Canton, Illinois

Canton is the largest city in Fulton County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 15,288.

History

Canton was founded in 1825 by settler Isaac Swan, who had the mistaken belief it was geographically opposed to Canton, China. Industry marked the first 150 or so years of Canton; following nationwide industrial decline, the town's employers now include a State Prison, a hospital, and retail. The town founder,his infant and three other people died in a devastating tornado of June 1835. The city was plagued again by another tornado on July 23,1975 when an F-3 tornado struck the town. Two people were killed and the storm caused major damage to the downtown area. A 1997 fire left the former industrial heart of the city a smoldering ruin, which has since been leveled. Much of the city (particularly the northern portion) is undermined due to room-and-pillar extraction of coal that took place in the 1800's.

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The city has been hit by 2 tornadoes. The first in June 1835 and took the lives of five people including the town founder Isaac Swan and his infant son. Then on the evening of July 23,1975 the city was once again struck by a devastating tornago. An F-3 struck the city killing two people and causing major damage to the downtown. President Gerald Ford declared the city a disaster area.

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The major manufacturing plant here in town was the International Harvestor which closed in the early 1980's. The 30 some acre plant burnt down in an arson fire in 1997. It has recently been torn down as mentioned above.

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