Picture the year 1831. A steam-powered sawmill hums along the Aux Plaines River. This marks the humble beginning of River Forest. This quiet spot would soon blossom into the thriving village we see today.
River Forest Illinois a charming village west of Chicago has deep roots. Indigenous Ojibwa Menominee and Potawatomi peoples called this land home for centuries. Their presence shaped the area long before the arrival of European settlers. Then came George Bickerdike and Mark Noble with their innovative sawmill. It was a catalyst attracting early settlers like Ashbel Steele. He became the first permanent resident of Noyesville River Forest’s predecessor.
Noyesville grew. Fertile land forests and the river itself fostered agriculture. A plank road and the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad fueled further expansion. Two families the Quicks and Thatchers played crucial roles in subdividing the land. The Quicks named a section Harlem after their New York origins. Thatcher’s family named their section Thatcher. Interestingly religious leaders received land donations. The Quicks gave land for the Episcopal church while Solomon Thatcher contributed to the Methodist and Catholic churches.
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 brought a wave of new residents. This surge in population led to River Forest’s official incorporation in 1880. Interestingly this event was sparked by the temperance movement. Residents desired to curb the influence of nearby Harlem’s saloons. Despite their initial anti-saloon stance River Forest ironically licensed two to fund city improvements. This revenue funded street paving electric streetcars and lights waterworks telephone services and the public library.
River Forest flourished. It quickly became attractive. Growth expanded beyond the railroad area. The population skyrocketed from 1000 in 1894 to almost 9000 in 1930. This growth included the establishment of Concordia and Rosary Colleges in 1913 and 1918 respectively. Rosary College later became Dominican University in 1997.
After the 1930s growth slowed. Expansion focused on subdividing existing estates. River Forest peaked at 13402 residents in 1970. Since then its population has remained relatively stable.
River Forest Illinois is a place where history and nature intertwine. The village’s story is one of resilience adaptation and growth. It’s a tale of indigenous heritage early settlers and the remarkable transformation of a sawmill site into a thriving community. This legacy continues to shape River Forest. Its enduring charm makes it a special place to visit and explore.