In Kendall County, Illinois, Yorkville – currently
a town of just over 10,000 residents but growing like a weed – is
nestled alongside the River just 45 miles west
and a bit south of Chicago. Not unlike other towns to the
north along the Fox, within a year after the Blackhawk War ended in
1832, permanent settlement also began in Yorkville –
first with a small cabin built by Earl
Adams. By 1841, the town had been voted as the county seat, and by
1864 a new courthouse marked the spot. In 1870, the railroad came to
town and, as was always the case, businesses began to spring up
along the tracks and nearby river. Some of those businesses will
ring familiar among locals with long memories: the Rehbehn Brothers
Button Factory, Yorkville Ice Company, Squire Dingee’s Pickle
Factory… some of the earliest buildings are still there.
Articles
Yorkville actually existed as two towns until 1957. Somewhat modest
but continual growth has continued to stretch the town’s borders
both to the north and to the south; urban sprawl is no stranger to
Yorkville, although the town still retains the advantage of country
living, and the Big City is not far away via Interstate 88 (just six
miles to the north of town). Other major highways are also fairly
close at hand providing easy access to the city from numerous
directions.
Recently awarded the First Place Governor’s Hometown Award from the
State of Illinois for its Riverfront Park project, Yorkville takes
pride in its greatest natural asset, the Fox River. Amenities such
as neighborhood parks, a new high school, and high quality of life
also contribute to Yorkville’s pride as a community where heritage
and hometown feeling produce a warm welcome for residents and guests
alike.
