The Village of Godfrey, Illinois, encompasses a total area of 36 square miles, located on the east side of the Mississippi, between the confluence of the Missouri and Illinois Rivers and is 35 miles north of St. Louis, MO. As of the 2000 census, the population of Godfrey exceeded 16,000. This picturesque village offers lovely homes and great schools. The area abounds in sites of historical significance and proudly boasts of incredible natural beauty.

Godfrey is named for Benjamin Godfrey, an extremely accomplished merchant in the early 1800's. A former sea captain, he settled in the area that came to bear his name, building his fortune though the establishment of a successful freight-forwarding firm and other investments including land acquisition, stock companies, lead mines, smelting equipment, steamships and railroads. He was responsible for great economic development in the area and also supported many philanthropic projects, including the building of churches and the first women's college west of the Alleghany Mountains, Monticello College. Monticello was known nationally and internationally for its academic and cultural achievements well into the 19th century.

Today, Godfrey is a thriving family oriented community. Educational choices, both public and private are plentiful. There are 5 preschools, 6 elementary schools and 4 middle schools. Godfrey's immediate neighbor and sister community, Alton, IL, share the beautiful new Alton High School, offering state of the art academic facilities and strong programs in the arts and sports.

The Godfrey / Alton area also share many sites of historical significance, particularly from the Civil War. History buffs can visit sites including the location of the seventh Lincoln / Douglas debate, Elijah Lovejoy's Printing Press, the Underground Rail Road, a Civil War Prison and historic cemeteries and churches.

In 1970, Monticello College was sold to establish Lewis and Clark Community College. Today, Lewis and Clark Community College enrolls over 13,000 credit students. The award winning campus offers many cultural opportunities to the community in the arts, supporting the Alton Symphony Orchestra, the Chorale Society and the Greater Alton Concert Association. Each year, the college hosts Heritage Days, a two day reenactment of the times of early settlers. Theater troupes and numerous performers provide entertainment year round at the College's performing art center, Hathaway Hall.

Godfrey's western boundary is defined by the Mississippi River and the Great River Road which borders the river. The Great River Road, declared a national scenic byway in 1998, travels beside majestic lime stone bluffs offering beautiful natural vistas across the Mississippi. Biking and hiking trails abound and there are numerous preserves for viewing wild life, bird watching, camping and enjoying the nature as it existed for hundreds of years. Enjoy the 300 acre Olin Nature Preserve and the Kemp and Cora Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary. Visit Glazebrook Park and enjoy its many night-lit ball parks, picnic areas an a gazebo the provides music under the stars in the summer. Glazebrook Park also boasts the Great Godfrey Maze, seven acres of corn cut into trails following a different theme each fall. Vistors from all over enjoy getting lost in this amazing maze.