Centralia, Illinois 2025
Centralia is a city in Washington County, Illinois, USA. The population was 14,856 at the 2020 census. Centralia was founded in 1819 and was named for the several springs and underground streams in the area. The city has a long history of coal mining, agriculture, and railroad transportation. Its population has been declining since the 1950's.
The city has a total area of 5.83 square miles, of which 5.78 square miles is land and 0.05 square miles is water. The city is located on U.S. Route 51 and Interstate 57, approximately 12 miles south of Belleville, Illinois, and 21 miles west of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Centralia is situated in the American Bottom floodplain and is surrounded by fertile agricultural land.
The city has a humid continental climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters. Summer hot waves can be oppressive, with temperatures reaching 100°F or higher on occasion. Thunderstorms, often severe, can occur during the summer and spring months. The city experiences cold winters, with lows reaching 0°F or below on some winter mornings. The average annual precipitation is 40.97 inches, with 10.94 inches of snowfall.
The city is home to several historical attractions, including the Centralia Historical Society and Museum, which showcases the city's history through exhibits and artifacts. The city also hosts several annual events and festivals, including the Centralia Dragon Fest, Summerfest, and Christmas in the Country Celebration.
The city has public schools, which include Centralia High School, Centralia Junior High School, and three elementary schools. It is also home to Kaskaskia College, a community college that serves the surrounding area.
Two newspapers cover the city, the weekly Centralia Sentinel and the daily Centralia Daily Tribune.
The city has a humid continental climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters. Summer hot waves can be oppressive, with temperatures reaching 100°F or higher on occasion. Thunderstorms, often severe, can occur during the summer and spring months. The city experiences cold winters, with lows reaching 0°F or below on some winter mornings. The average annual precipitation is 40.97 inches, with 10.94 inches of snowfall. The city is home to several historical attractions, including the Centralia Historical Society and Museum, which showcases the city's history through exhibits and artifacts. The city also hosts several annual events and festivals, including the Centralia Dragon Fest, Summerfest, and Christmas in the Country Celebration.
The city has public schools, which include Centralia High School, Centralia Junior High School, and three elementary schools. It is also home to Kaskaskia College, a community college that serves the surrounding area.
Two newspapers cover the city, the weekly Centralia Sentinel and the daily Centralia Daily Tribune.
In conclusion, Centralia, Illinois, is a small city in Washington County, Illinois, with a rich history and culture. The city was founded in 1819 and named after the various springs and underground streams in the area. The city has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.