Hanover is a village located in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 786 people. Hanover was first settled in 1835 and was officially incorporated as a village in 1867. The village and surrounding area was largely settled by German immigrants in the mid-19th century.
Population
According to the 2020 census, the population of Hanover was 786 people. This is a decrease from the 2010 census when the population was 855 people. The village has seen a slow but steady population decline over the past few decades, mirroring trends in many small rural communities. However, Hanover still maintains an active community.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Hanover is largely agricultural based. Many area residents own and operate family farms that produce corn, soybeans, beef cattle, dairy cattle, and other commodities. A grain elevator operated by Archer Daniels Midland provides local farmers with crop storage and shipping services.
Other major employers in Hanover include ESB Financial, which operates a local bank branch, and Hanover Telephone Company, which provides communication services to the village and surrounding area.
Some residents commute to nearby cities such as Galena, Illinois and Dubuque, Iowa for work. But many businesses and services in Hanover employ local residents including grocery store B&B Market, Napa auto parts store, and Renner Equipment agricultural machinery dealership.
Attractions and Landmarks
One of the most notable attractions in Hanover is the Stillman Bank, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bank building was constructed in 1870 and originally served as a dry goods and grocery store. It has been restored to its historical appearance and now houses a museum.
The Hanover Historical Society Museum provides exhibits and information about the history and culture of Hanover. Downtown Hanover along Route 84 also features several historic limestone buildings from the late 19th century.
Outdoor recreational opportunities can be found at Mississippi Palisades State Park just east of Hanover. The park offers hiking trails, camping, and views of the Mississippi River valley.
Government
Hanover is governed by a village board consisting of a president and six trustees. The current village president is Cathy Ward-Zimmerman. The village website at hanover-il.org provides information on local government, business regulations, utilities, and community events.
Education
Public education in Hanover is provided by River Ridge School District 210. The district operates River Ridge Elementary School and River Ridge Middle/High School located between Hanover and nearby Nora, Illinois. Some high school students also have the option to attend Galena High School.
Media
Hanover is served by a weekly print and online newspaper, the Hanover Area News. Regional daily newspapers include the Telegraph Herald published in Dubuque, Iowa and the Journal Standard published in Freeport, Illinois.
Hanover Hawks
The local high school sports teams in Hanover are known as the Hanover Hawks. The Hawks compete in the Northwest Upstate Illini Conference and have had success in sports like football, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Updates on Hawk athletics can be found on the River Ridge Sports Info Facebook page.
Events
Hanover hosts a variety of annual community events. These include June Dairy Days celebrating the area’s dairy industry heritage, the Hanover Fire Department’s Hog Roast in July, Hanover Days in August, and a Christmas Walk in December. The Hanover Chamber of Commerce website provides details on these festivals and other happenings.