DECATUR, c. h., p. v., seat of justice of Macon co., Ill., 40 ms. E. of Springfield ; from W. 749 ms. Watered by north fork of Sangamon river. (Fanning's, 1853)
DECATUR A flourishing city, capital of Macon county. Is situated 1 mile north from Sangamon river, 40 miles east from Springfield and 168 miles W. of S. from Chicago. The Illinois Central and Great Western railroads intersect each other at this point. The district surrounding is highly adapted for agricultural pursuits and has rapidly increased in population and business. The railroad facilities are such that a ready market is had for the various articles of produce and have had a tendency to draw a large amount of wealth and enterprise from the east which is here concentrated. Besides the county buildings which are located here, the city contains several very fine churches and other public buildings, which do credit to the taste and enterprise of its citizens. Laid out as a town in 1829. Population, about 1,900. John P. Post, Postmaster. (Hawes' Illinois State Gazetteer...,1859)