Brief History

Lemont's story begins in 1833 when the first settlers arrived in what was then called Athens. The town's development was intrinsically linked to the construction of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, which began in 1836 and was completed in 1848. This ambitious waterway project connected Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, creating a continuous water route from New York to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River.

The canal construction attracted diverse groups of immigrant workers, primarily Irish, German, Scandinavian, French, and English Canadians, who came seeking new opportunities and fleeing poverty and political persecution. By 1848, Lemont's population had grown to an impressive 3,000 people.

During the canal excavation, workers discovered an exceptionally fine grade of dolomite limestone near the surface. This discovery transformed Lemont into a major quarrying center from approximately 1850 to 1900. The high-quality limestone, known as Joliet-Lemont limestone or locally as "Athens Marble," became one of the chief building materials for landmark structures throughout the region. Notable buildings constructed with Lemont stone include the Chicago Water Tower (one of the few structures to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871), Holy Name Cathedral, part of the Auditorium Building in Chicago, Old Main at Northwestern University, and portions of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield.

The quarry industry attracted additional waves of immigrants from southern and central Europe, including workers from Poland, Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Italy. The demanding work and low pay led to significant labor struggles, with notable strikes in 1885 and 1893 that required government intervention and resulted in casualties.

The late 19th century brought railroad development with the Chicago & Alton line in the 1850s and the Santa Fe line in the 1890s, establishing Lemont as an important shipping point for cattle, grain, and dairy products. The 1890s also saw construction of the Sanitary & Ship Canal, which temporarily transformed Lemont into a "wide open" town accommodating up to 10,000 people, with the downtown area known as "Smokey Row" gaining notoriety for its bars and brothels.

The 20th century ushered in industrialization with the growth of steel, chemical, and oil companies, along with modern high-tech complexes including the prestigious Argonne National Laboratory. Lemont was officially incorporated as a village in 1873 and celebrated its 150th anniversary of incorporation in 2023.

Today, Lemont's historic downtown district remains intact and has been continuously used since the 19th century. In 2016, the Lemont Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving 38 historic buildings that showcase the community's remarkable limestone architecture and rich heritage.

Attractions

Lemont offers visitors a variety of attractions that showcase its history:

Dining

Lemont's dining scene reflects both its historic character and modern appeal, offering visitors quality establishments for memorable meals:

Accommodations

For visitors planning to stay in the area, Lemont offers convenient lodging options:

Projects