Western Springs, Illinois
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| Western Springs, Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Name | Western Springs, Illinois |
| Settlement type | Village |
| Nickname | The Springs |
| Pushpin label | Western Springs |
| Coordinates | 41, 48, 18, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | Counties |
| Subdivision name2 | DuPage, Cook |
| Subdivision type3 | Townships |
| Subdivision name3 | Lyons, Downers Grove |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1886 |
| Government type | Council-Manager |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Alice Gallagher |
| Area total km2 | 7.00 |
| Area total sq mi | 2.70 |
| Area land km2 | 7.00 |
| Area land sq mi | 2.70 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation ft | 670 |
| Elevation m | 204 |
| Population total | 13229 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 1890.00 |
| Population density sq mi | 4899.63 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code(s) |
| Postal code | 60558 |
| Area code | 708 |
| Website | www.wsprings.com |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-80007 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2397220 |
Western Springs, Illinois. Western Springs is a village located primarily in DuPage County, with a small portion extending into Cook County. Incorporated in 1886, the community is a residential suburb of Chicago, known for its historic water tower, excellent public schools, and extensive park system. It is served by the BNSF Railway commuter line and is part of the Lyons Township area.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before European settlement. Development began in the 1850s with the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, which established a station named for natural springs in the area. The village was formally incorporated in 1886, with early growth spurred by its status as a commuter suburb. The iconic water tower, constructed in 1892 and designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney, became a symbol of the community and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Significant 20th-century development followed the post-World War II housing boom, solidifying its character as an affluent residential enclave.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.70 square miles, all land. It is bordered by the communities of La Grange, Countryside, Hinsdale, and Westmont. The topography is generally flat, typical of the Chicago metropolitan area, and the village contains several small parks and forest preserves managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Spring Rock Park, centered around the original natural springs, is a notable local landmark.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,229. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of Asian, Hispanic or Latino, and Black residents. The median household income is significantly higher than the national average, and a large percentage of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The village is characterized by single-family homes and a low population density compared to nearby urban centers.
Government
Western Springs operates under a council-manager form of government. The elected Village President (Mayor) and six Trustees comprise the Village Board, which sets policy. Day-to-day operations are administered by a professional Village manager appointed by the Board. The village provides full municipal services, including its own police and fire departments. It is part of Illinois's 6th congressional district and is represented in the Illinois General Assembly and the United States Congress.
Education
Public education is served by Lyons Township High School District 204 and Elementary District 101. District 101 operates three schools: Forest Hills Elementary School, Laidlaw Elementary School, and McClure Junior High School. Students attend Lyons Township High School in La Grange. The village is also home to St. John of the Cross Catholic School, a private parish school affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. The Thomas Ford Memorial Library serves as the public library.
Notable people
Notable current and former residents of Western Springs include actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy; Hall of Fame baseball player and manager Joe McCarthy; Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author David Halberstam; Academy Award-nominated film director Andrew Davis; and former United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis. National Football League quarterback Sean Payton also resided in the village.
Category:Villages in Illinois Category:Populated places in DuPage County, Illinois