Centralia, Illinois

Centralia is a city located in Marion County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 14,136. The town was founded because it was the point where the two original branches of the Illinois Central Railroad, built in 1856, converged. The town is named for the railroad.

Related Topics:
2000 - Illinois Central Railroad - 1856

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On March 25, 1947 the Centralia No. 5 coalmine explosion near the town killed 111. The Mine Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor reported the explosion was caused when an underburdened shot or blown-out shot ignited coal dust. At the time of the explosion 142 men were in the mine. Sixty five men were killed by burns and violence and forty five by afterdamp. Eight men were rescued but one died from the effects of afterdamp.

Related Topics:
March 25 - 1947 - Coalmine - Mine Safety and Health Administration - U.S. Department of Labor - Afterdamp

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Several notable personalities were born in Centralia including James Brady (born August 29, 1940) and Gary Gaetti (born August 19, 1958).

Related Topics:
James Brady - August 29 - 1940 - Gary Gaetti - August 19 - 1958

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Centralia is home to Kaskaskia College. It is the site of an annual hot air balloon festival; recent events have had about forty balloons.

Related Topics:
Kaskaskia College - Hot air balloon

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