Crestwood, Illinois

Dr. Seuss

Crestwood, Illinois History

Crestwood, Illinois, is a village with a rich history that reflects the broader narrative of American suburban development. Incorporated in 1928, Crestwood began as a small community north of Midlothian near the Cal-Sag Channel. Its early years were marked by the same marshlands that characterized much of the surrounding area, which were eventually drained for farming and to provide a route for the Calumet-Sag Channel, constructed between 1911 and 1922. This transformation from marshland to farmland and residential space mirrors the development patterns of many American suburbs.

The village saw significant growth in the mid-20th century, with its population increasing from just over 400 residents at the time of incorporation to 10,852 by 1980. This boom was partly due to the establishment of large forest preserves to the west and the Midlothian Country Club to the south, which attracted new residents and facilitated community development. The local economy and infrastructure evolved with the times, with Kostner and Cicero avenues becoming bustling commercial streets.

Crestwood’s history also includes a unique aviation heritage. The Howell Airport, once located at Cicero Avenue and State Route 83, served as one of the busiest general aviation airports in the region before being transformed into the RiverCrest Centre shopping complex in 1990. This shift from aviation to commerce is indicative of the changing needs and priorities of the village over time.

Today, Crestwood is a village that honors its past while looking to the future. It has a diverse population and a strong local tax base, thanks to its commercial areas along Cicero Avenue. The village’s history is a testament to the dynamic nature of suburban growth and development in the United States. For those interested in learning more about the fascinating history of Crestwood, Illinois, the Wikipedia page offers a comprehensive overview.

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