Lemont, Illinois
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| Lemont, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lemont |
| Settlement type | Village |
| Nickname | The Stone City |
| Pushpin label | Lemont |
| Coordinates | 41, 40, 26, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision type2 | Counties |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision name2 | Cook, Will, DuPage |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1836 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1873 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | John Egofske |
| Area total km2 | 23.40 |
| Area total sq mi | 9.03 |
| Area land km2 | 22.56 |
| Area land sq mi | 8.71 |
| Area water km2 | 0.84 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.32 |
| Elevation m | 180 |
| Elevation ft | 591 |
| Population total | 17429 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 772.6 |
| Population density sq mi | 2000.6 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code(s) |
| Postal code | 60439, 60490 |
| Area code | 630, 331 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-42796 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2398420 |
| Website | www.lemont.il.us |
Lemont, Illinois. Lemont is a village located primarily in Cook County, with portions extending into Will County and DuPage County. Situated along the Des Plaines River, the community is historically significant for its role in the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and its extensive dolomite quarries, which earned it the nickname "The Stone City." Today, it is known for its well-preserved historic downtown, natural areas within the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, and as a southwestern suburb of Chicago.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before European settlement. The village's modern history began in 1836 with the planned construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, a critical waterway linking the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River system. Workers, including many immigrants from Ireland and later Poland and Lithuania, settled here, initially calling the community "Keepatau." The settlement was officially platted in 1853 and incorporated in 1873. The local economy was dominated by quarrying the region's high-quality dolomite limestone, used in iconic structures like the Chicago Water Tower and the Joliet Correctional Center. The arrival of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad further solidified its industrial importance. The Argonne National Laboratory, a major United States Department of Energy research facility, was established nearby in 1946, influencing the region's scientific character.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 9.03 square miles, of which 8.71 square miles is land and 0.32 square miles is water. Lemont is defined by its unique topography, featuring steep bluffs and valleys along the Des Plaines River, a rarity in the generally flat Illinois landscape. The Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor runs through the village. Significant natural areas include the expansive Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, and parts of the Cook County Forest Preserves. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal also flows nearby.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 17,429. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing Asian and Hispanic or Latino communities. The village has a high percentage of residents of Polish and Lithuanian ancestry, reflecting its early immigrant roots. Educational attainment is high, with a significant proportion of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher, partly attributable to the presence of professionals working at Argonne National Laboratory and other regional employers.
Economy
Historically centered on quarrying and canal-related industry, Lemont's economy has diversified. It remains a hub for heavy industry and distribution, with companies like Linde operating major facilities. The village benefits from its proximity to the Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago, which drive research and technology sectors. The Illinois Tollway system, including the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294), provides critical transportation access. Downtown Lemont features a mix of independent retail shops, restaurants, and services that cater to both residents and visitors exploring the historic district and canal corridor.
Culture and recreation
The village maintains a strong sense of history with its Lemont Downtown Historic District, which includes numerous 19th-century buildings constructed from local limestone. Annual events include the popular Lemont Heritage Fest and the Christmas Walk. The Lemont Area Historical Society operates a museum in the historic Old Stone Church. Recreational opportunities abound in the surrounding forest preserves, which offer trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The Illinois and Michigan Canal towpath is a designated National Recreation Trail. The village is also home to the Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, which has hosted professional tournaments like the BMW Championship.
Government
Lemont operates under a Mayor–council government system. The current mayor is John Egofske. The village is part of Illinois's 6th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Sean Casten. At the state level, it lies within the 21st Senate District and the 55th House District. Local services include a police department and a fire protection district. The village is served by Lemont Township government for certain auxiliary services and by multiple school districts, including Lemont Community Unit School District 113.
Category:Villages in Illinois Category:Populated places in Cook County, Illinois