Wentzville, Missouri

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Wentzville, Missouri
settlement_type = City
nickname =
motto =

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mapsize = 250x200px
map_caption = Location of Wentzville, Missouri


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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Missouri
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = St. Charles
government_footnotes =
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leader_title =
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unit_pref = Imperial
area_footnotes =

area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 37.3
area_land_km2 = 37.3
area_water_km2 = 0.0
area_total_sq_mi = 14.4
area_land_sq_mi = 14.4
area_water_sq_mi = 0.0

population_as_of = 2006
population_footnotes =
population_total = 20749
population_density_km2 = 184.9
population_density_sq_mi = 478.9

timezone = Central (CST)
utc_offset = -6
timezone_DST = CDT
utc_offset_DST = -5
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 190
elevation_ft = 623
latd = 38 |latm = 48 |lats = 58 |latNS = N
longd = 90 |longm = 51 |longs = 26 |longEW = W

postal_code_type =
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blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 29-78442GR|2
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0756888GR|3
website =
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Wentzville is a city located in western St. Charles County, Missouri. As of 2006, the city had a total population of 17,988 . The city's major employer is a General Motors full-size van assembly plant. Site of the county fairgrounds, Wentzville annually hosts the St. Charles County Fair and the Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire.

History

Wentzville was founded in 1855 as a depot on the Northern Missouri Railroad. It was named after Erasmus Livingston Wentz, a railroad engineer for the line. The land was obtained from William M. Allen, who laid out the town. Wentzville was not incorporated until 1872.

During the American Civil War, the city was the site of a series of skirmishes along the railroad from July 15 to July 17, 1861. Elements of the 2nd and 8th Missouri Infantry Regiments en route to Mexico, Missouri engaged Confederate guerrillas who threatened the railroad.

Wentzville is located at the intersection of Interstate 70/U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 61. It calls itself the "Crossroads of the Nation".

Geography

Wentzville is located at 38°48'58" North, 90°51'26" West (38.816010, -90.857198)GR|1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.4 square miles (37.3 km²), of which 14.4 square miles (37.3 km²) of is land and 0.07% is water.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 13,931 people, 2,456 households, and 1,846 families residing in the city. The population density is 478.9 people per square mile (184.9/km²). There are 2,724 housing units at an average density of 189.2/sq mi (73.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city is 84.63% White, 12.02% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.55% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 2.06% from two or more races. 1.49% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,456 households out of which 43.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% are married couples living together, 17.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% are non-families. 20.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.76 and the average family size is 3.20.

In the city the population is spread out with 31.8% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 82.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $47,232, and the median income for a family is $53,082. Males have a median income of $38,423 versus $25,852 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,039. 11.6% of the population and 10.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 19.1% of those under the age of 18 and 13.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

chools

The Wentzville School District covers Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, Foristell and parts of O'Fallon.

The high-school mascot for Wentzville Holt high school is the Indian, and the high-school mascot for Wentzville Timberland high school is the Wolf.

Government

The government of Wentzville is that of a 4th class city. It consists of a city manager, a mayor, and six aldermen (two for each ward). City manager is a non-elected position, whereas the others are elected. Mayors and aldermen serve two-year terms.

The city is divided into three wards.

The current city manager is Andy McGown. The current mayor is Paul Lambi. Former aldermen include David Billing, Brian Brinkley, Eric Sherman, Bob Smith, and David Hoekel.

ports

Wentzville is home to the St. Louis Chill professional hockey team of the Midwest Hockey League. The Chill play their home games at Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville.

Current professional teams

Famous residents

*Chuck Berry - Musician

References

External links

* [http://www.wentzvillemo.org/ Wentzville, Missouri]
* [http://www.sccworlds.com/ St. Charles County W.O.R.L.D.S.] Community News, information, classifieds, and photos.
* [http://stlrenfaire.com Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire]