Why is 159th Street a major thoroughfare in Chicago’s southern suburbs? It stretches eastward from Lockport’s Thornton Street to Calumet City. 159th Street is more than just asphalt. It’s a vibrant piece of Chicago’s Southland.
159th Street runs for 24.63 miles. That is 39.64 kilometers. The street crosses major interstates like I-355, I-57, I-294 and I-94. This makes it a crucial connector.
Originally, 159th Street began at Lockport’s Thornton Street. It continued west as 9th Street. The eastern end is at Torrence Avenue in Calumet City. Here, it meets U.S. Route 6 and Illinois Route 83.
Oak Forest sits along 159th Street. The Cook County Oak Forest Hospital plays a big role in the area. Commercial spots line Cicero Avenue and 159th Street. These streets meet near the Rock Island Railroad station.
The Oak Forest train station began as a milk stop. Farmers from Bremen Township used it. Then, in 1894, the DuPont family bought land near 155th Street. They built a gunpowder factory. Most workers lived in Blue Island. They commuted by train. The factory exploded in 1906.
The Oak Forest Infirmary opened in 1910. It housed 2,000 people. These people were poor or mentally ill. Some had alcoholism. Others had other problems. Residents helped farm the land. By 1932, the hospital housed over 4,000 patients.
Oak Forest saw residential growth in the 1920s. However, only 611 people lived outside the hospital in 1940. The hospital offered jobs. It also created business opportunities. Some wanted to rename the community Arbor Park in the 1930s. But the name didn’t catch on. Oak Forest officially became a village in 1947.
Development continues along 159th Street. A new Dunkin’ and Baskin Robbins opened at Cicero Avenue. It features a drive-thru. It also has indoor and outdoor dining. A Culver’s Restaurant is under construction near Long Avenue. Oak Forest Family Dental now occupies a building on 159th Street.
Also, between Wallace Avenue and I-94, 159th Street is called 162nd Street. Other streets also change names in this area. 157th Street becomes 160th Street. 158th Street becomes 161st Street.
159th Street connects communities. It also provides access to businesses and services. Its story is one of continuous change. The street grows with the surrounding areas.