Herrin, Illinois
Herrin is a city in Williamson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 11,298 at the 2000 census.
Geography
Herrin is located at 37°48′9″N 89°1′41″W / 37.80250°N 89.02806°WInvalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (37.802412, -89.028093)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.7 km² (8.4 mi²). 21.2 km² (8.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (2.03%) is water.
History
In the early 1800's, Herrin was on the Lusk's Ferry Road, an important, early road that connected Fort Kaskaskia with Lusk's Ferry on the Ohio River. The original survey maps of Illinois show the old road running from Royalton into Herrin close to the line of modern Route 148, running due south through the middle of town.
Herrin was the site of the 1922 Herrin massacre, which left 21 dead. Two union miners, Jordie Henderson and Joe Pitkewicius, were killed as well as 19 strike-breakers.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 11,298 people, 4,831 households, and 3,014 families residing in the city. The population density was 532.0/km² (1,377.5/mi²). There were 5,202 housing units at an average density of 244.9/km² (634.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.72% White, 0.92% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.
There were 4,831 households out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.2% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 84.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $28,532, and the median income for a family was $39,108. Males had a median income of $31,545 versus $22,321 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,782. About 13.6% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.7% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.
Events And Festivals
Herrin hosts the annual Herrinfesta Italiana, a Memorial Day Weekend celebration of the town's Italian heritage. The five day event often draws over 60,000 people for live music, authentic Italian food, a carnival, Bocce Ball Tournament, Bigga Nose and Pasta Eating contests, and many other activities. Past artists and bands include Dixie Chicks, Night Ranger, Josh Gracin, and Blue Öyster Cult.