A Brief History

Settled in 1836, and incorporated in 1873, historic Lemont is one of the oldest and most unique communities in northeastern Illinois. Lemont’s 19th Century charm is preserved in the signature view of the Village set on a bluff overlooking the lush Des Plaines River Valley, buttressed by the ornate steeples of seven churches, Lemont offers a peaceful atmosphere unique to the Chicagoland area.

Lemont's colorful early history began in the late 1830s with the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and with the influx of immigrant workers who settled and remained. By the mid-1800s, limestone quarrying became the big business in Lemont and was the main cause of the town's growth. Many fine local examples of buildings constructed with Lemont limestone still exist, including the Historic Chicago Water Tower landmark on Michigan Avenue. Lemont’s historic downtown was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

Resources

• Community Profile
• Community Statistics
• History
• State & Federal Representatives
• Taxing Districts
• Village Maps

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