Picture a quiet suburban landscape. This is Countryside Illinois a charming village just 15 miles from the Chicago Loop. Established in 1960 Countryside boasts a rich history dating back much further. Long before the first houses were built this land was fertile farmland. Joseph Vial and his family were among the first permanent settlers arriving in 1833. They were not the first inhabitants though. The Patawatamie Indians lived here long before them. Early American pioneers also called this land home. Many of these early settlers were displaced by the devastating Chicago fire of 1871. They sought refuge and rebuilt their lives in the area.
The area remained sparsely populated for years. A few self-sufficient farmers eked out a living. Their children attended a small schoolhouse. Some worshipped at the Lyonsville Congregational Church. A notable event occurred around 1917. The Marx Brothers famously bought a chicken farm nearby. Groucho later joked that they spent too much time at Wrigley Field watching the Cubs to make the farm profitable. The area began to see growth after World War II during the postwar housing boom.
The construction of the LaGrange Terrace subdivision in 1947 marked the beginning of a significant population increase. The Don L Dise subdivision followed in 1954. Later Edgewood Park was developed in two phases. As Countryside grew homeowners faced challenges. They needed better sewage disposal and a reliable water supply. Failing wells threatened the community. Homeowners’ associations formed in 1949 and 1960 to address these issues. This proactive community spirit led directly to the incorporation of Countryside as a village in 1960.
The growth continued. In 1962 80 acres were transformed into the Dansher Industrial Park bringing more jobs and economic opportunities. McCook supplied water from Lake Michigan in 1964 ensuring a stable supply. A new city hall opened in 1967 a symbol of the village’s burgeoning identity. By 1970 the population had reached 2,864. The city expanded further annexing an area south of Joliet Road in 1971. This expansion led to the improvement of infrastructure including water services. The Pleasantview Fire Protection District serves Countryside and surrounding towns.
Countryside’s thriving business community with car dealerships and shopping plazas generated substantial commercial sales tax revenue. This allowed the city to avoid levying real estate or corporate taxes. A portion of historic Route 66 runs through Countryside. Interstates 294 and 55 pass through the southern edge. Today Countryside maintains its older suburban charm while offering easy access to the exciting city of Chicago. The population in 2020 was recorded at 6420. It’s a close-knit community where many residents are second and third-generation Countryside dwellers. Visit this amazing place and discover its unique history and character for yourself.