those age 65 or over. Industry Hennepin’s location on the Illinois River, along with its proximity to a Class I railroad (Norfolk Southern Railway), and multiple inter and intrastate highway routes (Interstate 80, Interstate 39, Illinois Route 180, Illinois Route 89, Illinois Route 71, Illinois Route 26, and Illinois Route 6) has, historically, made it a transportation hub attracting a variety of both small businesses and large industries. J&L Steel, a cold roll steel mill built by Jones and Laughlin Steel Company on Hennepin’s northern boundary, began operations in 1967 and employed 600 workers at height of production. The mill was later acquired by Ling-Temco-Vought, at which time it became known as LTV Steel. Ling-Temco-Vought‘s bankruptcy led to acquisition of the mill by International Steel Group (ISG). As a result of additional acquisitions followed by a merger, Putnam County’s largest employer was absorbed by ArcelorMittal. Long and arduous union lobbying and protests ultimately proved futile and ArcelorMittal ceased production at the mill in March, 2009. The mill’s equipment was dismantled, sold, or shipped and on June 22, 2017, the vast plant was imploded. As of 2020, the 800 acres once occupied by the steel mill remain mostly vacant, though infrastructure has been retained in anticipation that another industry might one day purchase and redevelop the property. Hennepin Power Station, a coal-fired power plant near Donnelley Wildlife Area on the western edge of town, was retired November 1, 2019. There are also Cargill, ADM, and CGB elevators throughout the area. Marquis Energy opened a 100 million gallon/year ICM/Fagen ethanol plant just north of town in April 2008. Landmarks Edward Pulsifer House, museum and headquarters of the Putnam County Historical Society Putnam County Historical Society’s Agriculture Museum Putnam County Courthouse (Illinois) The Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, a privately maintained wetland, is located two miles south of Hennepin. Notable people Albert W. Durley, Wisconsin State Assemblyman and lawyer; was born near Hennepin. John Wesley Powell, Civil War era Army second lieutenant, teacher and superintendent of Hennepin schools. References Villages in Illinois Villages in Putnam County, Illinois County seats in Illinois Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area Populated places established in 1837