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Geneva, Illinois is located in Kane County with a population of 20,000 people. It is located 40 miles west of Chicago and 15 miles from Naperville, in the Fox River valley.
The Illinois and Prairie Pottawatomi tribes lived in the valley during the 17th, 18th and early 19th Centuries, before the White settlers first arrived around 1830. By 1840, Geneva's beginnings were in place with a courthouse, a post office, log cabins and some modest frame and stone houses.
Dutch settler Daniel Shaw was the first European settler to arrive in the Geneva area in 1830. Shaw built a cabin on the Fox River and lived there until he sold it to James and Charity Herrington three years later, who would become the city founders. Known as Big Spring at the time, the town would go through several name changes before being officially incorporated as Geneva in 1858. When the Herringtons arrived in 1833, much of the land was still inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians but as more European settlers moved in, the Native American population moved on. In 1836 a group of pioneers from Boston (nicknamed the "Boston Colony") arrived in Geneva and would become an early influence of the city by establishing a Unitarian Church.
As Chicago expanded, what was once a far-out suburb became a growing town, absorbing much of the city's urban sprawl. Currently Geneva has a population of just over 19,000 citizens and about 84% of its housing units are owner-occupied. There are many beautiful and historical homes located in Geneva but newer construction single family houses are also available for affordable prices.
The next big step in development was the arrival of the railroad in 1853. This put Geneva on a main passenger line between Geneva and Chicago. Well-to-do people who worked in Chicago began to have second homes in Geneva. Many people in Geneva today commute to Chicago daily on the train.
The largest influx of immigrants to the area was the Swedish between 1880 and 1900. By 1895, half of Geneva's citizens spoke Swedish as their first language. Beginning in 1925, a Swedish Day festival was sponsored in the park each summer. This evolved to become a city-sponsored event held every June.
Today, Geneva is well known in the region as a quaint, charming historic town. The town is heavily focused around the Fox River, which runs through its center. Part of what creates Geneva's character is its historic architecture. Geneva's notable historic buildings were constructed in the mid-to-late 19th century. Many are in specific architectural styles such as Italianate, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne. It is also proudly known for its Victorian-style shopping district - from the refurbished downtown storefronts to the Third Street Victorian homes with their specialty shops and eateries.
Located on the beautiful Fox River and within close proximity to Chicago, Geneva has become a major tourist attraction. Visitors flock to Geneva to gaze at the town's historic district which is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Bicyclists also seek out the destination to tour the miles and miles of bike trails in the area. There's plenty to do in downtown Geneva, as well, especially in the summer. Thursday nights from July through August there's That Thursday Night Thing, which promotes the many fine shops of Geneva's downtown district with historic walking tours and live music. First Fridays Art Gallery Walk showcases the city's many art galleries and, like the name suggests, is held the first Friday of the month all year round. For sports fans, be sure to catch a Kane County Cougars baseball game. The Cougars are a Class A minor league club that serves as a farm team for the Oakland Athletics and they play right in Geneva, the county seat of Kane County.
Outdoor recreational opportunities include the programs and facilities of the Geneva Park District. Enjoy winding bike trails, cross-county skiing, kayaking, canoeing or horseback riding. Tanna Farms is a new PGA, public golf course. Mill Creek Golf Course is an 18 hole public golf course with a clubhouse, pro shop, bar and restaurant.
Most of Geneva's new housing and commercial development is now focused along Randall Road on its west side.
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