The history of West Chicago’s street names mirrors the town’s journey from a railroad hub to a thriving suburb. Early names celebrated the railroads that gave life to the community, while later changes reflected a growing identity and honored influential citizens. Each name offers a glimpse into the town’s past and its evolving character.

Early Street Names: A Tribute to the Railroads

When John B. Turner, president of the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad, platted the Town of Junction in 1855, he honored the railroads that had transformed the area.

Streets were named after the G&CU’s projected terminal cities: Chicago, Fulton, and Galena.
Depot Street, now known as Main Street, centered around the town’s bustling railroad operations.
Center Street was aptly named for its location within the plat.
North Street, which marked the original northern boundary, was later renamed Washington Street.

These names reflected the town’s identity as a transportation hub and its close ties to the railroad industry.

North Street, now W. Washington Street, look towards the tracks from Main Street and Washington, c1925

Expanding the Grid: McConnell’s Contribution

In 1857, Dr. Joseph & Mary McConnell added a second plat to the town, naming it the Town of Turner in honor of John B. Turner’s contributions. This expansion extended the street grid northward, though the sources don’t detail the specific names introduced at that time, we do know that Sophia was named for the McConnell’s niece and is pronounced with a long “i” sound. At some time Arbor Avenue was named to reflect the city’s commitment to trees throughout the city. As new subdivisions were added, the town continued to grow, creating a more comprehensive network of streets to accommodate the expanding population.

Modernizing for a Growing Suburb

By the early 20th century, West Chicago had grown beyond its railroad roots, and some of the original street names began to feel outdated or confusing. In 1930, the city council launched an effort to modernize the town’s streets, renaming several key thoroughfares:

Depot Street became Main Street, reflecting its role as the commercial center of the town.
Railroad Street was renamed Hillview Avenue, possibly inspired by the town’s elevated location in the township.
North Street, no longer marking the northern boundary, became Washington Street, aligning with the national trend of using presidential names.

Depot Street c1910, now the 100 block of Main Street

A year later, in 1931, Maple Street was renamed Neltnor Boulevard to honor John C. Neltnor, a respected resident who served as a merchant, publisher, and postmaster. While the “boulevard” designation might have been aspirational, the renaming was a testament to the community’s appreciation for Neltnor’s contributions. Today most people refer to this very busy north south road through town just as Route 59.

A Logical Approach: The 1930 House Numbering System

In addition to renaming streets, West Chicago implemented a new house numbering system in 1930. Under the old system, consecutive numbers ran along streets without regard to blocks, creating confusion. The new system, designed by Superintendent of Public Works Frank E. Schacht, assigned numbers by the hundreds for each block, creating a more organized and permanent addressing method. This has caused some confusion in historical records as addresses where changed for example from 32 Depot Street to 124 Main Street in the historical record.

Forgotten Names and Lost History

Not all street names have endured. Over time, some names from the town’s early plats have disappeared, their histories fading into obscurity. While the sources always don’t detail these lost names, further research into old maps and property records can provide valuable insights into this forgotten chapter of West Chicago’s history.

A Legacy in Every Name

The evolution of West Chicago’s street names reflects the town’s transformation over time. From railroad-inspired beginnings to modern suburban designations, these names tell the story of a community adapting to growth and change. Each street, whether honoring the town’s industrial roots or influential figures, serves as a reminder of the people and events that shaped West Chicago.

Visit the museum to learn more about the stories behind the names and the history they represent.

From Depot Street to Neltnor Boulevard: A History of Street Names in West Chicago