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La Harpe, Illinois

La Harpe, Illinois
City
The former Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad tracks through La Harpe
The former Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad tracks through La Harpe
Location of Illinois in the United States
Location of Illinois in the United States
Coordinates: 40°34′59″N 90°58′8″W / 40.58306°N 90.96889°W / 40.58306; -90.96889Coordinates: 40°34′59″N 90°58′8″W / 40.58306°N 90.96889°W / 40.58306; -90.96889
Country United States
State Illinois
County Hancock
Area
 • Total 1.36 sq mi (3.53 km2)
 • Land 1.36 sq mi (3.53 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population (2010)
 • Total 1,235
 • Estimate (2016) 1,196
 • Density 876.83/sq mi (338.67/km2)
Time zone CST (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP Code(s) 61450
Area code(s) 217
FIPS code 17-40832
La Harpe, Illinois

La Harpe is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,235 at the 2010 census, down from 1,385 at the 2000 census.

La Harpe is located in northeastern Hancock County at 40°34′59″N 90°58′08″W / 40.582925°N 90.968770°W / 40.582925; -90.968770, south of the South Branch La Moine River. Illinois Route 9 passes through the city as its Main Street, leading east 25 miles (40 km) to Bushnell and west 13 miles (21 km) to Dallas City on the Mississippi River. Illinois Route 94 intersects IL 9 at the western edge of the city, and leads north 15 miles (24 km) to Stronghurst.

According to the 2010 census, La Harpe has a total area of 1.36 square miles (3.52 km2), all land.

During the 18th century, French explorers headed by Bernard de la Harpe were forced to spend the winter just north of the present city of La Harpe. About 1896, four stone tablets dated June 15, 1715, and inscribed in French were reportedly found a few miles east of the old fortication built by the explorers. Stones were translated locally by the only French family in town as follows: "We are surrounded by indians and have no hope for survival unless help soon arrives." Said stone tablets were reported to be sent to the Smithsonian for authentication, and were ruled a hoax. Their whereabouts are currently unknown.


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