Bluford, Illinois is a small village located in the far southwestern corner of Jefferson County. It is situated in the heart of America’s Midwest, just a few miles from the Mississippi River and within easy driving distance of St. Louis, Missouri. The village is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, with the nearest major city being Mt. Vernon, Illinois which is about 30 miles away.
The geography of Bluford is relatively flat, with an average elevation of around 500 feet above sea level. The land consists mainly of cornfields and pastureland, with occasional patches of wooded areas here and there. The terrain is generally hilly but not overly steep or rugged except for some bluffs along the river banks.
The climate in Bluford can be characterized as mild to warm during the summer months and cold during the winter months. Average temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) during summer months to lows around 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius) during winter months. Precipitation levels tend to be higher than average due to its proximity to both lakes Michigan and Huron which contribute moisture to the area throughout the year.
Bluford’s landscape has remained largely unchanged over recent decades due to its rural location and lack of development opportunities in this part of Illinois. Despite this lack of change however, it still serves as an important agricultural center for Jefferson County as well as providing scenic views for travelers passing through on their way to St Louis or other destinations further south along Interstate 57/64 corridor.
History of Bluford, Illinois
Bluford, Illinois is a small village located in the far southwestern corner of Jefferson County. It has been inhabited since the mid-1800s when settlers from nearby towns began to move into the area in search of new opportunities and land. The village was officially founded in 1864 when it was incorporated by the state of Illinois and named after local resident William Bluford.
The early years of Bluford were a period of steady growth as more people moved to the area and began to build homes, farms, and businesses. The village quickly became an important hub for agriculture in Jefferson County due to its rich soil and access to nearby markets. By the early 1900s, Bluford had grown into a thriving community with many stores, churches, schools, and other amenities that allowed it to remain self-sufficient.
The Great Depression brought hard times to Bluford as many people had their savings wiped out and businesses began to struggle or close down completely. During this time, the population dropped significantly as many families moved away in search of better opportunities elsewhere. Despite these setbacks however, Bluford was able to rebound during World War II when it became an important center for food production due to its proximity to both lakes Michigan and Huron which contributed moisture to the area throughout the year.
Today, Bluford is still a small village but has managed to retain much of its rural charm over the decades despite being within easy driving distance of St Louis or other destinations further south along Interstate 57/64 corridor. It continues to serve as an important agricultural center for Jefferson County while also providing scenic views for travelers passing by on their way north or south from St Louis or Chicago respectively.
Economy of Bluford, Illinois
According to ehuacom, Bluford, Illinois is a small village located in the far southwestern corner of Jefferson County. It is home to a diverse economy, with its main industries being agriculture and tourism. Agriculture has been the backbone of Bluford’s economy since its founding in 1864. The village is situated in an area that receives a large amount of rainfall throughout the year, making it ideal for farming and agricultural production. This has allowed Bluford to become an important hub for food production and farming in Jefferson County, with many local farmers growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and other crops.
In addition to agriculture, tourism is also a major contributor to Bluford’s economy. The village is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and scenic views of nearby lakes Michigan and Huron which attract visitors from around the region. Visitors are able to enjoy fishing on the lake or take part in various outdoor activities such as hiking or camping on nearby trails. There are also several restaurants and shops located within Bluford that offer visitors a chance to experience local culture and cuisine while visiting the area.
The village also benefits from its proximity to larger cities such as St Louis or Chicago which are both within easy driving distance along Interstate 57/64 corridor. These cities provide an influx of travelers who are looking for a break from their busy lives or just want to experience something different than what they’re used to back home. This influx provides an additional source of revenue for Bluford as these travelers often spend money on food, lodging, entertainment, and other services while visiting the area.
Bluford’s economy continues to remain strong due to its diverse mix of industries including agriculture and tourism as well as its close proximity to larger cities along Interstate 57/64 corridor. With its beautiful scenery and laid-back atmosphere, it continues to be an attractive destination for visitors from near and far alike looking for some much needed rest and relaxation away from their hectic lives back home.
Politics in Bluford, Illinois
Bluford, Illinois is a small village located in Jefferson County in the southern part of the state. With a population of just over 1,400 people, it is an unincorporated area that has a strong agricultural base and relies heavily on tourism. Despite its small size, Bluford boasts an active political climate that has been shaped by its history and its residents’ values.
Bluford is governed by a three-member Board of Trustees who are elected to staggered four-year terms on a nonpartisan basis. The board meets regularly to discuss issues related to the village such as zoning regulations and budgets. In addition, the board also works with local businesses and organizations to ensure that Bluford remains an attractive place for people to live and visit.
The village also has an active citizenry who are engaged in politics at both the local and state levels. Residents regularly attend town hall meetings where they can voice their opinions on important issues facing their community. They also participate in local elections, which are held every two years during the first Tuesday of April for village offices such as mayor and trustees.
At the state level, Bluford is represented by two members of the Illinois House of Representatives: Representative Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) who represents District 60, which includes Bluford; and Representative LaShawn K Ford (D-Chicago) who represents District 79, which includes parts of Cook County as well as surrounding suburbs in Will County including Bluford.
At the national level, Bluford is represented by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congressman Jesus Garcia (D-IL). All five representatives have been supportive of policies that will benefit their constituents in Bluford such as increasing funding for infrastructure projects or providing assistance during times of emergency like natural disasters or pandemics like COVID 19.
Politics play an important role in shaping life in Bluford, Illinois with citizens actively engaging at both the local and state levels to ensure their voices are heard when it comes to important decisions being made about their community’s future. From electing representatives who will look out for their best interests to attending town hall meetings where they can voice their opinion on key issues facing their community – residents here are committed to making sure that Bluford remains a vibrant place where everyone can thrive now and into the future.