Introduction to Elgin, Illinois
Elgin, Illinois, in Kane county, is 34 miles W of Chicago, Illinois. The people of the city are in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Elgin History
The present day city of Elgin was originally inhabited by the Native American tribes. The area was settled in by the whites after the Black Hawk Indian War of 1832. James T. Gifford and Hezekiah Gifford, two brothers from New York, established the city in April 1835. It was named after the 'song of Elgin', the Scottish hymn. The Galena & Chicago Union Railroad entered the city in 1849. The city is the home of the Elgin Watch Company, the leading producer of watches in Unites States.
Elgin and nearby Attractions
- Historical Radio Museum
- Fox River Trolley Museum
- Santa's Village - Illinois
- Racing Rapids
- Elgin Area Historical Society & Museum
- Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve
Things To Do In Elgin
There are several parks and playgrounds in Elgin including the Wing Park, Zayres Park, Channing Park, and Wright Avenue Park. Leisure time can be spent at the Elgin Shores County Forest Preserve and Poplar Creek County Forest Preserve. The Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, Elgin Public Museum, and Elgin Area Historical Society Museums are worth visiting. While staying in the city, you can enjoy shopping at the Wing Park Manor Shopping Center, Summit Square Shopping Center, Town and Country Plaza Shopping Center, Clock Tower Plaza Shopping Center, Tyler Creek Plaza Shopping Center, and Fox River Plaza Shopping Center.
Elgin Transportation
International flights are available from Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Elgin Higher Education
Elgin Community College and Judson College are the local colleges.