Moro, Illinois

38°55′29″N 90°01′19″W / 38.92472°N 90.02194°W / 38.92472; -90.02194CountryUnited StatesStateIllinoisCountyMadisonTownshipsMoro, Fort RussellArea • Total0.223 sq mi (0.58 km²) • Land0.219 sq mi (0.57 km²) • Water0.004 sq mi (0.01 km²)Elevation531 ft (162 m)Population • Total397 • Density1,812.8/sq mi (699.9/km²)Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST)) • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)ZIP codeArea code618GNIS feature ID413830^[3]

Moro is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Madison County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 387.^[2] Moro, like all of Madison County, is part of the Illinois Metro-East region of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.

The city of Moro, Oregon, is named for the Illinois community.^[4]

History

Moro, Illinois, is a small unincorporated community located in Madison County. The area that is now Moro was originally inhabited by Native American tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming.^[5]

In the mid-1800s, Moro began to develop as a rural community with the establishment of farms and small businesses. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further stimulated growth, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people. The name "Moro" is thought to have been derived from a local or regional influence, though the exact origin is unclear.^[6]

Moro’s agricultural roots remained strong through the 20th century, with many local families continuing to farm the land. The community saw the development of schools, churches, and other institutions that contributed to its close-knit nature.^[7]

Today, Moro is known for its rural charm and historical significance within Madison County. It retains a strong sense of community and continues to celebrate its agricultural heritage through local events and traditions.^[8]

Moro is also the hometown of former college baseball player, Nate Dalton.^[9]

Geography

Moro is located in northwestern Madison County and sits at the northeast edge of the urban portion of the Metro-East area. It is bordered to the southwest by the village of Bethalto, while unincorporated Meadowbrook is 2 miles (3 km) to the southeast. Downtown St. Louis is 26 miles (42 km) to the southwest. Moro has a post office with ZIP code 62067.^[10]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Moro CDP has a total area of 0.22 square miles (0.57 km²), of which 0.004 square miles (0.010 km²), or 1.79%, are water.^[1] The community drains west to Rocky Branch, a tributary of the East Fork of the Wood River, running to the Mississippi River at East Alton.

References