“Picture this: bluffs, lake vistas, and ravines.” That’s how developers envisioned Highland Park, a retreat for Chicago’s affluent professionals. Today we will explore Highland Park.
Highland Park’s story stretches back before its official founding. Indian trails marked this land. The Potawatomi traversed these forested acres before the Black Hawk War.
German immigrants sought to establish trade routes. They founded two village ports. St. Johns in 1847 and Port Clinton in 1850 hoped to open the hinterlands for trade.
Walter S. Gurnee, a former Chicago mayor, shaped Highland Park’s destiny. He controlled the Port Clinton Land Company by 1855. Gurnee believed rail was key. He surmised residential development would succeed over commercial ventures.
Highland Park officially became a city in 1869. It evolved from St. John and Port Clinton. You can still see their names today. St. John’s Avenue and Port Clinton Square pay homage to these early settlements. Walter S. Gurnee named Highland Park. He chose the name for its park-like setting and lofty elevation.
Residents prioritized community investment early on. A public library opened in 1887. The village of Ravinia was annexed in 1899. By the turn of the century, Highland Park’s population reached 2,806.
Highland Park was socially diverse. The Gads Hill Summer Settlement House encampment catered to many. The Railroad Men’s Home also stood here. Wildwood, a resort for German-Jewish families, offered refuge. Highland Park welcomed a sizable Jewish population after World War II.
The city experienced two significant growth spurts. The first was in the 1920s, nearly doubling the population. The second occurred in the 1950s, leaping by 52 percent.
Careful planning has preserved Highland Park’s appeal. Its village character remains strong. The Ravinia Music Festival is a testament to this. It began in 1904 as a recreational park and cultural center. Each summer, thousands flock to Ravinia. They enjoy classical and popular concerts in a wooded setting. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is a regular performer.
Highland Park continues to thrive as a suburban community. It offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. The city boasts six hundred acres of parkland. Extensive beaches and deep ravines add to its charm.
Highland Park features vibrant shopping districts. The Chicago Botanic Garden lies on its southern border. There is even an ice arena and a water park. Numerous private country clubs dot the landscape.
The historic Ravinia Festival is a highlight. It is the oldest outdoor music festival in North America. World-class jazz, classical, and popular concerts fill the summer air.
Highland Park Hospital, affiliated with the University of Chicago Hospitals, provides medical care. Four Metra rail stations serve the city. Major expressways offer easy access. O’Hare International Airport is only a short drive away.
So, as you explore Highland Park, remember its rich history. From its Potawatomi trails to its German immigrant roots. From Walter S. Gurnee’s vision to its vibrant cultural scene. Highland Park offers a unique blend of community and culture.