Des Plaines

Founding and Early Years

The history of Des Plaines is inextricably linked to the river of the same name flowing through the city. The name originates from a French toponym given by early explorers in the 18th century—Rivière des Plaines (which can be translated as "River of the Plane Trees" or "River of the Plains"). Before the arrival of Europeans, these lands were inhabited by indigenous peoples, specifically the Potawatomi tribes.

Active settlement of the region began after the signing of the Treaty of Chicago in 1833, which opened the land to pioneers. One of the first significant settlers was Socrates Rand, who arrived here from Massachusetts. Initially, the settlement was named Rand in his honor. The official renaming to Des Plaines and incorporation as a village took place in 1869.

Development Factors

The transformation of a small farming community into a developed settlement was due to a combination of geographical and transportation advantages:

• The Railway: A decisive factor was the construction of the Chicago and North Western Railway (now the Union Pacific line). The appearance of a station allowed for regular communication with Chicago, which stimulated the influx of new residents and trade.
• Geographical Location: Proximity to the rapidly growing city of Chicago and the availability of water resources from the Des Plaines River made this territory strategically important for supplying the metropolis with resources.

Early Economy and Culture

In the 19th century, the city's economic structure was predominantly agricultural. A significant portion of the early population consisted of German immigrants, who shaped the cultural identity of the settlement by founding the first Lutheran churches and schools.

Local residents were engaged in dairy farming and growing vegetables for Chicago markets. It was during this period that the foundations for greenhouse farming and floriculture were laid, which would later bring Des Plaines fame and the unofficial title of the "City of Roses."

Key Historical Milestones

• 1833: Signing of the Treaty of Chicago, opening the Des Plaines River valley lands for pioneer settlement.
• 1854: Completion of the railroad section connecting the local settlement with Chicago.
• 1869: Official incorporation of the village of Des Plaines and approval of its modern name.
• 1925: Residents vote to change the administrative status, and Des Plaines officially becomes a city.
• 1950s: A period of post-war construction boom leading to a sharp increase in population and the expansion of residential neighborhoods.
• 1955: Ray Kroc opens the first franchised McDonald's restaurant here, marking a major milestone in global business history.
• 2000s: Launch of a large-scale program to revitalize the downtown area and modernize city infrastructure.
• 2011: Opening of the large Rivers Casino entertainment complex, attracting a new flow of tourists to the region.

Key Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Des Plaines is a journey from an agricultural community to a modern suburb with a thriving entertainment and logistics industry. Below are the key moments that defined the city's economic and urban landscape:

• The Floriculture Era ("City of Roses"). In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Des Plaines became the largest greenhouse center in the region. Growing flowers (especially carnations and roses) for the Chicago market formed the city's early economic base and secured its famous unofficial nickname.
• Attaining City Status (1925). The transition from a village administration to a city marked an increase in local self-governance. This allowed for the launch of large-scale projects such as street paving and the creation of centralized municipal services necessary for the growing population.
• Opening of the First Franchised McDonald’s (1955). Ray Kroc's launch of the restaurant on Lee Street did more than just create a local landmark; it forever etched Des Plaines into the history of global business as the birthplace of the world's most famous fast-food chain.
• Influence of O’Hare Airport. The expansion of the neighboring O’Hare International Airport in the second half of the 20th century became a powerful economic catalyst. The city transformed into a strategic hub for logistics companies, hotels, and corporate offices that value transportation accessibility.
• Integration into the Highway Network. The construction of the I-90 (Northwest Tollway) provided the city with a direct high-speed connection to the region. This stimulated an influx of business and turned Des Plaines into a convenient place to live for those working in different parts of the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Launch of Rivers Casino (2011). The opening of this modern entertainment complex was a turning point in the city's recent history. The casino quickly became one of the most profitable in the state, providing the municipal budget with significant tax revenue to fund infrastructure projects.
• Downtown Revitalization (Metropolitan Square). In the 2000s, city authorities implemented a strategy to create a multi-functional center. The construction of the Metropolitan Square complex, with residential apartments, shops, and public spaces, breathed new life into the business district, making it pedestrian-friendly.

Architectural Identity and Urban Planning

The architecture of Des Plaines illustrates the evolution of a typical American Midwest suburb: from 19th-century wooden craftsmanship to functional post-war developments and modern commercial complexes. The city lacks a single dominant style; instead, there is an eclectic mix of historic landmarks and a practical residential environment.

Historical Eras and Styles

The city's development can be traced through a succession of architectural trends corresponding to key growth stages:

• Late 19th Century: Vernacular Architecture and Victorian Style. The early period is represented by surviving wooden structures. A unique example is the Historic Methodist Campground, founded in 1860. The complex consists of more than 100 summer cottages built in a simplified Victorian style with characteristic gabled roofs and wooden decor.
• 1920s: Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival. The "Roaring Twenties" left the city its most recognizable landmark—the Des Plaines Theatre. Built in 1925, the building combines elements of Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco, standing out with its rich terra-cotta ornamentation and classic vertical neon sign.
• 1950s–1970s: Mid-Century Modern. The explosive population growth after World War II defined the look of the residential neighborhoods. The primary types of construction became Ranch-style and split-level homes. This is pragmatic architecture with a horizontal orientation, low roofs, and an emphasis on functionality, which shaped the cozy suburban landscape.
• 21st Century: Postmodernism and New Urbanism. The current stage of development is aimed at densifying the downtown area and creating multi-functional spaces. The Metropolitan Square complex demonstrates the "New Urbanism" approach, mimicking traditional urban development with shops on the ground floors and residential units above. The Rivers Casino building represents modern entertainment architecture, utilizing glass, metal, and lighting design.

Iconic Buildings That Shaped the City

Beyond residential housing, several key structures form the architectural framework of Des Plaines:

• Des Plaines Theatre: The main architectural focal point of downtown, recently restored to preserve its early 20th-century spirit.
• Methodist Campground: A historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its radial layout and vintage cottages create a unique architectural enclave within the modern city.
• Des Plaines Public Library: An example of modern public architecture, combining monumentality with open glass spaces.

Notable People of Des Plaines

The lives of many talented individuals who achieved success in sports, art, and business are connected to this city. Some were born here, while others spent their formative years in Des Plaines, leaving their mark on the city's history.

Business and Culture

• Ray Kroc — Entrepreneur. Although Kroc was not born in Des Plaines, his name is inextricably linked to the city. It was here in 1955 that he opened his first franchised McDonald's restaurant, which launched a global fast-food empire. Today, a replica museum of the first restaurant stands on that site.
• Robert Reed — Stage and Screen Actor. He gained the greatest fame for his role as the family patriarch Mike Brady in the iconic American sitcom "The Brady Bunch." Reed spent his youth in the region and was a graduate of the local Maine East High School.
• Steve Goodman — Folk Musician and Songwriter. A two-time Grammy Award winner and author of the famous song "City of New Orleans." Goodman attended Maine East High School alongside Hillary Clinton and began his creative journey performing at local venues.

Athletes

• Shawn Green — Baseball Player (MLB). A native of Des Plaines who became one of the most prominent Jewish baseball players in Major League history. A two-time All-Star and winner of the prestigious Gold Glove Award.
• Rick Zombo — Hockey Player (NHL). A professional defenseman who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League. Born in Des Plaines, he reached the pinnacle of his sporting career by winning the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997.
• Doug Betters — American Football Player (NFL). An outstanding defensive end who spent his entire professional career with the Miami Dolphins. In 1983, the Des Plaines native was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.