Wilmette, Illinois
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| Wilmette, Illinois | |
|---|---|
 Soueric · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source | |
| Name | Wilmette |
| Settlement type | Village |
| Nickname | The Village of Wilmette |
| Motto | "Village of Trees" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Illinois |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Cook |
| Subdivision type3 | Township |
| Subdivision name3 | New Trier |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Senta Plunkett |
| Established title | Incorporated |
| Established date | 1872 |
| Area total km2 | 14.10 |
| Area total sq mi | 5.44 |
| Area land km2 | 14.10 |
| Area land sq mi | 5.44 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 28070 |
| Population density km2 | 1990.78 |
| Population density sq mi | 5156.25 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Coordinates | 42, 4, 38, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code(s) |
| Postal code | 60091 |
| Area code | 847, 224 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 17-82075 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 2399696 |
| Website | www.wilmette.com |
Wilmette, Illinois. Wilmette is an affluent northern suburb of Chicago located in Cook County along the shore of Lake Michigan. Part of the New Trier Township, it is renowned for its historic architecture, top-rated public schools, and as the site of the Baháʼí House of Worship. The village maintains a strong sense of community with extensive park districts and a vibrant downtown centered around Green Bay Road.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before European settlement. In the early 19th century, Antoine Ouilmette, a French-Canadian fur trader and interpreter for the United States Army, and his Potawatomi wife, Archange, were granted 1,280 acres of land through the Treaty of Prairie du Chien in 1829. The settlement that grew was named in their honor. The village was officially incorporated in 1872, with growth accelerating after the arrival of the Chicago and North Western Railway and its connection to the Chicago 'L' system. Significant 20th-century developments included the construction of the Baháʼí House of Worship, dedicated in 1953, and the establishment of the North Shore Channel as part of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal project.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Wilmette has a total area of 5.44 square miles, all of it land. Its eastern border is formed by the shoreline of Lake Michigan, featuring Gillson Park and a public beach. The North Shore Channel, a drainage canal, runs along its western edge. The village is bordered by Evanston to the south, Kenilworth to the north, and Skokie and Winnetka to the west. Major thoroughfares include Lake Avenue, Green Bay Road, and Sheridan Road.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 28,070. The racial makeup was predominantly White (81.1%), with significant Asian (10.3%) and Hispanic or Latino (5.5%) populations. The median household income is substantially higher than the national average, reflecting its affluent character. A large proportion of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The village is part of the New Trier High School district, which consistently ranks among the top public schools in the nation.
Economy
Wilmette has a stable, primarily residential economy with a thriving downtown commercial district along Green Bay Road and Linden Square. Major employers include the village government, New Trier High School, and the Wilmette Public Schools District 39. The presence of the Baháʼí House of Worship also contributes to tourism and related services. Several corporate headquarters and professional offices are located within the village, benefiting from its proximity to Chicago and access to the Union Pacific North Line.
Culture and recreation
The village is home to the iconic Baháʼí House of Worship, a National Historic Landmark and a major architectural attraction. The Wilmette Park District manages numerous facilities, including Gillson Park on the lakefront, the Centennial Recreation Complex, and the Michigan Shores Club. Cultural institutions include the Wilmette Historical Museum and the Wilmette Theatre. The village hosts annual events like the Fourth of July parade and fireworks, and the Wilmette French Market. It is also known for its connections to notable figures such as actor Bill Murray and architect Howard Van Doren Shaw.
Government
Wilmette operates under a village manager form of government with an elected, part-time Village President (mayor) and a six-member Board of Trustees. The current mayor is Senta Plunkett. Essential services are provided by the Wilmette Police Department and the Wilmette Fire Department. The village is located within Illinois's 9th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Jan Schakowsky. At the state level, it lies in the 9th Senate District and the 18th House District.
Category:Villages in Illinois Category:Populated places on Lake Michigan Category:Cook County, Illinois