According to itypetravel.com, Ashton, Illinois is a small town located in Lee County in the northern part of the state. The town is situated on the banks of the Kishwaukee River and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. Ashton lies about 70 miles northwest of Chicago and has a population of just over 1,000 people.
The geography of Ashton is mostly flat with some rolling hills in the northern part of town. The town itself is located at an elevation of about 750 feet above sea level and the surrounding area has an average elevation of about 875 feet.
The land around Ashton consists primarily of rich farmland which provides much of the food for local residents as well as for nearby cities such as Rockford and Chicago. The soil here is especially fertile due to its clay-loam composition which helps retain moisture and nutrients.
The climate in Ashton can be described as humid continental with cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from highs in the mid 80s Fahrenheit during summer months to lows near 0°F during winter months. Precipitation levels are fairly consistent throughout the year, averaging around 45 inches per year.
Ashton also features a variety of natural features such as rivers, lakes, forests, and wetlands which provide habitat for wildlife such as deer, foxes, mink, raccoons, rabbits, beavers, muskrats, turtles, frogs, salamanders and more than 200 species of birds including wood ducks and blue herons. These natural areas also offer recreational opportunities like fishing and hunting for those who are willing to explore them.
Overall, Ashton’s geography offers something for everyone whether it be rich farmland or untouched nature areas perfect for exploring or even just enjoying a peaceful walk through nature’s beauty. The town and its surrounding area provide a great combination of the old and the new, and it is no wonder Ashton has been such an attractive place for residents to call home for so many years.
History of Ashton, Illinois
According to countryvv, Ashton, Illinois is a small town located in Lee County in the northern part of the state. The town is situated on the banks of the Kishwaukee River and has a population of just over 1,000 people. Ashton lies about 70 miles northwest of Chicago and has a rich and varied history spanning centuries.
The area around Ashton was first settled by Native Americans from the Potawatomi tribe in the early 1800s. The first known white settlers arrived in 1835 when Hiram and Abijah Smith purchased land from the Potawatomi for $2 an acre. The town grew slowly but steadily, with a post office being established in 1845 and its first school opened two years later.
In 1848, John Colvin laid out the town’s first plat and it was officially incorporated as “Ashton” in 1854. In 1863, a railroad line connecting Ashton to Chicago was completed which allowed for increased trade and further growth of the town. Soon after this, additional businesses such as banks, stores, hotels, saloons, churches, and theaters were built to accommodate its growing population.
By 1900 Ashton had become a bustling community with more than 600 residents living there at that time. It continued to grow over the next several decades with new businesses opening up such as factories making furniture and agricultural equipment as well as other industries like oil refining and garment manufacturing.
The 20th century also saw major improvements made to public infrastructure including paved roads, sidewalks, sewers, street lights and electricity lines all being added during this period. In addition to this public works project there were also efforts made to beautify Ashton by planting trees throughout town as well as creating parks for recreational use such as baseball diamonds or picnic areas for residents to enjoy during their free time.
Today Ashton continues to be an attractive place for people looking for small-town living while still having access to larger cities like Chicago or Rockford nearby if they need them. Despite its growth over time it has still retained much of its original charm with many historic buildings still standing throughout downtown giving it an old-time feel that many people find appealing when looking for a place to call home.
Economy of Ashton, Illinois
The economy of Ashton, Illinois has remained strong over the years due to its proximity to larger cities like Chicago and Rockford. It has a diverse economic base that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
Manufacturing is a major part of Ashton’s economy. The town is home to several factories that produce furniture and agricultural equipment as well as other industries like oil refining and garment manufacturing. These companies provide jobs for many residents in the area and contribute significantly to the local economy.
Agriculture also plays an important role in Ashton’s economy with many local farms supplying food to the surrounding towns and cities. The region is known for its high-quality produce such as corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, oats, apples, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes and more which are all grown locally by farmers in the area.
In addition to these two main sources of income there are also several service-based businesses located in Ashton that provide services such as auto repair shops, restaurants and bars, banks and financial institutions as well as retail stores selling clothing or home goods. There are also many professional offices located here such as law firms or medical practices which help bring additional revenue into the town from outside clients seeking their services.
Overall, Ashton’s economy is strong with its diverse mix of industries providing jobs for many of its residents while still retaining much of its small-town charm which makes it an attractive place for people looking for a place to call home or open a business. Its close proximity to larger cities like Chicago or Rockford allows people access to bigger markets while still being able to enjoy all the benefits that come with living in a smaller town such as lower taxes or less crime rate than one might find in larger urban areas nearby.
Politics in Ashton, Illinois
The politics of Ashton, Illinois are largely reflective of the state at large. The town is part of the 15th Congressional District, which is currently represented by Republican Adam Kinzinger. At the state level, Ashton is part of the 68th District and is represented by Republican Jeff Keicher. In addition to these two elected officials, Ashton also has a mayor and a six-member City Council that governs all local matters.
The town’s politics are typically conservative in nature with many residents supporting traditional values such as small government, lower taxes and gun rights. This is reflected in how the town operates and its policies on issues such as education and public safety.
At the same time, Ashton has also been known to be a more progressive community when it comes to issues like LGBT rights or environmental protection. This can be seen in its commitment to renewable energy sources such as wind turbines or solar panels that have been installed around town in recent years.
Overall, Ashton’s politics are driven by the values of its citizens and while they may not always agree on every issue they typically come together when it matters most to make sure their voices are heard at both the local and state levels of government.