Doesn’t the name Darien have a certain ring? Darien, Illinois, a southwestern suburb of Chicago, wasn’t always known by that name. Let’s uncover the story behind this DuPage County city.
Originally, the area comprised two communities Cass and Lace. The first settlers arrived in 1835. They hailed from New England via the Erie Canal and Great Lakes. Among these pioneers were the Andres Neiman, Rapones, and Capra families.
Andres Neiman became Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk, and Assessor. Mr. Capra served as Dog Catcher and County Commissioner. He also established the Capra Inn. The inn stood near Lemont Road and I-55. Stagecoaches frequented it. It included a tavern and a post office. Andres named the area Cass.
Cass experienced early growth. This was due to trade along the Illinois & Michigan Canal. In the 1850s, German Lutherans settled north of Cass. This area near Cass Avenue, Plainfield Road, and 75th Street became known as Lace.
Ethnic, language, and religious differences hindered cooperation between Cass and Lace. Farming became the primary source of employment. Residents faced limited occupational choices. This was due to the distance from the Burlington Northern Railroad and the decline of canal trade.
After World War II, the Darien area transformed. In 1946, the federal government planned Argonne National Laboratory. Suburban housing development followed. Farmers sold land to developers. Marion Hills, Brookhaven, Clairfield, and Hinsbrook emerged.
Throughout the 1960s, these subdivisions debated incorporation. Some favored lower taxes in unincorporated areas. Others desired better police protection and road maintenance. In 1968, homeowners association presidents discussed forming their own city.
In December 1969, the incorporation passed. It was a close vote. Sam Kelly, the first mayor, suggested the name Darien. He admired Darien, Connecticut. Today, Darien is known as A Nice Place to Live. This slogan honors the founding year of 1969.
Darien is conveniently located 18 miles west of Chicago. Two interchanges on Interstate I-55 are in Darien. These are at Cass Avenue and Lemont Road. Access to I-355 is nearby. Driving to the Chicago Loop takes about 30 minutes.
O’Hare Airport is about 20 miles northeast of Darien. Midway Airport is about 12 miles east. Metra commuter rail serves Darien. Pace bus service connects Darien to neighboring suburbs.
Darien is a planned community. It balances residential buildings. The city strives to provide convenient shopping areas. It also aims to attract commercial and light research industries.
Darien boasts affordable homes and a highly-rated school system. It also has one of the lowest crime rates. Darien centers its activities around home and family. It truly is a nice place to live.