Glimpse back in time, nearly a century ago. Crestwood emerged as a village in 1928. It all began north of Midlothian stretching towards the Cal-Sag Channel.
Crestwood is a microcosm of American history. Forces that molded the United States also shaped Crestwood. These forces include the fight for independence and the Industrial Revolution. Also the growth of railroads and the development of the automobile.
Initially, Crestwood was a collection of scattered farms. These farms surrounded the marshlands of the Saganashkee Swamp. The swamp was drained for farming. It provided a route for the Calumet-Sag Channel, built from 1911 to 1922. Railroad stops led to small market towns.
Residential development increased in the early 20th century. Large forest preserves to the west and the Midlothian Country Club to the south spurred this growth. In 1927, residents around the country club formed the village of Midlothian. Crestwood followed suit a year later.
Kostner and Cicero developed into commercial streets. These streets served the growing village. The Midlothian Turnpike, once a Native American trail, was improved in the 1920s. Motorists used it to travel from Blue Island to the Midlothian Country Club.
Many Crestwood residents did not own cars in the 1920s and 1930s. They walked to Midlothian or Blue Island. From there, they took trolleys and trains to work in Chicago.
Local organizations flourished. The Crestwood Boosters Club formed in 1947. Scouting, Little League, and women’s groups followed. Crestwood experienced significant residential growth in the 1960s and 1970s. The population grew from 1,213 in 1960 to 10,852 in 1980.
Crestwood’s population has been predominately of German background. Other families came from Polish, Italian, Slovak, and English extractions.
Howell Airport was once located at Cicero Avenue and State Route 83. It was a busy general aviation airport. In 1990, it was replaced by RiverCrest Centre. This shopping complex and related businesses along Cicero Avenue provided a strong local tax base for Crestwood.
Today, Crestwood stands as a testament to its past. It’s a blend of historical roots and modern development. The village continues to evolve. It remembers its origins while embracing the future.