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An official county seat for McLean was created when the county was formed. The statute, on the other hand, indicated that the location of Bloomington "would be located later." It was announced that James Allin, one of the proponents of the new county, had volunteered to give his property to the new town. Bloomington was planned out after his proposition was accepted. On July 4th, 1831, it was auctioned off to a large and boisterous crowd. Many new farmers came to settle in the newly constituted county because of the fertile soils that existed at that time, but there were few roadways for them to use.

People from all around, including Abraham Lincoln, who was practicing law in Springfield, Illinois, flocked to the town's heart, now known as Downtown Bloomington, to trade and transact business. For Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1854, Jesse W. Fell, who created the Bloomington Pantagraph and was a major Bloomington real estate developer, was a key figure in the campaign.

First two decades of the 20th century saw Bloomington grow even faster than it did before. Farming, the construction of highways and railroads, and the growth of the insurance business (mostly State Farm Insurance) all helped Bloomington, IL and its downtown area grow. The downtown area became a shopping center for people from other counties. They became stronger.

Ray and Irene Denbesten founded Denbesten Real Estate in 1977 in Bloomington, Illinois. Today, the business is handled by Cathy Denbesten, their daughter. They can assist you purchase or sell a house by calling (309) 6662-4228.

People lived in the city as of the 2010 census. There were 76,610 people and 30,454 homes in the city. It had a population density of 2,814.8 people per square mile (1,099.5 people per km2). Average density was 1,261.5 units per square mile (492.8 units per km2). There were 34,339 housing units. People in the city were 77.5 percent white, 10.2 percent African American, 0.3 percent Native American, 7.0 percent Asian, 1.42 percent from other races, and 2.9 percent from two or more races, according to a study. There were 5.6 percent of the people in the United States who were Hispanic or Latino.

With 27.3% under 20, 9.0% 18-24, 29.8% 25-45, 23.84% 45-64 and 10.2% 65+, the city's population was evenly distributed. It was 33 years old. Males outnumbered females 95.4 to 100.

Family income was $81,166 and family income was $58,662 in the city's median household income. Males earned $56,597 on average, compared to $39,190 for females. The city's average annual income was $32,672. An estimated 5.7% of households and 11.0% of the population lived in poverty, with 12.6% of those under the age of 18 and 6.3% of those 65 and over being among those at risk.

At the Bloomington Ice Center (formerly known as Pepsi Ice Center), the Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department operates an indoor public skating rink, which is 200 feet wide by 85 feet long. Skate rentals and concessions are available, as are instruction and public skating sessions. There is also a hockey program and leagues for anyone interested in learning the sport of curling.

The Ladies' Library Association, which had been founded in 1856, inaugurated the Bloomington Public Library in 1857. Book contributions and membership fees were the mainstays of the little library. 105 West North Street was the library's new address in 1871. (which is now West Monroe Street.) The library reopened when local citizens contributed $1,100 to sustain it after it was closed owing to a lack of money in 1880. The library relocated to a new two-story structure on property provided by Mrs. Sarah B. Withers at the junction of East and Washington streets in 1888. The library's name was changed to "Withers Library." in recognition of the contribution.

In 1976, Citizens for a New Public Library starts a group called "Friends of the Library." They want to get voters to let the city build a new public library by getting them to pass bonds that will raise money. It was a success, and the library reopened in 1977 at 205 East Olive Street as "Bloomington Public Library." Public programs are still available at the library, including a Bookmobile, which was first called "Library on Wheels" in 1926. The Bookmobile delivers books to people in their own neighborhoods.

Alcohol and smoking are forbidden in all parks, however dogs on a leash are permitted. You'll find lighting tennis courts and water spray parks in these parks. Less than a mile away, the Evergreen Racket Club O'Neil Park (west) and Holiday Park (east). Indoor pools are available in YMCAs and private clubs.

At Normal City Hall Annex, the east–west section crosses the north segment and continues east to Towanda–Barnes Road. From Commerce Drive to Old Farm Lakes Subdivision, the Liberty Branch runs. From Lincoln Street to Route 9 West, the Freedom Branch is located. Throughout the region, parking is accessible in nearby lots. Runners, walkers, in-line skaters, skateboarders, bicycles, wheelchair users, and other non-motorized modes of transportation are all welcome on the route. It is not cleaned of snow during the winter months, although skiers may use it if the weather permits.

While Illinois State University (1857) is located in Normal, Illinois Wesleyan University (1850) and a Heartland Community College campus (1990) are located in Bloomington. The American Passion Play is a popular springtime tradition. The home of Supreme Court associate judge David Davis, built in 1872, is a state historic monument. Bloomington has museums dedicated to history and aviation, a zoo, and a Shakespeare festival in the summer months. This cemetery is where both Adlai E. Stevenson, who served as vice president from 1893 to 1997, and his grandson (and two-time Democratic Party presidential candidate) Adlai E. Stevenson II, are laid to rest. Shirley, southwest of the city, is a gem and mineral museum. Inc. 1839, As of 2010 there were 76,000 people living in Bloomington-Normal and the Bloomington-Normal Metro Area, compared to 64,808 in 2000.

In the Midwest, the McLean County Arts Center is one of the oldest arts groups. It has been serving Central Illinois for more than 130 years and is one of the oldest. Holiday Treasurers is one of 12 art shows that happen each year. The annual Amateur Competition has been showcasing amateur artists in Central Illinois for more than 70 years. There are also a lot of community events that the Arts Center helps put on, like the Sugar Creek Arts Festival in Uptown Normal and the Spring Bloom Arts Festival in Bloomington.

Located on Robinhood Lane, off Towanda Avenue, the Community Players Theater is one of the oldest volunteer-staffed community theaters in the area. The theater, which opened in 1923, celebrated its 88th season last year.

Located in McPherson Hall's Jerome Mirza Theatre, the Illinois Wesleyan University School of Theatre Arts showcases its students and faculty. From a playbill ranging from Shakespeare to musicals, four main stage plays are staged here each year. Theater, scene shop, classrooms and other facilities may be found in McPherson Hall, which was constructed in 1963 and named after IWU's 10th president, Harry W. McPherson.

A music major and several hundred IWU students use the Westbrook Auditorium every year. Every semester, a variety of musical performances are presented, most of which are free.

A Civil War reenactment, traditional craft displays, children's activities, musical performances, presentations, and tours are all part of the Lincoln's Bloomington Festival each July in Downtown Bloomington.

The McLean County Historical Society was established in 1892 and is the ancestor of the McLean County Museum of History. There are both permanent and rotating displays in the McLean County Courthouse Museum that chronicle the history of Central Illinois. The National Register of Historic Places includes this place.

It provides a look into the life of Abraham Lincoln's friend and mentor, David Davis, who served as a Supreme Court Justice and was an important part in Lincoln's campaign for the 1860 nomination for president. With its blend of Italianate and Second Empire design elements, completed in 1872, the Davis Mansion serves as a shining example of mid-Victorian aesthetic sensibility. Coal-burning stoves, gas lights, and indoor plumbing are all found in his Bloomington house, which has been in the Davis family for three generations. The David Davis Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an important architectural and historical resource.

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Both groups and individuals may take a tour of Judge David Davis's 36-room mansion at the David Davis Mansion. Visitors may learn about America's western frontier's rich social and cultural history via objects and tales related to the Davis family. Family history (with an emphasis on children), servant life, domestic life and technology at the beginning of the industrial revolution, and Victorian architecture are some of the specific topics covered.

The house serves as a reminder of the pivotal role Illinois played in the nation's history during Abraham Lincoln's presidency, as well as a predecessor to contemporary dwellings and comfort systems. Special Tea Ladies Inc. events may also be arranged at the estate.

From the McLean County Museum of History: Lincoln's Bloomington and Normal, Illinois. The audio tour features President Abraham Lincoln as a returning guest, discussing his travels and their significance. The audio tour covers Jesse Fell's legal office, Asahel Gridley's residence, the Miller-Davis Building, where Lincoln practiced law, and 14 other sights.

Downtown Bloomington has museums, banks, a legal and governmental center, residential living, a large artist community, specialty retail stores, and supportive services. Many restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. Special events like the Tour de Chocolat and Once Upon a Holiday give visitors a chance to explore the neighborhood. Downtown Bloomington is home to City of Bloomington and McLean County government offices, as well as major employers such as State Farm Insurance, specialty stores, bars, restaurants, and art galleries.

As the city grows, it moves into a second district in McLean County, Unit District No. 5. Unit Five used to serve only suburban areas like Normal, but now most of its students come from Bloomington. Unit Five runs two high schools and four junior high schools. There are also a lot of elementary schools in the area. As of 2010, Unit Five was building its fourth junior high school, which is called George Evans Junior High School, or EJHS. There were two new elementary schools built in Bloomington in 2011 as well as the new high school. Unit 5 is also planning to build another high school in the area.

The magnificent dome of the McLean County Museum of History serves as a marker for locating the city's historic centre. The courthouse plaza is flanked by turn-of-the-century buildings, many of which have unique histories. Museums, banks, a legal and administrative center, residential housing, a major artists' colony, as well as a variety of specialist retail companies and supporting services are all available to visitors. There are several restaurants to choose from, and the nightlife is vibrant.