You’re standing here, in the heart of Hillside, a vibrant suburb of Chicago. Just 15 miles west of the city’s bustling Loop, Hillside is home to a proud history. Imagine the transformation of this land, from farmland to quarry, to a thriving, bustling neighborhood.
Hillside started as a humble community of German Lutheran immigrants who built a school and church. The area took its name from a nearby train station, where westbound railroad engines had to ascend a slope. This humble beginning saw the rise of a bustling community, with its population exceeding 8,000 according to the 2020 Census.
In the 1920s, Hillside began to experience significant growth as more farmland was sold and developed for homes. Later, in the 1940s and 1950s, the construction of expressways brought even more growth. The Congress Expressway, completed in 1956, catalyzed the development of the Hillside Retail Mall, a regional shopping destination, which unfortunately met an early demise in favor of new malls in the ’60s.
Hillside has two major Catholic cemeteries, Mount Carmel Cemetery and Queen of Heaven. Mount Carmel Cemetery has a special place in history as the final resting place of notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone. If you decide to visit the cemetery, remember to look for his grave; it has become a local tourist attraction.
Today, Hillside is a vibrant community full of life. The village boasts many parks, including the Hillside Commons, which hosts the Summer Nights in Hillside concert series. From July to August, residents gather under the stars to enjoy live music, classic cars, and a marketplace for local goods. Whether you’re visiting Hillside for its history, its parks, or its charming downtown, you’ll find a place full of warmth and welcomes. Hillside is a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and community, all woven together to create a place that has something for everyone.