La Grange, Illinois

La Grange, Illinois is a village located in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 13 miles west of Chicago. The village is situated near the Illinois and Michigan Canal and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. La Grange is bordered by the villages of Western Springs, Illinois to the west, Hinsdale, Illinois to the northwest, and Countryside, Illinois to the south. The village is also close to the Argonne National Laboratory and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

Geography

La Grange is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 12 and U.S. Route 45, and is situated near the Des Plaines River. The village has a total area of 2.52 square miles, and is bordered by the Salt Creek to the north. La Grange is also close to the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve and the Palos Forest Preserve, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. The village is near the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant. Residents of La Grange can also visit the nearby Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

History

The area that is now La Grange was first settled in the 1830s by European-American pioneers, including Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. The village was officially incorporated in 1879, and was named after the Marquis de Lafayette's estate in France. La Grange has a rich history, with many notable residents, including Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright. The village is also home to the La Grange Public Library, which was established in 1916 with the help of Andrew Carnegie. La Grange has been recognized for its historic architecture, including the La Grange Village Hall and the First United Methodist Church of La Grange.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the village of La Grange had a population of 16,321. The village has a diverse population, with residents from a variety of backgrounds, including Irish-American, German-American, and Italian-American. La Grange is also home to a number of notable institutions, including the La Grange Area Department of Special Education and the Pillars Community Health. The village has a strong sense of community, with many residents participating in local events, such as the La Grange Pet Parade and the La Grange Farmers Market. Residents of La Grange can also visit the nearby University of Chicago and the Northwestern University.

Economy

La Grange has a strong economy, with a mix of retail, service, and industrial businesses. The village is home to a number of major employers, including the La Grange School District 102 and the La Grange Park District. La Grange is also a popular destination for shoppers, with a variety of stores and restaurants along La Grange Road and Hillgrove Avenue. The village is close to the O'Hare International Airport and the Midway International Airport, making it an attractive location for businesses and residents. La Grange is also near the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Education

La Grange is served by the La Grange School District 102 and the La Grange High School District 102. The village is also home to a number of private schools, including the St. Francis Xavier School and the Nazareth Academy. Residents of La Grange can also attend nearby institutions, such as the College of DuPage and the Moraine Valley Community College. The village has a strong commitment to education, with a number of community programs and events, including the La Grange Public Library's summer reading program and the La Grange Park District's youth sports programs. La Grange is also close to the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Loyola University Chicago.

Transportation

La Grange has a convenient location, with easy access to Interstate 294 and Interstate 55. The village is also served by the BNSF Railway and the Metra commuter rail system, with a station in downtown La Grange. Residents of La Grange can also use the Pace Bus system to travel to nearby destinations, including Chicago and Oak Brook, Illinois. The village is close to the Chicago Transit Authority and the Southwest Airlines. La Grange is also near the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center. Category:Villages in Illinois