The history of Arlington Heights dates back to the mid-19th century. Initially, the settlement was known as Dunton, named after William Dunton, one of the first settlers who played a key role in the development of this territory. The official founding date is often considered 1854, when William Dunton persuaded the railroad company to lay tracks through his land, which became the starting point for the city's formation.
The development of Arlington Heights was driven by a successful combination of geographical and infrastructural factors:
The Railroad: The arrival of the Illinois & Wisconsin Railroad (now the Union Pacific Northwest line) in 1854 connected the settlement with Chicago, opening opportunities for trade and passenger transport.
Geography: Its location on fertile prairie land made the region attractive to farmers, especially those of German descent.
Name Change: In 1887, upon incorporation as a village, the settlement received its current name—Arlington Heights—reflecting its elevated position relative to the surrounding areas.
In its early years, the city's economy was primarily based on agriculture. Arlington Heights was famous for its vegetable farms, which supplied fresh produce to the markets of rapidly growing Chicago. This specialization became known as "truck farming." The cultural identity was strongly influenced by German immigrants, which was reflected in the architecture of the first churches, schools, and public buildings, creating an atmosphere of a close-knit and hardworking community.
Timeline
1836 — Asa Dunton acquires the first plots of land in the area, laying the foundation for the future settlement.
1854 — William Dunton secures the laying of the railroad through his land; the emergence of the station provides a powerful boost to trade development.
1887 — The settlement is officially incorporated as a village and named Arlington Heights.
1927 — The Arlington Park racetrack opens, instantly becoming a destination for equestrian sports fans from across the country.
1950s — The city experiences a construction boom, transforming from an agricultural community into a prestigious residential suburb of Chicago.
1985 — A massive fire destroys the historic grandstands of the racetrack, but the famous "Miracle Million" race is held against the backdrop of ruins just 25 days later.
1989 — The racetrack opens after a complete reconstruction, becoming one of the most luxurious sports facilities of its time.
1999 — The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre opens its doors in the city center, becoming the cultural heart of downtown.
2021 — The Chicago Bears football club enters into an agreement to purchase the racetrack site, outlining plans for the construction of a new stadium.
2023 — The historic Arlington Park racetrack permanently ceases racing operations, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new stage for the site's development.
Milestones
Key Milestones in the Development of Arlington Heights
The history of Arlington Heights is a journey from a modest farming community to one of Chicago's most prestigious suburbs. Each of the events listed below was a turning point that shaped the modern economic and urban landscape of the city.
Railway Momentum (1854)
The arrival of the railway station became the catalyst for the first economic boom. This event not only connected local farmers to Chicago markets but also predetermined the city's structure: the commercial center began to form around the station, laying the foundation for the modern downtown.
Official Incorporation (1887)
Gaining village status allowed for the creation of local government and the start of municipal infrastructure development. This marked the transition from scattered farms to an organized urban space with clear boundaries and development plans.
The Arlington Park Era (1927)
The opening of the racetrack transformed the quiet suburb into a national tourist destination. For nearly a hundred years, this facility was the primary taxpayer and employer, shaping the city's unique "equestrian" identity and stimulating the development of the service and hospitality industries.
Post-War Suburbanization (1950s–1960s)
This period saw the most massive urban transformation. The population grew exponentially, and former agricultural lands were developed into residential neighborhoods. The city acquired the characteristic look of a classic American suburb with a developed network of schools, parks, and shopping centers.
Downtown Revitalization (1980s–1990s)
In response to the development of large shopping malls, city authorities made the strategic decision to invest in the historic center. The construction of high-rise residential complexes, the opening of the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, and the renovation of the train station turned downtown into a lively mixed-use district, attractive for living and leisure.
Transformation of the Racetrack Site (2020s)
The closure of the legendary racetrack and the sale of the vast plot of land (over 130 hectares) opened a new chapter in urban planning. Plans for the possible construction of a stadium for a professional football team or a multi-functional district promise to radically change the economic landscape and transportation load of the region in the coming decades.
Architecture
Architectural Style and Urban Planning
The architecture of Arlington Heights vividly illustrates the evolution of a typical American Midwestern suburb. Here, one can trace the path from an isolated 19th-century farming settlement to a modern "edge city" with a dense downtown and expansive residential areas. The urban fabric is a mosaic where historical heritage exists alongside post-war functionalism and contemporary urban solutions.
Historical Heritage (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)
The oldest districts of the city, adjacent to the railway line, have preserved a turn-of-the-century atmosphere. Low-rise buildings characteristic of early American settlements predominate here.
Victorian and Queen Anne Styles: In the historic center, one can find preserved mansions with asymmetrical facades, complex roofs, turrets, and spacious verandas. These homes were built by wealthy residents during the village's formative years.
Italianate Style: Typical for old commercial buildings in the downtown area—brick structures with tall, narrow windows and decorative cornices.
Bungalow and Craftsman (Arts and Crafts): In neighborhoods developed in the 1910s–1920s, cozy brick and wooden bungalows with low-pitched roofs and wide porches are popular, reflecting a desire for simplicity and functionality.
The Era of Suburbanization (1950s–1970s)
The explosive population growth after World War II radically changed the face of Arlington Heights. The architecture of this period was driven by the idea of mass affordable housing and car culture.
Ranch Style: The most common type of building in residential neighborhoods. These are elongated single-story homes with low-pitched roofs and built-in garages. The style symbolizes the American dream of space and privacy.
Split-level: Houses with multi-level floors that became popular in the 1960s as a way to efficiently use space on small lots.
Mid-Century Modern: Found in the design of public buildings, schools, and churches of that period, characterized by clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a lack of unnecessary decoration.
Modern Urbanism and Revitalization (Since the 1990s)
In recent decades, Arlington Heights has become a textbook example of transit-oriented development (TOD). City authorities focused on densifying the area around the train station to create a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly center.
Postmodernism and Neo-traditionalism: New residential complexes and commercial buildings in the center often mimic historical styles, using brick and classical proportions, but on the scale of high-rise construction.
Mixed-use Development: Modern buildings in downtown combine retail space on the ground floors with residential apartments or offices above, creating a "city within a city" effect.
Iconic Landmarks and Districts
Downtown Arlington Heights: An example of successful revitalization. The area combines historical low-rise shops with modern high-rise residential complexes (such as Arlington Town Square), creating a unique suburban skyline.
Arlington Heights Historical Museum (The Muller House): A complex of historic buildings, including the original Muller family home, which serves as a model of late 19th-century residential architecture and preserves the spirit of the city's founding era.
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre: A building that has become a symbol of the cultural revival of the center. Although it is a modern structure, it is harmoniously integrated into the urban landscape and serves as a dominant feature of cultural life.
Notable People
Notable People of Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights has been home to many talented individuals who have achieved success in sports, the arts, and business. Below are well-known figures whose lives and careers are closely linked to this city.
Walter Payton Legendary American Football Player
One of the greatest running backs in NFL history, who played for the Chicago Bears. Payton lived in Arlington Heights at the peak of his career. His presence in the city was so significant that a local school (Rolling Meadows High School, attended by children from parts of Arlington Heights) named its football field in his honor. He remains a symbol of athletic excellence and philanthropy.
Ray Kroc Entrepreneur, Founder of McDonald's Corporation
The man who turned McDonald's into a global empire resided in Arlington Heights in the 1950s. It was during this period that he was actively involved in developing the franchise network, laying the foundation for the modern fast-food industry. His home was located near the city center.
Jennifer Morrison Actress, Director, and Producer
Star of the television series "House" and "Once Upon a Time." Jennifer was born in Chicago but grew up in Arlington Heights and graduated from the local Prospect High School. She often mentions her roots in interviews, maintaining a connection with her hometown.
Sebastian Maniscalco Stand-up Comedian and Actor
One of the most successful comedians of modern times was born and raised in Arlington Heights. In his performances, he often humorously recalls his upbringing in an Italian-American family in the Chicago suburbs, making references to the local way of life.
Mike Ditka NFL Coach and Player, Broadcaster
An iconic figure for Chicago sports. "Iron Mike," who led the Chicago Bears to victory in the 1985 Super Bowl, was a longtime resident of Arlington Heights. His name is inextricably linked to the golden era of local sports.
Brian McBride Professional Soccer Player
A prominent forward for the US National Team and English Premier League clubs (Fulham, Everton). A native of Arlington Heights, he became one of the first American soccer players to achieve significant success in European championships, inspiring a new generation of players.
Tom Higgenson Musician, Founder of the band Plain White T's
The author of the global hit "Hey There Delilah" grew up in Arlington Heights. The band formed in this region, and the musician continues to be actively involved in the local community, supporting aspiring artists.