Batavia, pronounced bəˈteɪviə, is a historic city situated in both Kane and DuPage counties of Illinois, within the expansive Chicago metropolitan area. Established in 1833, it holds the distinction of being the oldest city in Kane County.
Following the passing of her spouse, Mary Todd Lincoln became a resident at the Batavia Institute on May 20, 1875, without her choice. The institution, previously called Bellevue Place, was a facility specifically for women’s care. Mrs. Lincoln was discharged after a duration of four months, on September 11, 1875.
Batavia boasts a total area of 10.84 square miles, as indicated by the 2021 census gazetteer files. This total area is comprised of 10.65 square miles of land, which makes up 98.28% of the total area, and 0.19 square miles of water, which accounts for the remaining 1.72%.
According to the 2020 census data, the city had a population of 26,098 individuals living in 9,728 households, which included 6,947 families.
The presence of Fermilab in the surrounding area provides job opportunities for a significant number of locals, contributing to the economic vitality of the town.
Batavia residents have access to the Batavia Public Library District, which was established in April 1881 as a township library and later transformed into a district library in June 1975. The library’s service area includes most of Batavia Township, Kane County, Illinois, as well as parts of Winfield Township, DuPage County, Illinois, Geneva Township, Kane County, Illinois, and Blackberry Township, Kane County, Illinois. The library’s current location opened its doors to the public in January 2002.
Batavia’s city council consists of 14 members who are responsible for governing the city. The city is divided into seven wards, with each ward electing two aldermen to represent them. The mayor, who is elected citywide every four years, presides over the city council meetings.
Batavia is supported by Batavia Public School District No. 101, which includes six elementary schools for one middle school for grades 6-8, and Batavia High School. Some areas of the city are also served by Geneva Community Unit School District 304 and West Aurora Public School District 129.
Pace provides bus transportation services in the area, with convenient access to the Geneva and Aurora Metra train stations. Additionally, there are bike and walking trails along the Fox River.
Batavia is perceived as a city that relies heavily on cars for transportation, but also offers some bike-friendly routes.
Here are some of the primary thoroughfares in the area:
* Batavia Avenue (IL-31)
* Main Street (Route 10)
* Randall Road
* Washington Street/River Street (IL-25)
* Wilson Street
Batavia has been home to a diverse array of notable individuals throughout history. Ken Anderson, a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, grew up in Batavia, as did Charlie Briggs, a second baseman for the Chicago Browns. Bernard J. Cigrand, known as the father of Flag Day, lived in Batavia, as did Jackie DeShannon, a singer-songwriter from the 1960s who attended Batavia High School. J. W. Eddy, a 19th-century politician, lawyer, and railway engineer who was acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, also called Batavia home. Bill Foster, a U.S. Congressman, lived in Batavia and worked at Fermilab, and Winfield S. Hall, a physiologist and writer, also resided in the city. Dan Issel, a power forward and coach in the Basketball Hall of Fame, and Mary Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln’s wife, who was committed to the Bellevue Place psychiatric hospital in Batavia in 1875, round out the list of notable figures with ties to Batavia. Additionally, Samuel D. Lockwood, a politician and judge, Meredith Mallory, a former US Congressman, Lyle Oberwise, a noted photographer, John F. Petit, a businessman and politician, Birgit Ridderstedt, a folk singer and producer, and Craig Sager, a sportscaster for TNT and TBS who was born in Batavia, all have connections to the city.