mi
Latitude
41.29333
Longitude
-89.07111
Climate
Typical Midwestern climate with four distinct seasons.
Notable Features
Illinois River · Vermilion River · Starved Rock State Park · Matthiessen State Park
Neighboring Areas
LaSalle · Peru
Demographics
Population (2020)
3,712
Est. Population (2026)
3,593
Median Age
40.2
Median Income
$71,618
Poverty Rate
9.61%
Family Households
59.6%
Owner-Occupied
71%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of the city is 83.0% White, 11.9% Hispanic, and 4.6% Two or More Races.
Governance
Government Type
City commission government
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
5 members
School District
Oglesby Public School District 125
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Parks & Recreation · Public Works
Economy
Economic Profile
Mixed (residential, commercial, industrial)
Employment Sectors
Manufacturing · Education · Healthcare · Retail
Major Employers
Illinois Valley Community College · Lone Star Industries · Illinois Cement Co.
Education
Schools
3
Students
460
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
School Districts
Oglesby Public School District 125 · LaSalle-Peru Township High School District 120
Colleges & Universities
Illinois Valley Community College
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate 39 · Illinois Route 351 · Rail access
Utilities
Municipal water · Electricity · Natural gas · Broadband internet
Major Facilities
Illinois Valley Community College · Oglesby City Parks
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Starved Rock State Park · Matthiessen State Park · Buffalo Rock State Park · Oglesby City Parks
Parks & Trails
McPhedran Park · Courtyard Park · Walking and jogging trails in city parks
History
Founded
1865
Incorporated
1902
Named After
Richard J. Oglesby, a former U.S. Senator and three-time Governor of Illinois
Historical Significance
Evolved from a collection of mining villages into a significant industrial and recreational hub in the Illinois Valley
Key Events
Originally named Portland due to cement manufacturing · Renamed Oglesby in 1913 · Center for coal, limestone, and silica mining · Home to Marquette Cement Company and Lehigh Portland Cement Company