A Petition To Be Annexed

Creators: Various
Source: Illinois Regional Archives Depository, Northeastern Illinois University (7/0005/05)

In 1886 residents and property owners of a square-mile section at the southeast corner of the Town of Jefferson petitioned to be annexed to the City of Chicago. The area, just northwest of Western and North Avenues, was already effectively settled as an extension of the north side of the city. The rest of Jefferson joined the city in the great annexations of 1889. Town of Jefferson Annexation Petition, 1886.

See also: Annexation; Harwood Heights, IL; Jefferson Park; Norridge, IL; Annexations and Additions (Map)

The Annexations of 1889

Creator: Chicago Daily News
Source: Newberry Library

In 1889 Chicago's area tripled with the annexation of the villages of Lake View, Jefferson, and Hyde Park, as well as the Town of Lake. The existing municipal governments in these areas were dissolved, and their records turned over to the city. While a majority of the voters of these four areas approved annexation, municipal office holders were generally among the "antis." Some of those opposed to annexation were temperance advocates who feared that their locale would no longer be dry after joining Chicago. "Hyde Park Will Come In," Chicago Daily News, 29 June 1889.

See also: Annexation; Governing the Metropolis; Home Rule; Prohibition and Temperance; Annexations and Additions (Map)

Evanston

Creator: Chicago Daily News
Source: Newberry Library

Evanston grew by annexing North Evanston in 1874, and South Evanston in 1892, and resisted an attempt to be annexed to Chicago in 1904. The Daily News account of the 1892 vote suggests that, in addition to material questions of taxation and provision of municipal services, local and class identities may have entered into voters' decision-making. Many students at Northwestern University opposed annexation, fearing that Evanston's growth would dilute its identity as a college town. "Voting on Annexation," Chicago Daily News, 20 February 1892.

See also: Evanston, IL; Northwestern University; Political Culture; Taxation and Finance; Universities and Their Cities

Hinsdale and Burr Ridge

Creator: Hinsdale Citizens League
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-37965)

With rapid population growth in DuPage County after World War II, new subdivisions incorporated and municipalities, and many municipalities sought to expand their boundaries. The Hinsdale village board approved annexing Burr Ridge in April 1961, but the annexation required the agreement of voters at an August referendum. The board argued that the annexation was necessary to control future development, that the small population of Burr Ridge would not dilute the voice of existing Hinsdale residents, and that approval would guarantee the future annexation of an otherwise noncontiguous property owned by International Harvester. Although voters rejected the plan, in subsequent years both Hinsdale and Burr Ridge succeeded in their own aggressive annexations of adjoining territory as they sought to control and benefit from economic development. "Let's Look at the Facts . . . about Burr Ridge," c.1961.

See also: Burr Ridge, IL; Contested Spaces; DuPage County; Hinsdale, IL; Land Use