A former manufacturing giant seeking a reinvention
Canton, the largest city in Fulton County, Illinois, with just under 13,000 residents, owes its name to what turned out to be a highly inaccurate piece of 19th-century geographic speculation. In 1825, town founder Isaac Swan believed he was on the opposite side of the globe as Canton, China (present-day Guangzhou). However, for that to be true, he would need to be in Argentina. Regardless, Swan’s name for the town stuck.
Originally a coal mining town, Canton became a regional economic colossus that manufactured steel plows for over 100 years. But, when International Harvester closed the factory in 1983, it changed the face of Canton in a way that’s still felt today. “There was a significant impact,” says Canton native Luke Dillefeld. “Canton is still trying to find its renaissance. It’s a very underdog feel, and the city embraces that blue-collar mentality.”
Originally a coal mining town, Canton, is a city that embraces a true blue-collar mentality.
Canton was founded by settler Isaac Swan, who believed Canton, IL and Canton, China, were antipodes.
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Cook Medical among major local employers
In 2008, Cook Medical opened a medical device factory on a piece of the former International Harvester site because company founder Bill Cook was a Canton native. “It gave Canton a little bit of a shot in the arm,” Dillefeld says.
Other major Canton employers include the Graham Medical Group medical center, Canton Union School District No. 66, Illinois River Correctional Center and Spoon River College. Dillefeld says some Canton residents commute roughly 30 miles to East Peoria to work at Caterpillar’s manufacturing facilities.
General Wayne A. Downing International Airport, also around 30 miles away, is the nearest commercial airport. Fulton County Rural Transit provides van transportation for area residents on a reservation basis.
Graham Medical Group is one of the largest employers in Canton.
In 2008, Bill Cook, a Canton native, opened a medical device factory named Cook Medical.
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A multitude of parks and lakes
Canton Park District administers nine parks that sprawl out across more than 1,400 acres. Big Creek Park features a recreation center, swimming pool, disc golf course and pickleball courts. Just across the street, Lakeland Park has 5 miles of trails that weave between five lakes. “They have these giant albino catfish that live under the bridge; 20 to 30 pounds,” Dillefeld says. “You can’t catch them, but you can feed them. You throw some food in and create a little feeding frenzy.”
On the east side of town, Canton Lake offers a boat launch and campground. There are also numerous hunting and fishing spots throughout the area. “There’s a lot of emphasis on hunting and fishing, for sure,” Dillefeld says. “That’s a big draw.”
Enjoy the serene surroundings at Canton Lake located in the heart of Canton.
Residents of Canton love the Veterans Memorial at Lakeland Park.
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Home prices well below the national median
The median home price in Canton is around $105,000, which is about one-quarter of the nationwide median price. Renovated bungalows and cottages can start for around $50,000. Ranch-style homes, split-levels and new traditional houses can range between $225,000 and $350,000.
Renovated bungalows in Canton are affordably priced.
Many updated cottage-style homes can be seen throughout Canton.
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Little Giants receive plenty of community support
Canton Union District No. 66, which has three elementary schools, one middle school and a high school, earns a B-minus rating from Niche. Canton High School receives a C-plus. Canton High’s sports teams are known as the Little Giants in honor of Stephen A. Douglas. However, the shirtless, muscle-bound mascot bears little resemblance to the 19th-century Illinois Senator and presidential candidate. “On Friday nights in Canton, there’s a lot of time spent at the football stadium,” Dillefeld says. Just how big is Canton football? The city’s Fourth of July fireworks show is held at Memorial Stadium because it’s the community’s most obvious gathering place.
Spoon River College, a two-year community college, is in unincorporated Canton.
Canton High School offers plenty of AP and Honors courses.
Spoon River College, located in Canton, has a full-time enrollment of just under 2,000 students.
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Local businesses keep downtown vibrant
Many of Canton’s stores and restaurants are on the north end of town along Main Street (Illinois Route 78). Downtown Canton also has a number of local favorites, from generations-old watering holes like Billy’s Tap and Official Time Out to diners American Grille and Canton Family Restaurant. Hannam’s Dairy Dream, open between late spring and early fall, is a seasonal favorite during warmer months.
Billy's Tap in downtown Canton has been serving residents since 1948.
Resident favorite, Canton Family Restaurant, offers breakfast all day.
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Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive a fall favorite
Jones Park hosts many local events, including a Saturday farmers market from June-September and the Art on Main arts festival in early June. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, a county-wide arts and crafts festival held the first two weekends of October, is one of Fulton County’s major events.
An active tornado history
Canton has a history of tornadoes. Swan, the town's founder, was among those who died in a June 1835 tornado that hit the city. In July 1975, a massive EF3 tornado damaged or destroyed more than 125 businesses and 150 houses on Canton's south side, leaving much of the city without power for a week.
Canton is also experiencing population decline. Although more than 15,000 people lived in the city in 2000, its current population is at its lowest level since the 1950s.
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