Mazon is an unincorporated community located in Grundy County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The settlement lies in the northwestern part of the county, near the Mazon River, and is part of the larger Mazon Township. The community is situated at an elevation of approximately 515 feet (157 m) above sea level and falls within the Central Time Zone (UTC−6 standard time, UTC−5 daylight saving time).
Geography
- Coordinates: 41°11′24″N 88°20′30″W (approximate)
- County: Grundy
- Township: Mazon Township
- ZIP code: 60430 (served by the neighboring post office)
- Area code: 815/779
Transportation
Mazon is accessible via County Route 14 and is located a short distance north of U.S. Route 6. The nearest major highway is Interstate 80, which passes to the north of the community.
History
The area was settled in the mid‑19th century, primarily as a farming community. The name “Mazon” derives from the nearby Mazon River; the river’s name is believed to be of French origin, possibly related to the word mazon meaning “mason” or “stone‑worker,” although the exact etymology is not definitively documented.
Demographics
Because Mazon is unincorporated, it is not enumerated separately in the United States Census. Population data are therefore recorded at the township level. As of the 2020 Census, Mazon Township reported a total population of 2,151 residents.
Notable Features
- Mazon River: The river is a tributary of the Illinois River and is well known for the “Mazon Creek” fossil site located nearby, which has yielded a diverse assemblage of Carboniferous‑age fossils.
- Mazon Creek Fossil Beds: Designated as a National Natural Landmark, the fossil beds attract paleontologists and researchers interested in Paleozoic ecosystems.
Education
Students in the Mazon area are served by the Minooka Community Unit School District 201, which operates schools in neighboring towns.
References
- United States Geological Survey (USGS), Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) entry for “Mazon, Illinois.”
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census Summary File for Grundy County, Illinois (Township‑level data).
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources, “Mazon Creek Fossil Site” fact sheet.
No additional encyclopedic information is currently available regarding a distinct municipal government, separate demographic statistics, or notable historical events specific to the community of Mazon, Illinois.
