MORTON, Illinois − Every fall, Americans go nuts over pumpkins. From pies and chilis to donuts, lattes, bread, and beer, pumpkins have become a significant part of American culture, especially since the classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman tossed one to great effect.

However, the origins of this national passion can likely be traced back to a single place: Morton, a small town just outside of Peoria that refers to itself as the pumpkin capital of the world.

That claim seems unshakeable. Morton boasts a major pumpkin processing factory that satisfies a large portion of the country’s demand for canned pumpkins. According to spokesperson Olivia Jones, the factory has processed close to 2 million tons of pumpkins in the last 16 years, which equates to about 250 million pounds annually.

“We’re all about pumpkins here,” says Morton’s mayor, Jeff Kaufman, as he stands next to a pumpkin-themed playground on Main Street. “Pumpkins built this town. It all started with pumpkins; that’s what put Morton on the map.”

While other towns from Texas to California make similar claims for the pumpkin title, data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture backs Morton’s assertion. Illinois outpaces all other states in pumpkin production, harvesting double the acreage and significantly more pounds per acre than any other state.

The locals share the mayor’s enthusiasm for this autumnal favorite. Thanks to an abundance of pies and jack-o’-lanterns, Morton stands out as more than just a piece of Americana; pumpkins have provided a solid economic base for the town, something many struggling communities would envy.

Morton proudly celebrates pumpkins for their role in the town’s growth. The annual Pumpkin Festival, running since 1967, has become the highlight of the year; local cafes and eateries feature pumpkin-themed items all year, and the aroma of pumpkins roasting wafts through the town, signifying its success.

Each year, the Pumpkin Festival attracts around 75,000 visitors—more than four times Morton’s total population.

This factory also brings a taste of Morton into homes across America, even if many pie lovers are unaware of it.

“When you enjoy pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, it probably originated right here in Morton, Illinois,” Kaufman notes.

‘It was a bloodbath’: How pumpkins saved Morton farmers

John Ackerman, a cherished local farmer, has a shiny bald head that reflects the sunlight, reminiscent of a polished gourd.

His face lights up when he talks about pumpkins, especially the diverse types he cultivates on his farm just outside Morton. He proudly retrieves his pumpkins from hay bales as if he were selecting fine wines, detailing each one’s characteristics, name, and origin.

“La estrella,” he mentions, holding up a uniquely patterned green pumpkin. “That one’s popular with pumpkin tossers.”

Another one he displays has a tough skin. “Jarrahdale,” he states. “Not the best for carving, but fantastic in a hearty soup.”

Pumpkins were the lifeline for the Ackerman family farm.

At 63, Ackerman lives in the same house his great-grandfather helped construct and cultivates the same fields worked by his father. Years ago, the farm primarily produced corn, oats, and wheat. When Ackerman took over the family business in the 1980s, the local agricultural scene faced dire straits.

“It was a bloodbath,” he remembers, reflecting on the many farmers who sold their properties or faced tragic outcomes as drought and inflation devastated local farms.

In a bid to survive, Ackerman decided to grow pumpkins, creating festive displays that caught the attention of passing drivers. Curiosity grew as people began stopping and asking about his jack-o’-lanterns. Adding various new pumpkin types soon became a hit, especially when one woman purchased several “the ugliest pumpkins” she had ever seen, attracted by their novelty.

He realized he had found “orange gold.” The market craved his pumpkins. Take that, Great Pumpkin!

Now, Ackerman cultivates over 160 varieties of pumpkins and winter squash, sourcing seeds from “every continent except Antarctica,” as he quips.

“That makes a great stacker,” he says, pointing to a round, white pumpkin.

“Chicago Warted Hubbard,” he states proudly, presenting a knobbly black gourd that appears as if it had been expelled from a volcano into a trash bin.

During each harvest, Ackerman and his team handpick about 30,000 pumpkins from over 30 acres of land, also providing pumpkins for the local canning factory.

Setting Pumpkin Records

A canning factory that helped shape modern Morton is located nearby downtown, marked by a sign surrounded by a giant pumpkin that says, “Nestle welcomes you to Morton. Home of Libby’s pumpkin.”

Libby’s factory opened its doors in 1925 and started processing pumpkins mainly in the 1970s, coinciding with Nestle’s acquisition of the business, as per Alissa Williams, the director of Morton Public Library.

Over the years, the factory’s production soared. According to Olivia Jones, a spokesperson for Nestle, Libby’s processes roughly 120,000 tons of pumpkin every year.

A continuous flow of trucks loaded with shipping containers filled with pumpkins keeps the area around the factory active during the harvest season, from August to October.

The pumpkins transported are typically lighter and more elongated than standard jack-o’-lanterns, resembling faded waterlogged footballs. They are sourced exclusively from farms within a 100-mile radius of the factory, as reported by Jones. Libby’s claims that workers can can the pumpkins within 24 hours of them being picked.

The factory’s thriving business led Illinois Governor Jim Thompson to dub Morton the “Pumpkin Capital of the World” in 1978.

Morton’s Unique Pumpkin Tradition

Keli Wagner, another long-time resident of this pumpkin haven, has an immediate answer when asked about the characteristics of the perfect pumpkin, specifying exact dimensions.

“About 12 inches, a vibrant orange, perfectly round, with no lumps,” Wagner explains, stating it’s the ideal size for carving. “I’ve been searching for the right pumpkins for ages.”

This self-proclaimed pumpkin enthusiast wears a sweatshirt that proudly states “It’s Pumpkin Season” and until recently owned a vintage shop that specialized in unique finds from the pumpkin festival’s earlier days.

“In Morton, you can sport a pumpkin-themed shirt all year,” she notes.

However, after some contemplation, Wagner revises her definition of the perfect pumpkin, declaring it should actually represent her first pumpkin, which in Morton means her daughter, Jayci.

Wagner mentions that it’s a customary practice in this charming town for new parents to give their babies outfits featuring phrases like “My First Pumpkin.”

“You don’t just welcome your first child,” she emphasizes, “you embrace your first little pumpkin if you’re from Morton.”