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Milton, Illinois is a quaint small town located in Pike County in western Illinois. With a population of just under 300 people as of the 2020 census (1), Milton offers a peaceful, rural way of life while still providing easy access to bigger cities like Hannibal, Missouri just 16 miles away. Though small in size, Milton has plenty to offer residents and visitors alike.

Population and Demographics

As mentioned, Milton has a population of just under 300 residents as of 2020 (1). The population has remained steady over the past couple decades, fluctuating between 250 and 300 people. Most of the residents are white, with African Americans making up around 5% of the population (2). The median age is 42.5 years old (2). Household incomes tend to be middle class, with the median household income around $50,000 per year (2).

Milton has a traditional small town vibe, where locals take pride in their community. Neighbors look out for one another and gather for community events. Newcomers are welcomed warmly into the fold.

History of Milton

Milton was officially incorporated as a village in 1838 (3). It was named after the English poet John Milton. Early settlers were attracted to the area due to the abundant natural resources including timber and coal deposits. Milton grew into a hub for the mining and railroad industries in the late 1800s. Several mines opened up around Milton during this time (3).

The railroad helped Milton thrive in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Two major railroad lines intersected at Milton, the Hannibal and Naples Branch and the Pike County Branch. This allowed Milton to become an important shipping and transportation center for the region's coal and agricultural products. Milton was home to a roundhouse, railroad yards, and other related industries and businesses (3).

Over time, the mining and railroad industries declined across the region. But Milton has maintained its small town identity and charm. Historic buildings from the 19th century remain standing today as reminders of Milton's days as a railroad hub.

Attractions and Things to Do

Though small, Milton has some great attractions and activities:

Matanzas Lake

This beautiful 20 acre lake lies on the eastern edge of Milton. Matanzas Lake is a peaceful spot to enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish can all be caught in the lake (4). There is a public beach with a bath house and a boat ramp for launching small watercraft (5). Matanzas Lake is just one example of the natural beauty surrounding Milton.

Milton Community Historical Society Museum

Located at 228 N Main St, this museum provides glimpses into Milton's past. Railroad artifacts, historic photos, and other items are on display. Visitors can learn about the coal mining era, agriculture, and genealogy of local families. The museum is open on weekend afternoons from April through October (6).

Milton Community Historical Society Museum
228 N Main St
Milton, IL 62352
(217) 736-3174

Shopping in Downtown Milton

Milton's downtown features shops with small town charm. Stop by Hen House Fabrics at 116 S Main St for a wide selection of fabrics, yarns, and sewing notions. The fabric shop has been a Milton staple since 1989 (7). Nearby at 107 S Main St is Main Street Boutique, offering trendy women's clothing and accessories (8).

Milton Community Park

This park located north of downtown provides recreational facilities for the community. Amenities include baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, playground equipment, walking trails, and picnic areas with pavilions. The park frequently hosts youth baseball games and other community events during the warmer months (9).

Public Library

The Milton Public Library provides educational and recreational resources to the community. Located at 220 N Main St, the library features over 25,000 items including books, DVDs, magazines, and more. There are children's programs and reading related events held throughout the year. Computers and wifi are available as well. The library aims to meet the literary needs of Milton residents young and old (10).

Economy and Major Employers

In the past, Milton's economy relied heavily on coal mining and the railroad. While those industries have faded, Milton now has a diverse economic base of agriculture, small businesses, and major employers. Grain farming is important, with corn and soybeans the predominant crops grown in the surrounding countryside. The downtown shops attract locals and visitors alike (3).

Major employers in Milton provide jobs for many residents. Here are some of the largest:

Milton School District #82

The school district provides education for around 250 local students in grades K-12. With over 30 teachers and staff, the district is one of the largest employers in Milton (11).

Dot Foods Headquarters

Though located in nearby Mount Sterling, this foodservice distribution company employs over 650 people. Many Milton residents make the short commute to Dot Foods for stable jobs with growth opportunities (12).

Pike County Health Department

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