Godfrey

Population was 16,286 at the 2000 census. The village has a total area of 36.2 square miles, 34.5 square miles of it is land and 1.7 square miles of it is water.

It is here that the Mississippi River uniquely bends; running its course from west to east. There is no place on the Mississippi River like the Great River Road and the historic communities surrounding it: Godfrey, Grafton, Wood River, Hartford, Elsah, and Jerseyville to name a few. Better known as the River Bend region, it is here that the Mississippi River uniquely bends, running its course from west to east.

Originally called Monticello, the village of Godfrey was named for a Massachusetts sea captain, Benjamin Godfrey who founded the Monticello Seminary in 1838. Captain Godfrey, the father of eight daughters, was an advocate of higher education for women and made a large donation of funds and land for the college. Monticello operated as a two year college for women until the campus was sold in 1970 to establish Lewis and Clark Community College. Monticello's final class graduated in 1971.  Lewis & Clark Community College, one of the most rapidly growing colleges, now calls the Monticello campus home. Located on the campus, the historic Benjamin Godfrey Chapel (circa 1854) has become a community landmark. This church has been designated as one of only sixchurches outside of the northeastern United States that are authentic copiesof New England church architecture and is listed on the National Registerof Historic Places.

Nearby, at the mouth of the Missouri River, is the starting point for the expedition of Lewis and Clark.

Godfrey is also a haven for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Through an initiative with the Missouri Botanical Gardens, the campus has become a showcase of art displays, incredible landscapes and beautiful sculptures, including that of Sacagawea from the Lewis & Clark expedition. Nature enthusiasts fall in love with the scenic views and rolling hills of Godfrey abundant with nature trails and nature preserves.

Godfrey is comprised of 34 square miles, which makes it the second largest Illinois community area wise. Visitors can find fields of corn, rolling hillsides dotted with orchards, and scenic river views. Along the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River is the 300 acre John M. Olin Nature Preserve and the Kemp and Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary. In the fall the town hosts the The Great Godfrey Maze, a giant outdoor maze created from rows of corn. During the last weekend of September, visitors can attend the popular Heritage Days on the Goshen Trail.

Visitors to Godfrey can enjoy dozens of shops, tea-rooms and restaurants. In the fall, visitors can "Get Lost in Godfrey" at the ever popular Great Godfrey Corn Maze or step back into the early 1800's the last weekend in September at the annual Heritage days Festival. Families are invited to ring in the New Year at the annual First Night celebration, an alcohol-free New Year's Eve extravaganza with live music, entertainers and activities for the kids.