Frankfort

Amidst the prairie landscape, a village emerged. Frankfort, Illinois, a place where history whispers through the rustling leaves and the echoes of the past linger in the air. Frankfort’s story began long before its official founding in 1855. Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Sac and Fox, were the first inhabitants. They traversed this land, utilizing the waterways as a passage between the Des Plaines and St. Joseph Rivers. Frankfort was initially part of the vast Virginia Territory. Later, the French negotiated a treaty with Chief Manitoqua of the Potawatomi, acquiring land in the Prestwick area. The early 1830s witnessed the arrival of the first pioneers. They journeyed along the Des Plaines River or by wagon from the east, following the historic Sauk Trail, a road that still exists today. William Rice, a pioneering spirit, established the first permanent settlement in Frankfort in 1831. While the initial settlers were primarily of English and Scottish descent, hailing from the New England colonies, it was the arrival of German settlers that truly shaped Frankfort’s destiny. These German immigrants, seeking refuge from hardship in their homeland, arrived in the 1840s. Their agricultural expertise and industrious nature led them to acquire much of the fertile farmland from the earlier settlers, who were more inclined towards providing local services. The German community not only established ownership but also instilled a deep sense of pride in the land. They implemented the first system of resident land management, a practice that has endured to this day. Frankfort’s name is derived from Frankfort Township, designated by the Will County governing board. The arrival of the Joliet & Northern Indiana Railroad in 1855 led to the area being commonly known as “Frankfort Station.” However, the official plat of March 1855 clearly designates the name as simply “Frankfort,” a name reflected in property deeds and railroad documents. This charming village, with its rich history and vibrant community, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its founders. Frankfort continues to evolve. Yet, it retains its unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, a place where history and progress intertwine.