Back in the 19th century, the land where modern Oak Park stands was largely undeveloped and began a large trek from peaceful hamlet to active suburban community. Located just to the west of Chicago, the city followed a unique historical path of development, incorporating many innovative elements from neighboring Chicago while developing a character of its own. The city's namesake comes from the oak tree-lined land which formed the base for its founding on landing formerly cultivated by Fox Indian tribes. American-English settlers came to the area in the early 19th century and began developing mills to benefit from the areas' natural resources.
The city began as a small town in the early 19th century and began to grow with connections to the Chicago rail line by the mid-19th century. As the neighboring city expanded, many residents sought out Oak Park homes for sale as it is the ideal city for those seeking a more peaceful, family-friendly environment. An early commitment to excellence from the city structured its drive to create lasting institutions.
A landmark event in the city's history came in 1871 with the Great Chicago Fire, which drew thousands of migrants to the west of Chicago into Oak Park. Many of the migrants were active religious participants and created a variety of new churches which formed a tradition that lasts to this day. Religious activism included a Temperance movement, which eventually gained traction in the state capital. At the same time, civic groups pursued secular development, including a modern library which evolved to become today's Oak Park library. In addition to these developments, the roots of the city’s award winning educational institutions can be traced to this era as well. The first school in the area was formally organized in 1857 with further construction and the opening of the first high school in 1877, which evolved into today's Oak Park and River Forest School by 1907.
Today's fine educational and cultural groups can be traced to public policies from early residents who wanted to incorporate some of Chicago's best arts and educational traditions into a unique community with its own world-class schools, performing groups and local leaders. By 1902, the city had formally incorporated and remained home to many of Chicago's business and cultural leaders who called the city home. The impressive cultural institutions in the city developed over the course of the 20th century, owned largely to the influences of impressive scholars such as architect Frank Lloyd Wright who opened a studio in 1889, author Edgar Burroughs, author Ernest Hemingway and businessman Ray Kroc.
Over the course of the 20th century, the city actively developed its cultural and business traditions while keeping a commitment to its roots as an inclusive community. Migration into the community from African Americans, Latinos and Asians in the mid-1950s further enhanced the diversity of the community. A traditional of excellence and a careful blend of modern living with well regarded cultural institutions is a core part of the city’s identity to this day.
