One Of The Nations Fastest Shrinking Cities: Decatur, Illinois 4K.

Decatur is a dying city in the middle of Illinois. Can the city ever find away to bring in more jobs to stop the mass exodus?

Factories and Manufacturing: 2:26 - 7:00
Lake Decatur: 7:57, 12:54 & 18:45
Decatur Airport: 9:08
Eisenhower High School: 17:40
Downtown: 21:00 - 22:00
Millikin University: 24:14

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[ChrisHarden]

EVERYTHING THAT I USE IN THE FIELD:

WHAT I USE AT HOME:


SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTACT INFO:

DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. As an Amazon Associate I do earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. As always, thank you for supporting my channel!

[joejonas]

Fun fact Decatur was the original home of the Chicago Bears who originally were the Decatur Staleys

[vonpeedler]

I grew up in Decatur. I've got to say, life was grand in the 70's. Graduated HS in 1976 at Lakeview. Moved to SW Florida in 79. Smartest thing I ever did. All of my family eventually followed. Great memories though!

[ffionb]

Born and raised in Decatur IL. That place will always have a special place in my heart. I no longer live there but I will love that city forever

[thorpizzle]

Born and raised in Decatur. Now I live in South Korea. My parents still live there, and I try to visit every year-and-a-half or so. (It has been hard with covid.) Every time I go back, it looks more and more rundown and the effect of the decreasing population is apparent. If manufacturing had stayed, it wouldn't be so bad.

[danielallard]

As a life long member of this all inclusive nightmare 😅 I must add, public schools are nothing to brag about and the city government is to blame for the cities failure. No reason it shouldn't be booming like the surrounding major cities.

[manatee]

My grandfather worked at Staley’s for 50 years starting at a nickel an hour. He eventually ended up with an honorary doctorate in electrical engineering from U of I. My mother & father both graduated from Millikin. I know it’s tough to scratch out a living down there now but I wish them well and hope that they hold their head high.

[robertsimer]

You drove by my house in this video, pretty cool!

[vexusvexed]

I actually live currently in Decatur. This place went from a blue-collar working town to a crime riddled city.

[Bluelinechevy]

I left in 2005, came back in 2007 for family reasons, finally in Summer of 2013 after losing my job a failed relationship, I finally had enough and left. Leaving Decatur for good was the best decision I ever made for myself.

[IngaKai]

My husband and I moved here in 1998 due to a promotion while working for the State of Illinois. We should have known better when he was asked “do you know where Decatur is?” We left in 2014-moved back to Rockford-Decatur is nothing but a smaller version of Rockford in every way-taxes and crime are very high-both are old industrial towns. Living on the west side near Millikan was ok except in the summer time when the smell of ADM would wake you up- We loved going to Lock Stock and Barrel, the Winery and downtown- glad to be out of there despite the few good friends we made!

[justinm]

You forgot to mention how terrible the roads are

[tomconway]

My hometown. When I left in 1980 the population was 95, 000. I went to Stephen Decatur HS downtown. Then went to SIU-C, came back to Decatur and worked for a couple years and then left. Been living in So California ever since.

[jamesleathers]

My Mom and Dad grew up there and used to have a lot of family there. My parents left Illinois for S. Indiana in the early fifties. We went to Decatur for family reunions every year and sadly also for numerous funerals in the sixties. Also in the mid sixties my uncle Ellis Arnold was the mayor. I think I might have a cousin or two left living there. Coming from a town of less than 10, 000 population and getting to go to Decatur was always a thrill for a kid back then. I always liked it there and it is sad to see it declining. BTW the mills owned by ADM were originally founded by the Staley family. The Chicago Bears started in Decatur as a company team, the Decatur Staleys. Now for that piece of trivia you owe me a like. lol

[s.t.a.t]

Damn This Video Brings Back So Many Memories. Grew Up On The South Side, Graduated From Eisenhower High School In ‘05, Joined The Army In ‘07 && Haven’t Looked Back.

[teresasherwood]

I graduated HS in 1979, left and came back in 2017. Left in 2018 and I won’t got back again

[erict]

Decatur used to be a railroad hub (Wabash-N&W-Norfolk Southern) and employed hundreds due to Decatur's manufacturing... Firestone, ADM, Tate&Lyle, Caterpillar... just to name a few... Decatur is the halfway point between Detroit and Kansas City.

[gasm]

I love your sound track music. It makes the video even better!

[jamesschock]

I am and alum of Millikin and lived in Decatur for four years. I loved Millikin and my time in Decatur. I think Decatur gets a bad rap. All cities in the U.S. struggle with the relocation of manufacturing to foreign countries. Also, Millikin has a great Business school and is noted for its music department. Next time you drive to Decatur take the time to drive around the campus instead of just speeding by. You'll find it to be a friendly welcoming place.

[meganalder]

Born here and probably will die here. Although decatur isn't the most thrilling place to live, when I leave for vacations and come back, I'm always happy to see it ❤