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| In 1917, Rantoul was chosen to be the site of the Chanute Field due to its proximity to the Illinois Central railroad and the War Department’s ground school housed at the University of Illinois. In the 1930s, Chanute grew, dominating the local economy as thousands of Airmen were stationed there to train new recruits who cycled in and out. After World War II, with the formation of the Air Force, Chanute Field was renamed Chanute Air Force Base. | In 1917, Rantoul was chosen to be the site of the Chanute Field due to its proximity to the Illinois Central railroad and the War Department’s ground school housed at the University of Illinois. In the 1930s, Chanute grew, dominating the local economy as thousands of Airmen were stationed there to train new recruits who cycled in and out. After World War II, with the formation of the Air Force, Chanute Field was renamed Chanute Air Force Base. | ||
| After years of serving as a training facility, the Base was recommended for closure in 1988 and officially closed in 1993. In many ways, the transition of Chanute Air Force Base from military to civilian use has been highly successful. Many of |
After years of serving as a training facility, the Base was recommended for closure in 1988 and officially closed in 1993. In many ways, the transition of Chanute Air Force Base from military to civilian use has been highly successful. Many of The Air Force Base's buildings and facilities have found new life, with purposes that range from motels, retirement communities, restaurants, a fitness center, an Aerospace Museum, and several light manufacturing facilities. The excellent Golf Course, once only available to Airmen and their guests, is now one of the most popular in East Central Illinois. The housing on base, once homes for Airmen with families, are now 100% occupied by civilians. Even so, many buildings remain unoccupied, and they are maintained and kept available for reuse. | ||
| ==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
Revision as of 10:16, 5 April 2006
- For the Illinois village previously known as Rantoul see Alma, Illinois
Rantoul is a village located in Champaign County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 12,918. The present mayor is Neal Williams, whose term will expire in 2009.
Overview
The community was named after Robert Rantoul, director of the Illinois Central Railroad.
In 1917, Rantoul was chosen to be the site of the Chanute Field due to its proximity to the Illinois Central railroad and the War Department’s ground school housed at the University of Illinois. In the 1930s, Chanute grew, dominating the local economy as thousands of Airmen were stationed there to train new recruits who cycled in and out. After World War II, with the formation of the Air Force, Chanute Field was renamed Chanute Air Force Base.
After years of serving as a training facility, the Base was recommended for closure in 1988 and officially closed in 1993. In many ways, the transition of Chanute Air Force Base from military to civilian use has been highly successful. Many of The Air Force Base's buildings and facilities have found new life, with purposes that range from motels, retirement communities, restaurants, a fitness center, an Aerospace Museum, and several light manufacturing facilities. The excellent Golf Course, once only available to Airmen and their guests, is now one of the most popular in East Central Illinois. The housing on base, once homes for Airmen with families, are now 100% occupied by civilians. Even so, many buildings remain unoccupied, and they are maintained and kept available for reuse.
Geography
Rantoul is located at 40°18'17" North, 88°9'7" West (40.304600, -88.152070)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 19.0 km² (7.3 mi²). 18.8 km² (7.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.3 km² (0.1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.50% water.
Partial List of Mayors
- Joseph T. Brown (1997-2001)
- Charles Irvin (1996-1997)
- Katy Podagrosi (1984-1996)
- Jack McJilton (1969-1984)
- C.O. Hobson (1965-1969)
- Ellis Zook (1961-1965)
- Byron Gates (1957-1961)
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 12,918 people, 5,330 households, and 3,368 families residing in the village. The population density was 685.7/km² (1,776.5/mi²). There were 6,161 housing units at an average density of 328.6/km² (851.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the village was 76.69% White, 16.88% African American, 0.47% Native American, 1.75% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.89% from other races, and 3.27% from two or more races. 2.69% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,330 households out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.9% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the village the population was spread out with 28.6% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $36,904, and the median income for a family was $43,543. Males had a median income of $32,440 versus $22,382 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,948. 10.7% of the population and 8.5% of families were below the poverty line. 14.7% of those under the age of 18 and 4.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Activities
- Illinois Skydiving Center, a major center of that sport, located 10 miles North of the town.
- Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum, detailing the history of Flight, Military Aviation, and Chanute Air Force Base, located on the old Base.
- Korean War Veterans Museum, a Museum currently under construction detailing the history of the Korean War, located on the old Base.
- Rantoul Theater Group, offering drama, comedy, and musical live entertainment