According to iamaccepted, Bone Gap is a small village located in southeastern Illinois, just a few miles from the Indiana border. The village lies along the Wabash River and is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and farmland. Bone Gap is part of Edwards County and the nearest city to Bone Gap is Lawrenceville, about 15 miles to the northwest.
The village of Bone Gap was founded in 1858 by Thomas S. Hall and named after a gap in the bluffs near his homestead. The first settlement was established at the intersection of two early trails – one from Lawrenceville to Vincennes, and another from Grayville to Olney. A post office opened here in 1859, followed by a schoolhouse in 1868.
Today, Bone Gap has a population of around 200 people and still retains its small-town charm. There are several locally owned businesses in town such as an auto body shop, a hardware store, a restaurant, and a barber shop. The town also has an active volunteer fire department that serves not only Bone Gap but also neighboring towns like Sumner and Mount Carmel Junction.
One of the main attractions near Bone Gap is Cave Hill Lake State Park which offers camping, fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking and scenic hiking trails through woodlands full of wildflowers and wildlife. Other nearby attractions include Ferne Clyffe State Park with its stunning sandstone bluffs overlooking the Little Wabash River Valley; Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area with its rugged sandstone formations; Cave-In-Rock State Park with its historic cave; Dixon Springs State Park with its natural springs; Little Grand Canyon State Natural Area with its unique limestone formations; Bell Smith Springs Recreational Area for hiking trails; and Harter Wildlife Sanctuary for birdwatching opportunities.
Bone Gap is also close to some larger cities such as Evansville (about 60 miles away) for shopping or dining out; Terre Haute (around 70 miles away) for nightlife or cultural events; or Indianapolis (about 120 miles away) for more extensive shopping or entertainment options. With so much to do nearby, it’s easy to understand why so many people choose to call Bone Gap home.
Population of Bone Gap, Illinois
According to maternityetchic, Bone Gap, Illinois is a small village located in Edwards County, about 15 miles northwest of Lawrenceville. Founded in 1858 by Thomas S. Hall, the village was named after a gap in the bluffs near his homestead. Today, Bone Gap has a population of approximately 200 people and retains its small-town charm with locally owned businesses such as an auto body shop, hardware store, restaurant and barber shop.
The majority of the population is White (96.5%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (2%) and African American (1%). The median age is 45 years old and the average household size is 2.4 people. The median income for a family in Bone Gap is $48,750 and the median home value is $103,500.
The majority of residents work in white-collar occupations such as sales (20%), office/administrative support (15%), education/teaching (14%) and management (12%). There are also several blue-collar occupations such as construction/extraction (10%) and production/manufacturing (7%). The unemployment rate is 5% which is lower than the national average of 7%.
Education levels vary with 33% having some college or associate’s degree; 28% having high school diploma or equivalent; 24% having bachelor’s degree; 8% having master’s degree; and 6% having doctorate degree or professional degree.
Bone Gap has a quiet community with friendly people who enjoy outdoor activities such as camping at Cave Hill Lake State Park or visiting nearby attractions like Ferne Clyffe State Park or Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area for hiking trails. With its close proximity to larger cities like Evansville, Terre Haute and Indianapolis for shopping or entertainment options, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to call Bone Gap home.
Schools and Education of Bone Gap, Illinois
Bone Gap, Illinois is part of the Edwards County School District. The village is home to the Bone Gap Elementary School, which serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school has a student/teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average class size of 17 students.
The school also offers a variety of extra-curricular activities such as sports teams, student council, band and orchestra, and community service clubs. The school’s mission is to provide an excellent education that meets the needs of each student and prepares them for success in higher education or the workforce.
For middle and high school students, Edwards County High School (ECHS) is located in nearby Albion. ECHS offers a wide range of courses including advanced placement classes that give students the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. The school also has numerous extracurricular activities such as sports teams, drama club, art club and science club – just to name a few.
In addition to ECHS, there are several post-secondary educational opportunities in the area. Wabash Valley College is a community college located in Mount Carmel – about 25 miles from Bone Gap – that offers associate degree programs as well as online courses for those looking to further their education without leaving home. For those seeking a four-year degree, nearby Evansville University provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas such as business administration, criminal justice and nursing.
Bone Gap provides quality educational opportunities for its residents ranging from elementary through post-secondary education. With its close proximity to larger cities like Evansville and Terre Haute for entertainment options or shopping needs it’s easy to understand why so many people choose to call Bone Gap home.
Landmarks in Bone Gap, Illinois
Bone Gap, Illinois has a few landmarks that make it an interesting and unique place to visit. The first of these is the historic Bone Gap Opera House. Built in 1895, the opera house is a two-story building with a balcony and stage and is one of the oldest buildings in town. The opera house was used for live performances until the 1940s and now serves as a community center for events such as plays, concerts, and dances.
The second landmark in Bone Gap is the Edwards County Courthouse. Built in 1871, this beautiful building features Italianate architecture with its tall windows and rusticated stone walls. It’s an impressive sight to behold while walking around the town square.
The third landmark is the Bone Gap Museum. This museum houses artifacts from throughout Edwards County’s history including items from local Native American tribes, Civil War memorabilia, and even a collection of old photographs from the area. Visitors can also explore exhibits about local agriculture or take a self-guided tour of the museum’s grounds for more insight into Bone Gap’s past.
Finally, no trip to Bone Gap would be complete without visiting one of its many parks or recreational areas. The largest park in town is Lakeview Park which features walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing ponds, and even an outdoor amphitheater for concerts during summer months. For those looking to explore nature, there are also several state parks nearby including Giant City State Park where visitors can enjoy hiking trails or take part in camping activities.
Bone Gap offers plenty of landmarks that make it an interesting place to visit whether you’re looking for a day trip or planning an extended stay. From historical sites to outdoor recreation areas, there’s something for everyone when you visit this small village nestled in southern Illinois’ countryside.