Decatur (pop. 70,522; met. area pop. 103,998) is an industrial city in a rich farming region of central Illinois. Decatur lies about 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Springfield, the state capital.
Decatur’s major industries process soybeans and corn, build tractors and motor graders, and make automobile parts. Decatur also has iron and brass foundries. Other factories make pharmaceuticals, store fixtures, and water and gas systems. The city is a railroad hub with a large switching yard.
Decatur was settled about 1830. The Grand Army of the Republic was founded there in 1866. The city is the home of Millikin University. Decatur has a council-manager form of government.
