Des Plaines History: From River Valley to Modern City
The story of Des Plaines is one of transformation, evolving from a lush river valley inhabited by Native American tribes into a bustling hub of commerce and transportation. Situated along the banks of the Des Plaines River, the city's development was shaped by the arrival of European explorers, the expansion of the railroad, and its proximity to one of the world's busiest airports.
Early Inhabitants and European Arrival
Long before European settlement, the Des Plaines River Valley was home to the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Ojibwe (also known as Chippewa) Native American tribes. In the 1600s, French explorers and missionaries arrived in the region, which was then part of the Illinois Country of New France. They named the waterway La Rivière des Plaines (Plains River) because the local trees reminded them of the plane trees found in Europe.
The transition to permanent white settlement began in 1833 following the negotiation of the Treaty of Chicago. This was followed by a significant wave of German immigrants during the 1840s and 1850s, adding to the cultural fabric of the growing community.
Industrial Roots and the Railroad Era
In the 1850s, the Illinois and Wisconsin Land Company purchased land along a planned railroad route connecting Chicago and Janesville, Wisconsin. This sparked industrial growth in 1852 when developers established a steam-powered mill to produce railroad ties from local timber. The mill was later acquired by Socrates Rand, who converted it into a grist mill (a mill for grinding grain), which became a vital resource for local farmers.
The arrival of the Illinois and Wisconsin Railroad in the fall of 1854 marked a turning point for the area. By 1857, the Chicago, St. Paul, and Fond du Lac Railroad began operations, stopping near the mill where a small business district had emerged. The railroad initially platted the town as "Rand," but after the Chicago and North Western Railway purchased the line in 1859, the station was renamed "Des Plaines." The village was officially incorporated under the name Des Plaines in 1869.
A Legacy of Firsts and Significant Events
Des Plaines holds a unique place in meteorological history. On May 22, 1855, the earliest known tornado in Illinois struck the area (then reported as Jefferson). The storm killed three people when a granite home was lifted off its foundation. The subsequent correspondence between Joseph Henry of the Smithsonian Institution and the Daily Democratic Press in Chicago eventually led to the creation of the United States Signal Company, the earliest predecessor of the modern National Weather Service.
The city's governance evolved over time, reincorporating in 1873 with Franklin Whitcomb, a local brick manufacturer, serving as the first Village President. By 1925, residents voted to adopt a city form of government and annexed the village of Riverview. Further expansion occurred in 1956 with the annexation of Orchard Place.
Modern Growth and Notable Landmarks
The post-World War II era brought rapid expansion, accelerated by the opening of the nearby O'Hare International Airport. This growth brought various commercial milestones, including the 1955 opening of the ninth McDonald's restaurant. While often incorrectly cited as the first franchise, this location was a significant landmark until it was replaced by a museum in 1985, which was later demolished in 2018 due to flooding.
The city has also faced tragedy. In 1979, American Airlines Flight 191, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 departing from O'Hare, suffered an engine and wing failure. The aircraft crashed near a local trailer park north of Touhy Avenue, resulting in the deaths of all 271 people on board and two repair garage workers. Five others were injured in the accident.
In more recent years, Des Plaines has seen significant economic developments. In July 2011, the Rivers Casino opened on a 21-acre site adjacent to the Tri-State Tollway, following a 2008 license award to Midwest Gaming and Entertainment LLC. Additionally, the city gained national attention in July 2022 when a Speedway gas station on Touhy Avenue sold the third largest winning lotto ticket in U.S. history, valued at $1.34 billion.
Key Facts
- Original Inhabitants: Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Ojibwe tribes.
- Naming: Named "La Rivière des Plaines" by the French due to the resemblance of trees to European plane trees.
- Weather History: Site of the first known Illinois tornado (1855), contributing to the origin of the National Weather Service.
- Transportation: Growth was driven by the Illinois and Wisconsin Railroad and later the proximity to O'Hare International Airport.
- Major Landmark: Home to the ninth McDonald's restaurant (opened 1955).
- Recent Event: Sold a $1.34 billion lottery ticket in July 2022.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1600s | French explorers name the river La Rivière des Plaines. |
| 1833 | First white settlers arrive after the Treaty of Chicago. |
| 1852 | Steam-powered mill built for railroad ties. |
| 1855 | Earliest known Illinois tornado strikes. |
| 1869 | Village of Des Plaines is incorporated. |
| 1925 | Conversion to city government and annexation of Riverview. |
| 1979 | Crash of American Airlines Flight 191. |
| 2011 | Rivers Casino opens. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the original inhabitants of the Des Plaines area?
The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Ojibwe (Chippewa) Native American tribes.
How did the National Weather Service start in Des Plaines?
Following a deadly tornado in 1855, correspondence between Joseph Henry of the Smithsonian Institution and the Daily Democratic Press led to the creation of the United States Signal Company, the earliest predecessor of the National Weather Service.
Was the first McDonald's franchise located in Des Plaines?
No. While it is often inaccurately claimed to be the first, the Des Plaines location opened in 1955 as the ninth McDonald's restaurant.
What happened to the McDonald's museum?
The museum, which replaced the original restaurant in 1985, was demolished in 2018 after experiencing repeated flooding.
What is the significance of the 2022 lottery ticket?
A Speedway gas station in Des Plaines sold a ticket worth $1.34 billion, the third largest winning lotto ticket in U.S. history.