Ohio Township is a civil township located in Bureau County in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is one of twenty‑three townships in the county and functions as a basic unit of local government, providing services such as road maintenance and property assessment for its residents.
Geography
- Total area: approximately 36.37 square miles (94.2 km²), all of which is land.
- The township lies in north‑central Illinois and is traversed by Illinois Route 26, a north‑south state highway.
- Adjacent townships include Lanesville Township to the north, Selby Township to the east, and La Porte Township to the south, among others.
Demographics
- According to the 2020 United States Census, Ohio Township had a population of 504 individuals.
- The population density was roughly 13.9 people per square mile (5.4 people per km²).
History
- Ohio Township was organized on November 6, 1849, as part of the broader settlement and township organization efforts in Illinois during the mid‑19th century.
- The name “Ohio” likely reflects the origin of early settlers who migrated from the state of Ohio, a common naming practice for new communities in the Midwest.
Communities
- The unincorporated community of Ohio lies within the township’s boundaries. No incorporated municipalities are located in the township.
Government
- The township is governed by an elected township supervisor and a three‑member board of trustees, consistent with the governance structure for Illinois townships.
- Additional elected officials typically include a township clerk, an assessor, and highway commissioners who oversee local infrastructure.
Education
- Residents of Ohio Township are served by the school districts that cover Bureau County, with most students attending schools in neighboring towns and villages.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census Summary File.
- Bureau County historical records, township organization documents.
All information presented is based on available public records and does not include speculation.
