Learn about New Lenox, IL

New Lenox, Illinois is a town that is full of rich history, not only of the canal but of being a railroad town. It was originally part of the Hickory Creek Settlement that was known for the welcoming environment, and the “pretty girls” as the Will County Illinois website said. This is a familiar sentiment to the Lemont, IL article Realtopia put out. However, there is more than just pretty girls to bring people to the settlement at the time. When New Lenox was settled in the 1820s, it was called “VanHorne Pointe.” The central part of the town is what is now called Route 30 and Gougar Road. During this time, the I & M canal brought people to the town, as it did in most local areas. In 1852, Will County was established along with New Lenox Township. At the same time, the Rock Island Railroad was created and this drew even more people to the town. More and more settlers came down because of the Rock Island, to build it and to transport goods on the rail line. Due to the success of the railroad, VanHorne Point changed its name to honor the railroad superintendent “Tracy.” This name did not last long, Tracy requested the name be changed to  New Lenox, after the township and Lenox, New York. This is the name that obviously stuck. 

All of this was happening long before the town was officially “organized” and recognized. It was not until 1946 that New Lenox was “legally organized and incorporated.” 

All this history of name changes and building of transportation hubs are what makes New Lenox what it is today. There is much more to discover, but what New Lenox is today is also important! 

New Lenox is now home to Silver Cross Hospital, the New Lenox Commons and the park district that consists of 40 parks! 

New Lenox has the heart as all local towns near Lockport do!

Haley Galvin, Realtopia Real Estate Marketing/Brand Manager