Chicago Heights, Illinois has a population of approximately 33,072. It represents the greatest concentration of industry in the southern portion of the Chicago metro area but it started out as a rural agricultural village. Originally named Thorn Grove, then later Bloom, Chicago Heights has a land area of 9.6 square miles and is located six miles from the Indiana border. Bloom’s prosperity grew when a branch of the Joliet and Northern Indiana Railroad was routed through the small town in 1853. In 1869, the town was linked to Chicago by rail, reducing travel time to Chicago from two days to a few hours. The construction of the Chicago Outer Belt Line in 1887 transformed Bloom into a community that promoted industrial development. In the early 1890’s, a group of Chicago developers led by Charles Wacker determined to establish “Chicago Heights” as an outer-ring industrial suburb, and Bloom was officially renamed Chicago Heights in 1892.
The developers attracted large-scale heavy industry to Chicago Heights, and turned the downtown area into the banking, retail, and entertainment center for nearby communities. By the turn of the Twentieth Century, Chicago Heights was a flourishing city which boasted 67 manufacturing entities and a residential community renowned for its beauty. The historic Hotel Victoria was also built during this time. Chicago Heights became known as the Crossroads of the Nation when city fathers persuaded the Lincoln Highway Association to route the first transcontinental highway through the city in 1916, creating an intersection between the Lincoln and Dixie Highways. Although the city was hit hard by the Great Depression, World War II set the stage for a golden era when Chicago Heights factories worked around the clock producing war materials. Several celebrities hail from Chicago Heights, including Brett Saberhagen and Bryant Young.
Despite the importance of manufacturing and the railroad to the prosperity of Chicago Heights, heavy industrial development often leads to an increase in accidents and injuries. Chicago Heights, Illinois personal injury lawyers help defend citizens’ rights when injuries occur. The presence of major highways makes potentially catastrophic car and truck accidents, as well as pedestrian accidents, more likely. The railroad lines also pose potential risk for injuries or wrongful death. If you or a loved one have been injured through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Chicago Heights, Illinois personal injury lawyers at Dolan Law Offices can help. Contact Dolan Law Offices today for a free consultation.
