Imagine stepping back in time to when Worth Township was just a vision. Worth Township was founded in 1849. The county decided to subdivide itself into townships.
Worth Township’s story stretches back much further. Ten thousand years ago, Worth was one of Lake Michigan’s ancient beaches. It rose 40 feet over today’s Lake Michigan.
In 1835, John Blackstone bought the land. It was one of the first recorded land sales. A year later, Dwitt Lane bought it. People knew it as Lane’s Island. In 1850, lands outside Chicago got township names. Worth Township got its name from General William Jenkins Worth. He served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War.
Worth Township has a rich history that has shaped its identity. The township borders several other townships and Chicago communities. These include Stickney Township, Palos Township, Bremen Township, and Calumet Township. Also Ashburn, Beverly, Mount Greenwood, and Morgan Park.
Worth Township is home to many cities, towns, and villages. Alsip, Blue Island, and Bridgeview are all here. Chicago Ridge, Crestwood, and Evergreen Park are included. Hometown, Merrionette Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Robbins and Worth itself add to the diversity.
The township also contains sixteen cemeteries. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is here. It was once the Worth Horse Race Track.
Worth owes its popularity to several key constructions. The I and M Canal in the 1830s was vital. The Wabash Railroad at the turn of the century helped. The Calumet Sag Channel’s construction in 1911 boosted the area.
The Village of Worth is surrounded by historic waterways. Its north border touches Stony Creek. This creek was also known as the Big Feeder during the Illinois and Michigan Canal era. Worth’s south border is the Calumet-Sag Channel. It was completed in 1922. It is an intricate part of the Illinois Waterway. Worth is also home to one of the five Metropolitan Water District’s aeration waterfalls.
In 1858, John Crandall built the first home in Worth. It was on 111th Street. Soon after, 31 more homes followed. By 1883, the town had about 100 residents. In 1914, the population was around 300. Residents then founded the Village of Worth.
The Wabash Railroad ran across the Crandall farm. The railroad provided a real beginning. It established the Worth Train Station in 1880. John Crandall encouraged settlement. He began selling land to settlers.
A general store and post office arrived. A blacksmith shop and Methodist Church appeared. A one-room school and hotel opened. These stimulated new jobs and settlement.
Worth’s population sharply increased in 1914. This was due to the Calumet Sag Channel construction. There was a need for an organized government. On August 29, 1914, voters approved incorporation. The vote was 115 to 2. The Village of Worth began.
Worth’s first police chief was Dan Crandall. He captured several big beer runners. The old race track at 111th and Ridgeland drew these characters. In 1932, he became Township Road Commissioner.
Today, Worth Township thrives. It respects its past. Worth looks forward with confidence to the future. Its story is one of transformation. From ancient beaches to a vibrant community. Worth Township stands as a testament to the enduring spirit.