City Facts for Waterloo, IL
The County Seat of Monroe County, the city of Waterloo is rich in history, with great schools and a wealth of amenities. It’s a safe, friendly community that residents are proud to call home. Today’s population is approximately 10,000 people, making it the county’s most populous community.
Waterloo’s history dates to the 1780s, when American settlers established Bellefontaine where, by 1800, the population had grown to nearly 300. In 1816, Emery Peters Rogers of Massachusetts opened the town’s first permanent store, mill, and quarry. The area around his business in the northern part of the town soon became known as Peterstown and, as the years passed, the community was divided into two rivalling factions.
There’ a colorful legend of how the town came to be called Waterloo. An Irishman, Charles Carroll, arrived on the scene in 1818 and decided he’d put an end to the rivalry between north and south. He built his house on one side of the community’s dividing creek and his barn on the other side. He then announced, “It won’t be Bellefontaine, and it won’t be Peterstown, but begorra, I’ll give ye’s both your Waterloo.”
In the 1840s, the town saw an influx of German immigrants and many of the citizens and structures here still reflect that heritage. In 1978, the city’s historic district was recognized and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Properties include the Bellefontaine House and the Peterstown House. Visitors can learn more at the History Museum of Monroe County, also located in Waterloo.
For almost 20 years, Waterloo has been in a Sister City partnership with Porta Westfalica, West Germany, and has received six coveted Readers Digest awards for its program. Each year the city holds its “Porta Westfalica Fest” in honor of the partnership.
Waterloo hosts or co-hosts many community events throughout the year, including the annual social, a golf classic, a summer downtown concert series, the Sidewalk Chalk Festival at the Waterloo Pumpkin Fest, a Lamppost Decorating Contest, and the Downtown Christmas Walk. In 2017, the city will host its 70th annual week-long Monroe County Fair.
J.T. McDermott Remodeling Contractors is a design build firm that’s been designing and remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, and more for Waterloo homeowners for over 20 years. Our full-service remodeling specialties also include:
No matter what remodeling project you have in mind for your Waterloo, IL home, J.T. McDermott Remodeling Contractors will help you design and build the home you dream of. Our years of experience are reflected in the countless home improvement projects we’ve done throughout the Greater St. Louis area.
