Carthage is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,725 at the 2000 census. It
is the county seat of Hancock
County.6 Carthage is most famous for
being the site of the 1844 assassination of Joseph Smith.
History
Hancock County, and Carthage, saw its first settlers arrive sometime in the first few decades of the 19th century. By 1833,
simple buildings had been erected in Carthage, and the town was platted in 1838. By this time Carthage had become the county seat
of Hancock county.
While incarcerated in the Carthage Jail in June of 1844, Joseph Smith, founder of the
Latter Day Saint movement, was assassinated by a mob. For more details of this
event see: Death of Joseph Smith, Jr.
Over the years the jail had been modified and utilized for different purposes. For a period the jail was home to
Carthage College. The jail has been restored to a close approximation of its appearance
in 1844 and is now owned by the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The site, a full city block, is operated as a historical visitor's center.
Regionally-noted botanist, philanthropist, and traveler Dr. Alice L. Kibbe called Carthage home. Along with Dr. Kibbe's personal collections, Carthage's Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum houses a variety of exhibits celebrating local and regional history.
Schools
Beginning in August of 2007, the Carthage High School (also known as Hancock County Central High School) building has become
the home of the newly formed Illini West High School, consolidating the high school districts of Carthage, La Harpe, and Dallas City. The three cities will
maintain separate facilities for elementary and middle
school.
From 1870 to 1964 Carthage, Illinois was home to Carthage College, which has
relocated to Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Geography
Carthage is located at 40°24′52″N, 91°8′0″W (40.414327,
-91.133472).1
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area
of 4.1 km² (1.6 mi²), all land.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there were 2,725 people, 1,184 households, and 709 families residing in
the city. The population density was 657.6/km² (1,698.0/mi²). There were 1,314
housing units at an average density of 317.1/km² (818.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.13% White, 0.48% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.55% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.04% from other races, and 0.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.33% of the population.
There were 1,184 households out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were
non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or
older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from
45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 85.0 males.
For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,677, and the median income for a family was $50,142. Males had a median
income of $36,058 versus $19,972 for females. The per capita income for the city was
$18,269. About 3.6% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty
line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.
External links
Coordinates:
40.414327° N 91.133472°
W
- Town Websites
- Local Churches
- Local Businesses
- Carthage Jail / LDS Related
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