According to iTypeTravel, Alto Pass, Illinois is a small rural village located in Union County, near the southern tip of the state. The city sits at the intersection of Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 127, about 10 miles north of Carbondale and 140 miles from Chicago. It is situated within the Shawnee National Forest and is surrounded by rolling hills and wooded areas.
The topography of Alto Pass varies greatly, ranging from flat plains to steep hills to deep valleys. The city itself lies at an elevation of approximately 500 feet above sea level. There are two major streams that run through Alto Pass – Big Muddy River and Little Grassy Creek – as well as numerous smaller creeks and streams throughout the area. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, foxes, coyotes, squirrels and many species of birds.
The climate in Alto Pass is typical for southern Illinois with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from highs in the mid 80s during summer months to lows around 20 degrees during winter months. Rainfall averages around 40 inches per year with snowfall averaging around 10 inches per year.
The landscape in Alto Pass features rolling hills covered in a variety of hardwoods such as oak, hickory and walnut trees as well as some pine trees scattered throughout the area. The city also features several small lakes which provide recreational opportunities for residents such as fishing or boating.
Overall, Alto Pass provides residents with a unique blend of rural living combined with easy access to nearby cities like Carbondale or larger cities like Chicago via I-57 or Route 127 making it an ideal place for those looking for a quiet escape while still having easy access to all that southern Illinois has to offer!
History of Alto Pass, Illinois
Alto Pass, Illinois was founded in 1852 by a group of German settlers who were looking for a place to settle and start a new life. The area was originally known as “Unionville” but the name was changed to Alto Pass in 1872. The city was named after the nearby Alto Pass which is located at the intersection of Interstate 57 and Illinois Route 127.
In the early years, Alto Pass served as an agricultural center with many of the residents growing corn, wheat and other crops. In addition, there were several small businesses located in town including a general store, blacksmith shop and post office. As time went on, more people moved to the area and it eventually became a thriving community with churches, schools and other amenities being built over the years.
In 1930, the city was officially incorporated and during this time several new businesses began to open up including a movie theater which still stands today. During World War II, many of Alto Pass’ young men served in the military while others stayed behind to work in local factories that had been set up to help support the war effort.
In recent years, Alto Pass has become a popular destination for tourists due to its close proximity to nearby attractions such as Giant City State Park or Cedar Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Today, it remains a small rural community that is proud of its rich history and continues to offer visitors great recreational opportunities while also working towards protecting their environment for future generations.
Economy of Alto Pass, Illinois
The economy of Alto Pass, Illinois is largely based on tourism and agriculture. Located in the heart of southern Illinois, the city is home to a variety of attractions that draw visitors from all over the region. Popular attractions include Giant City State Park, Cedar Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and various wineries and vineyards. In addition to these attractions, Alto Pass also serves as a gateway to nearby cities such as Carbondale or larger cities like Chicago via I-57 or Route 127.
Agriculture has long been an important part of Alto Pass’s economy with many local farmers growing corn, wheat and other crops. In recent years, however, many farmers have shifted their focus towards raising livestock including beef cattle and sheep as well as poultry farms. These farms serve as an important source of income for many families in the area while also providing fresh produce to local grocery stores.
In addition to farming and tourism, Alto Pass is home to several small businesses that help support the local economy. These businesses range from restaurants and retail stores to professional services such as lawyers or accountants. Many of these businesses have been around for decades while others are newer additions that have opened up in recent years due to increased demand from visitors who come into town for leisure or work purposes.
Overall, Alto Pass provides residents with a unique blend of rural living combined with easy access to nearby cities like Carbondale or larger cities like Chicago via I-57 or Route 127 making it an ideal place for those looking for a quiet escape while still having easy access to all that southern Illinois has to offer!
Politics in Alto Pass, Illinois
The politics of Alto Pass, Illinois are largely shaped by the city’s rural roots and small-town atmosphere. Residents of Alto Pass tend to be conservative and have traditionally favored Republican candidates in local, state, and federal elections. In recent years, however, Democrats have made some headway in the area due to the influx of new residents from nearby cities like Carbondale and larger cities like Chicago.
At the local level, residents of Alto Pass elect a mayor and six council members who serve four-year terms. The mayor is responsible for setting the city’s budget and appointing department heads while council members are in charge of voting on ordinances and resolutions related to city operations. The current mayor is a Republican while three out of six council members are Democrats.
At the state level, Alto Pass is represented by two senators and one representative in the Illinois General Assembly who serve two-year terms. All three representatives are Republicans as is their governor Bruce Rauner who was elected in 2014.
At the federal level, Alto Pass’s congressional district is represented by Democrat Mike Bost who was elected in 2014. Bost has been a strong advocate for rural communities throughout his tenure as congressman having recently introduced legislation that would provide additional funding for rural hospitals across Illinois.
Overall, the politics of Alto Pass reflect the conservative values held by many residents while also providing an opportunity for new voices to be heard through their representation at all levels of government.
