Page Contents for Godfrey, Illinois

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Illinois state capital is Springfield.
The population of Godfrey is approximately 16,286 (2000), 17982 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 6,694 (2000), 7304 (2010).
The amount of land area in Godfrey is 23.136 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Godfrey is 34 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.076 sq kilometers.
The distance from Godfrey to Washington DC is 747 miles.
The distance to the Illinois state capital is 64 miles. (as the crow flies)
Godfrey is positioned 38.96 degrees north of the equator and 90.18 degrees west of the prime meridian.

Location

north of St. Louis in western Illinois. Nearby communities include: Alton, New Delhi, Newbern, Melville, Fosterburg and Elsah
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History & History Related Items

First known as Monticello, Godfrey was named for Benjamin Godfrey. He arrived in the area in 1832. He had run away from home at the young age of nine. Before settling here, he had many experiences at sea, including losing two fortunes. He eventually became a sea captain. After arriving in Alton, he built up a prosperous business. He wanted his children to receive a good Christian education so he donated land and money to found the Monticello Seminary in 1838. The Seminary is now known as Lewis and Clark Community College.
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Attractions

The John M. Olin Nature Preserve
2213 S. Levis Lane
Godfrey, Illinois 62035
Phone: 618-466-9930
Fax: 618-466-9948
Email
Closed November 15 - March 15
A Nature Preserve along the banks of the Mississippi River with nearly 300 acres. The preserve has 374 native plant species and provides habitat to nearly 150 species of birds

Heritage Days on the Goshen Trail
Held in September each year
The Goshen Road was a portion of the trail from the Cumberland Gap in the Appalachians to St. Louis, Missouri. Activities include historical demonstrations, encampments, artisans/traders, food, live entertainment, raffles, children's activities and a good amount of period history. Those who come in period costumes may enter free.

Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel
5800 Godfrey Street
Godfrey, Illinois 62035
Phone: 618-466-3411
This chapel was built in 1854 on the campus of the Monticello Female Seminary which was founded in 1835. The Seminary later became the Lewis & Clark Community College. The chapel is named for its benefactor, Benjamin Godfrey, and is also listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.
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Godfrey City Government

Godfrey is an unincorporated area of Madison County. There is also a Godfrey Township in Illinois which is a larger area.

Village Clerk
Email Godfrey

Miscellany

The population of Godfrey was:
1990 - 5,436
2000 - 16,286