The story of West Chicago’s population growth is intricately tied to its roots as a railroad town. From its beginnings as Junction, Illinois, to its incorporation as the Village of Turner and eventual transformation into a thriving suburb, the town’s growth reflects the broader forces of industrialization, suburbanization, and resilience in the face of economic challenges.
Early Growth: The Railroad’s Impact
In 1849, the arrival of the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad (G&CU) brought industry to what had been open prairie camping and hunting grounds of Native Americans. The railroad spurred an influx of European immigrant and New Englander workers, entrepreneurs, and their families, laying the foundation for our community. By 1850, Junction was a hub for three railroads, attracting people eager to capitalize on the transportation and job opportunities.
As more people arrived, the area’s population grew rapidly:
1860: The unofficial population reached 722.
1870: The population climbed to 1,086, reflecting the area’s growing prominence.
By 1873, the town officially incorporated as the Village of Turner, with a population of 850. Formal governance marked a significant step in establishing the town’s identity and supporting its development.
Booms and Busts: Industry and Economic Challenges
The late 19th century saw an economic boom as new industries, including the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway (EJ&E) in 1888, brought more businesses to Turner. The EJ&E’s innovative strategy of offering free factory sites attracted companies, driving job creation and population growth.
Sash & Door manufacturing plant that was brought in through the EJ&E industrial expansion, located on the western edge Factory Street along the tracks
1880: Population surpassed 1,000 for the first time, reaching 1,001 spurred by a large of grown of German immigrants who created West Chicago’s first bilingual community.
1890: The population grew to 1,506, buoyed by industrial expansion.
In 1896, Turner rebranded itself as West Chicago, hoping to attract even more businesses and residents. The name change coincided with the construction of a public waterworks, a critical improvement that supported further growth.
Borden’s milk condensing plant, on the current location of JelSert on Route 59
However, the economic depression of the 1890s slowed progress across the United States. Despite this, industries like the Borden’s milk condensing plant and other family dairies helped sustain growth into the early 20th century. By 1900, the population had reached 1,877, growing to 2,378 by 1910.
1912 Map of West Chicago
The Great Depression and Annexation
While industrial expansion brought steady growth, the Great Depression of the 1930s halted the momentum. For the first and only time in its history, West Chicago’s population declined, falling to 3,355 by 1940 from a pre-Depression peak of 3,973 in 1930.
Recovery came slowly, aided by strategic annexations. In 1956, West Chicago annexed part of Wayne Township, incorporating the West Chicago Industrial Center. This move, coupled with industrial growth, sparked a population surge:
1950: The population rebounded to 3,973.
1960: A postwar construction boom saw the population rise by an astounding 72%, reaching 6,839.
1963 Map of West Chicago
Postwar Growth and Suburbanization
The post-World War II era ushered in rapid suburbanization across America, and West Chicago was no exception. The town’s location near major transportation routes and its strong industrial base made it a prime destination for families seeking suburban life.
1970: The population exceeded 10,000 for the first time fueled by a large growth in Mexican immigration, which had first started in West Chicago in 1910s but didn’t reach a substantial number until the late 1960s.
1980: West Chicago’s population reached 12,550, a remarkable jump from the 850 residents recorded a century earlier.
A Legacy of Growth
Today’s our community population is double what it was 40 years ago. West Chicago’s transformation from a small railroad junction into a bustling suburb of over 25,000 is a testament to its adaptability and resilience. The town’s growth reflects the enduring impact of the railroads, the strategic decisions of its leaders, and the spirit of its residents.
Today, the thriving community serves as a reminder of its dynamic past, shaped by the railroads and driven by the opportunities they created. Visit the museum to explore the rich history behind the numbers and the stories of the people who built West Chicago.