Marengo, Illinois

Marengo
City
Buildings in downtown Marengo.
Logo
Motto:  Home of Settlers Days
Location of Marengo in McHenry County, Illinois.
Coordinates: city_region:US-IL 42°15′03″N88°36′50″W / 42.25083°N 88.61389°W / 42.25083; -88.61389 [1]
Country	United States
State	Illinois
County	McHenry
Township	Marengo, Seneca, Coral, Riley
Founded	1835
Area [2]
• Total	8.90 sq mi (23.06 km2)
• Land	8.90 sq mi (23.06 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation [1]	804 ft (245 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	7,568
• Density	850.15/sq mi (328.25/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Code	60152
Area codes	815/779
FIPS code	17-46786
GNIS feature ID	2395004 [1]
Website	www.cityofmarengo.com

Aerial view of downtown Marengo from the north.

Sky view of Marengo downtown from the west.

Marengo is a city in McHenry County, Illinois, United States on the Kishwaukee River. It lies approximately 60 miles west northwest of Chicago and approximately 30 miles east of Rockford. Per the 2020 census, the population was 7,568. ^[3]

History

24,000 B.C–1835

Marengo Ridge

The Marengo Ridge conservation area, located north of the town, was formed by the retreating of the Wisconsin glacier roughly 24,000 years ago. Native Americans lived around the area prior to European settlers. When early settlers came to the area it proved difficult to farm. As a result, numerous blocks of timber were spared and still remain on the landscape. ^[4]

1835–1850

First settlers

The first European settler of Marengo was Calvin Spencer. He is the namesake of Calvin Spencer park. He arrived in the spring of 1835 with his wife and sister. In the autumn of that same year, Moses Spencer, the father of Calvin, also moved to Marengo with his wife who died shortly thereafter, becoming the first death in the town. ^[5]

In the following few years many settlers came to the area including Ward Burley, John Sponable, and Theophilus Renwick. ^[6]

Marengo was first named Pleasant Grove after a grove of trees near the town site. ^[7] The first post office was established in 1841, and was kept by Alfred King, at his residence, one mile west of the present city of Marengo. ^{[5] [8]} When the post office was established, it was called Marengo, commemorating the Battle of Marengo. ^[7] When the township was organized by the county board, for convenience sake, the same name was given it as the post office held; hence the civil township, the village and its post office are all known by one and the same name, Marengo.

1850–1900

Marengo expirenced a large growth during the post civil war years, and, by the turn of the century, the city had a rail connection to Chicago via the Chicago and north western, as well as electric interurban lines via the Elgin & Belvidere Electric Company and Woodstock and Sycamore Traction Company. It had a population of 2,005 people in the 1900 census. It became legally defined as a “city” in 1893.

Train station

In 1851 a train station was built in Marengo along the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad ^[9] which the first railroad built west out of Chicago. An addition enlarged the depot in the late 1800s, by which time it was owned by the Chicago and North Western Railway, and after that it remained used for purposes of freight until the mid 1960’s, although passenger service to marengo ended in 1950. ^{[10] [11]}

In 1967, the station was acquired by the nearby Illinois Railway Museum, cut into two large sections, transported via truck, and reassembled on its current site at the museum. The depot still houses a working dispatcher’s office, which is used by the Museum on many operating days, and a public waiting room. It is the oldest railway station in regular passenger use west of Pittsburgh. ^{[10] [12]}

Since the 1990’s the track itself is owned by Union Pacific. ^[13]

Incorporation

Marengo was incorporated as a “village" February 24, 1857. ^[5]

It became legally defined as a “city” starting in 1893.

1900–1950

The following is from ["Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois", 1901]

“Marengo (…) is in the heart of a dairying and fruit-growing district; has a foundry, stove works, condensed milk plant, canning factory, water-works, electric lights, has six churches, good schools and two weekly newspapers.”

The population in 1900 was 2,005 individuals.

Carl Lundgren

Chicago Cubs player Carl Lundgren was born and died in Marengo. He was born in marengo in on February 16, 1880. In the early 1900s, the Zion Lutheran Church’s Athletic Field was known as Shurtleff Flats or, more formally, the Athletic Association Park. Among the many local boys who championed their baseball skills at Shurtleff Flats was the young Carl. ^[14] He went on to play for the cubs from 1902 to 1909. During that time, the Cubs won the 1906 National League pennant, and back-to-back World Series Championships in 1907 and 1908. He then began a second successful and impressive career, coaching at Princeton University, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, at this his alma mater, the University of Illinois at the Urbana-Champaign Campus where Lundgren Hall is named in his honor. ^[14]

Carl died quite unexpectedly from a heart attack on August 21, 1934, at his Marengo childhood home, 614 W. Grant Highway. Lundgren was buried in the Marengo city cemetery. ^[14]

A plaque was erected in Carl’s honor at Zion Lutheran Church’s athletic field by the Marengo Historical Society in October 2008. ^[15]

1950–2000

In the post World War Two years, Marengo continued to be a rural farming community, with some industry. By the 2000’s, however much of the industry had left while the farming remained.

2000–present

In the modern times Marengo continues to grow, albeit slowly, while still retaining its rustic charm. It continues to have a farming economy, and an industrial one in the form of Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas and other local manufacturing companies. ^[16] One of its biggest attractions are the gun stores, which attract individuals from Chicago and elsewhere to come purchase firearms. ^{[17] [18]} It also has many conservation areas that attract tourists and serve to protect the area’s local fauna and wildlife. ^[4]

House explosion

In the early morning of June 11, 2017, at around 4:50 A.M., a house in the northern part of town exploded. The gas explosion set four houses on fire and damaged 50 more, nearly 20 of which were deemed "unlivable” for a short time. Despite the extensive damage, no fatalities or serious injuries occurred; only two people were reported to have suffered minor injuries, although the pets that lived inside the house were killed. ^{[19] [20]} As of 2020 all the damages have been repaired.

Geography

The north edge of Marengo is bordered by the Kishwaukee River

According to the 2010 census, Marengo has a total area of 5.01 square miles (12.98 km²), all land. ^[21]

Major streets

• Grant Highway
• State Street
• Telegraph Street

Climate

Climate data for Marengo, Illinois (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–2018)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F (°C)	62 (17)	73 (23)	84 (29)	94 (34)	107 (42)	107 (42)	109 (43)	107 (42)	103 (39)	90 (32)	80 (27)	67 (19)	109 (43)
Mean maximum °F (°C)	47.6 (8.7)	52.6 (11.4)	68.9 (20.5)	81.5 (27.5)	87.2 (30.7)	94.0 (34.4)	95.3 (35.2)	93.4 (34.1)	89.3 (31.8)	81.9 (27.7)	67.1 (19.5)	50.4 (10.2)	97.1 (36.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)	29.2 (−1.6)	33.2 (0.7)	44.9 (7.2)	58.6 (14.8)	70.2 (21.2)	79.9 (26.6)	83.5 (28.6)	81.8 (27.7)	75.4 (24.1)	62.4 (16.9)	46.9 (8.3)	34.5 (1.4)	58.4 (14.7)
Daily mean °F (°C)	20.9 (−6.2)	24.5 (−4.2)	35.4 (1.9)	47.4 (8.6)	58.7 (14.8)	68.6 (20.3)	72.6 (22.6)	70.7 (21.5)	63.6 (17.6)	51.2 (10.7)	38.0 (3.3)	26.5 (−3.1)	48.2 (9.0)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)	12.7 (−10.7)	15.8 (−9.0)	25.9 (−3.4)	36.2 (2.3)	47.2 (8.4)	57.2 (14.0)	61.7 (16.5)	59.6 (15.3)	51.8 (11.0)	39.9 (4.4)	29.1 (−1.6)	18.5 (−7.5)	38.0 (3.3)
Mean minimum °F (°C)	−11.3 (−24.1)	−6.1 (−21.2)	7.5 (−13.6)	20.6 (−6.3)	32.1 (0.1)	42.9 (6.1)	49.4 (9.7)	47.7 (8.7)	35.4 (1.9)	24.6 (−4.1)	12.6 (−10.8)	−3.8 (−19.9)	−14.7 (−25.9)
Record low °F (°C)	−29 (−34)	−27 (−33)	−16 (−27)	6 (−14)	21 (−6)	29 (−2)	39 (4)	37 (3)	24 (−4)	8 (−13)	−17 (−27)	−26 (−32)	−29 (−34)
Average precipitation inches (mm)	1.67 (42)	1.64 (42)	2.08 (53)	3.81 (97)	4.57 (116)	4.62 (117)	4.05 (103)	4.22 (107)	3.68 (93)	2.98 (76)	2.35 (60)	1.94 (49)	37.61 (955)
Average snowfall inches (cm)	8.0 (20)	9.1 (23)	2.4 (6.1)	0.4 (1.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	0.0 (0.0)	1.6 (4.1)	9.3 (24)	30.8 (78)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in)	7.2	5.8	7.9	10.5	11.7	9.8	9.0	9.0	7.2	8.0	7.4	7.4	100.9
Average snowy days (≥ 4.4)	3.5	1.1	0.4	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.6	3.3	13.3
Source: NOAA (mean maxima/minima 1981–2010) [22] [23]

Demographics

2000 Census

As of the census ^[24] of 2000, there were 6,355 people, 2,387 households, and 1,694 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,598.5 inhabitants per square mile (617.2/km²). There were 2,475 housing units at an average density of 622.6 per square mile (240.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.07% White, 0.30% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 5.54% of other races, and 1.53% of two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.00% of the population.

There were 2,387 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.17.

The population was spread out, with 29.3% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,214, and the median income for a family was $57,209. Males had a median income of $41,298 versus $26,317 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,225. About 3.9% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1860	1,119		—
1870	1,327		18.6%
1880	1,264		−4.7%
1890	1,445		14.3%
1900	2,005		38.8%
1910	1,936		−3.4%
1920	1,758		−9.2%
1930	1,948		10.8%
1940	2,034		4.4%
1950	2,726		34.0%
1960	3,568		30.9%
1970	4,235		18.7%
1980	4,361		3.0%
1990	4,768		9.3%
2000	6,355		33.3%
2010	7,648		20.3%
2020	7,568		−1.0%
U.S. Decennial Census [25] 2010 [26] 2020 [27]

Marengo city, Illinois – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2000 [28]	Pop 2010 [26]	Pop 2020 [27]	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	5,441	6,305	5,758	85.62%	82.44%	76.08%
Black or African American alone (NH)	16	41	94	0.25%	0.54%	1.24%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	12	16	20	0.19%	0.21%	0.26%
Asian alone (NH)	18	37	51	0.28%	0.48%	0.67%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	0	1	0	0.00%	0.01%	0.00%
Other race alone (NH)	0	7	16	0.00%	0.09%	0.21%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)	42	69	248	0.66%	0.90%	3.28%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	826	1,172	1,381	13.00%	15.32%	18.25%
Total	6,355	7,648	7,568	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Government

Marengo is governed by the mayor, Michael Proffitt, and a city council of eight aldermen.

Media

Marengo Republican-News was a newspaper that served the town from 1905-1983.

The Marengo-Union Times was a newspaper that ran from 2011 to 2019.

WXMR (94.3) is the local community radio station. It began broadcasting in 2016.

Notable people

• David Boies, lawyer and Chairman of Boies, Schiller & Flexner
• Jack D. Franks, former Illinois State Representative
• Elizabeth Horton, Creative Director at Chervon North America
• Carl Lundgren, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs (1902–1909); born in Marengo
• Edward D. Shurtleff, Illinois state legislator, jurist; served as mayor of Marengo
• Shane Singh, journalist and former Executive Editor of Playboy magazine
• Sherman E. Smalley, Wisconsin state assemblyman and jurist; born in Marengo
• Carrie Adell Strahorn, American pioneer, explorer, and author
• Egbert Van Alstyne, songwriter

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Marengo, Illinois
2. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
3. "Marengo city, Illinois". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved April 15, 2022.
4. "Marengo Ridge". www.mccdistrict.org. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
5. "History of Marengo, McHenry County, Illinois". genealogytrails.com. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
6. "History of Marengo, McHenry County, Illinois". genealogytrails.com. Retrieved July 3, 2025.
7. Chicago and North Western Railway Company (1908). A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways. p. 98.
8. "McHenry County". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
9. Company, Chicago and North Western Railway (1908). A History of the Origin of the Place Names Connected with the Chicago & North Western and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railways.{{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)
10. "East Union Depot". Illinois Railway Museum. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
11. "1851 Marengo Station Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
12. "1851 Marengo Station Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
13. "1851 Marengo Station Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
14. "Carl Leonard Lundgren Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved July 4, 2025.
15. "Carl Leonard Lundgren Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
16. "About Us｜UniCarriers". www.logisnext.com. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
17. "Marengo Guns | Marengo | 60152". www.marengoguns.com. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
18. "D5 Ranges Marengo | Gun Shop, Shooting Range, Classes & More". D5 Ranges Marengo. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
19. Marrazzo, Amanda. "'A miracle' that no one killed during Marengo explosion that set 4 houses ablaze". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
20. Rohr, Lauren (June 11, 2018). "One year after Marengo neighborhood explosion, families still seeking normalcy". Daily Herald. Retrieved December 30, 2018.
21. "G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
22. "NOWData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
23. "Summary of Monthly Normals 1991–2020". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
24. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
25. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
26. "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Marengo city, Illinois". United States Census Bureau .
27. "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Marengo city, Illinois". United States Census Bureau .
28. "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Marengo city, Illinois". United States Census Bureau .

External links

• Marengo official website
• The Marengo-Union Times newspaper website