Learn about your town: Lemont, IL

Lemont, IL, then known as Athens, was initially settled in 1833 along with what would become the Illinois and Michigan (I & M) Canal. During the time of development, it was discovered that there was an abundance of limestone near the surface of where the canal was being built. This is what led to the creation of the quarries that Lemont is known for today. The stone was called Lemont stone at the time and was used as building materials for several notable buildings such as the Holy Name Cathedral, the Chicago Water Tower, part of the capitol building in Springfield, IL and many other buildings, according to the Lemont website. Now we call it limestone.

The quarry work is part of what attracted many immigrants to the town and it offered a lot of work. The population was at 3,000 by 1848.

In the 1890s, the Sanitary and Ship canal was being built and attracted even more people and workers, driving the population to over 10,000. It is during this time that the history gets a bit interesting. The downtown area of the town was called “Smokey Row” and it was lined with bars and brothels! “Smokey Row” would gain recognition as being the wildest and most sinnful street in the country at the time. 

Those who came to build this second canal ended up settling in Lemont and with the turn of the century, industrialization of the town continued. This included steel, oil and chemical industrialization that kept the town booming. 

Lemont is a town that holds onto and cherishes their history. 

The limestone quarry is what Lemont is still known for today and the downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places.

To this day, Lemont works hard to preserve the history that is rich in their town. There are several zoning rules and protections in place that are set up to make sure the older residential areas stay as long as possible.

They also have a local baseball team that is called the Lemont Quarrymen to preserve the settlers who built up the town. 

The town is just as rich in culture now as it was back then. 

Featuring a bustling downtown with bars just like in the old days - minus the brothels thankfully! 

Pollyanna’s Brewing Company, The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park, The Cornerstone, and many other taverns and boutiques keep the area lively and make it a great place to enjoy a beer or an adventure with family and friends!

Haley Galvin, Marketing/Brand Manager at Realtopia Real Estate