Urbana (IL)

Urbana (IL) by Ilona Matkovszki, published by Arcadia Publishing in 2009, is an illustrated exploration of Urbana, a city established in 1833 as the judicial seat of Champaign County. This edition, comprising 127 pages, presents a detailed overview of Urbana’s evolution from a small agricultural town to a vibrant community of over 40,000 residents, highlighting its rich history and notable figures, including film critic Roger Ebert and several Nobel Prize laureates.

Readers will find a narrative that captures the essence of Urbana, emphasizing its majestic old trees, pleasant parks, and historic residences. The book discusses key developments in the city’s history, such as the arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad in 1854 and the significance of the University of Illinois as a leading educational institution. With a focus on local history and community, Urbana (IL) provides insights into the city’s identity and its recognition as Tree City USA, along with its designation as one of the nation’s Great Neighborhoods in 2007.