Geneva, IL

The Fabyan Forest Preserve

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Explore the Fox Valley!

Algonquin
Aurora
Batavia
Bolingbrook
Crystal Lake
Elgin
Elmhurst
Fox Lake
Geneva
Huntley
Naperville
North Aurora
Oswego
St. Charles
Sandwich
Sugar Grove
West Chicago
West Dundee
Yorkville

Located about 40 miles west of Chicago, Geneva is situated in the heart of the Fox River Valley. It would be a difficult task today to stand along the banks of the Fox River and try to imagine the Native Americans that populated this beautiful and peaceful valley for over nine centuries. And yet it is true. Most area residents are familiar with Pottawatomie Park, yet may not be aware of the fact that the Geneva area was inhabited by the Illinois and Prairie Pottawatomie tribes during the 17th, 18th and early 19th Centuries.

In 1833, the settlement was referred to as Big Spring.  But in 1835, the influential James and Charity Herrington moved here and the names Herrington's Ford and La Fox were used.  Another name, Campbell Ford, was also suggested (after then county commissioners James Campbell and Thomas Ford), but Geneva was ultimately selected and the name has remained.  As happens with many towns, the coming of the railroad - in 1853 - placed Geneva on the main passenger line and literally on the map, establishing a permanent relationship with Chicago that has been bringing the well-to-do city folks to an idyllic community and country folks to the city for over 150 years.
 

Geneva's rich and storied past is full of history that includes names like the Butter and Cheese Manufacturing Company, Bennett Mill, Howell Company and the Charles Pope Glucose Company  - to name only a few. Swedish immigrants have played a major role in Geneva's past and present; an annual Swedish Days Festival is tribute to that, there other ethnic groups contributed as well.  Today Geneva offers a vast array of opportunities for shopping, dining and lodging as well as being a city of choice in which to live, work and raise a family.  Come to Geneva for any reason, and you will easily see why it has been a destination of choice for many, from proud Native Americans to today's residents.