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In 1819, ten acres of land in southern IL became the future city of Troy. Settler John Jarvis sold the ten acres for $10 per acre to James Riggen and David Hendershott. The community formerly known as Columbia was then mapped out, surveyed, and renamed Troy by James Riggen. Within a year, the village was populated by 120 people, and began a growth which hasn't stopped since.
Troy's humble beginnings started with just a band mill, storehouse, taverns, and housing. With the addition of a post office in 1833, and the National Road in 1839, Troy would become the first stagecoach stop for travellers to and from St. Louis, 18 miles west of the budding community.
All the necessary ingredients were present to make Troy a success by 1850. The community had grown to 250 people, covering every occupation necessary in a small town. These skilled citizens, along with the "stagecoach stop" recognition, helped Troy become legally recognized as a town in 1857.
Troy's growth continued with the addition of more farms, industry, and shops. Churches and schools became present, while the local mines and farms offered employment.
Troy's first newspaper, The Commercial Bulletin , made its debut in 1872 started by James Jarvis. The addition of a railroad stop in the late 1800's helped Troy's population increase, bringing in additional revenue and job opportunities. Troy officially became a city on April 12, 1892 with a population of over 1,080 by the year 1900.
New growth brought about new challenges and opportunities. Troy met both of these head on, continuing to prosper with new business and jobs throughout the 1900's. Troy's small town charm along with convenient location to big city business helped Troy grow to the third fastest growing area in the U.S. by 1978, and still shows no signs of slowing down. Despite the continued growth, Troy has maintained it's small town charm. A strong sense of community combined with the promise of opportunity makes Troy a unique and wonderful place to live.
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2007 Special Census Population Count
Troy's prior population 7,724, special census for specified area 2,179, already counted residents for 2000 for specified area -820, Troy's new population 10,083. The state of Illinois has a population of 9,883. According to the Census Bureau the reason for the difference is the following: The state of Illinois goes by blocks/tracks and accounts for annexations as well as area of community. The total is figured and divided between adjoining communities in order to give fair assessment on the population count.
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