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Aurora, Illinois: From Frontier Settlement to “City of Lights”

Early Foundations (1830s–1840s)

Aurora’s story began in 1834, when brothers Samuel and Joseph McCarty settled along the Fox River, recognizing its potential for powering mills. They established a grist and sawmill, and the settlement became known as McCarty’s Mill, attracting more families and eventually becoming a key stop on stagecoach routes west of Chicago. 

In 1835, Joseph McCarty formally platted the town, selling lots at modest prices to encourage development. Textile manufacturing by settlers like Joseph Stolp helped shape the early economy. s In 1837, a post office was installed, and the name Aurora—inspired by the Roman goddess of dawn—was adopted after another local name was already taken. 

Two Towns Become One (1845–1857)

By 1845, East Aurora incorporated. A decade later, in 1854, West Aurora followed suit. Tensions between the two were considerable, particularly over where civic buildings should be located. The ingenious solution? Placing them on Stolp Island, a central location in the Fox River between the two sides. In 1857, the two communities unified to form the modern City of Aurora.

Manufacturing and the Railroad Boom (mid‑1800s–early 1900s)

Aurora’s booming growth was fueled by industry and railroads. In 1855, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) moved its railcar repair headquarters here, becoming Aurora’s largest employer for over a century.The river powered early mills, while the railroad solidified Aurora as an economic anchor for the Fox Valley.

The “City of Lights” (1881 onward)

Aurora earned its nickname—and later its motto—as the “City of Lights” by becoming one of the first U.S. cities to light its streets with electricity in 1881.

Progressive and Diverse Roots

Aurora demonstrated progressive values early on: in 1851, it established Illinois’s first free public school district, and in 1855, a high school for girls. The city welcomed a wide range of religious denominations and supported social welfare movements such as the YWCA in 1893. It also supported abolitionism before the Civil War and later saw migration from Mexican communities, particularly after 1910.

Historic Neighborhoods & Architecture

• The West Side Historic District—with nearly 100 buildings—showcases diverse architectural styles including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Prairie School, and Italianate. Many homes belonged to Aurora’s elite industrialists and civic leaders.

• Other architectural highlights include the now-demolished Masonic Temple (1924), once a striking Classical Revival building, and renovated structures like the Paramount Theatre (1931), an Art Deco gem still hosting performances today.

• The Two Brothers Roundhouse, originally built in 1856 for the CB&Q Railroad, was later reborn as a vibrant entertainment venue and restaurant. Now home to Two Brothers Brewing, it’s recognized as the oldest limestone roundhouse in the U.S.

• The LaSalle Street Auto Row Historic District preserves early 20th-century commercial architecture and underscores Aurora’s once-bustling automotive marketplace.

The 20th Century: Prosperity, Decline, and Revitalization

Aurora’s industrial heyday extended into the mid-20th century. But by the 1970s, with rail yards closing and manufacturing shifting, the city faced economic decline and unemployment rates of up to 16% by 1980. 

In response, the city pursued revitalization through downtown redevelopment, including riverboat casinos, entertainment venues, and mixed-use developments that created thousands of jobs. 

A New Dawn: Present-Day and Future Promise

Today, Aurora enjoys a strong economy and received a AA+ bond rating from Standard & Poor’s, reflecting its fiscal health. The downtown core is undergoing a renaissance—new condos, a Waubonsee Community College campus, and plans for a hotel, convention center, and other venues are revitalizing the area.

Parks & Culture: Community Anchors

• Phillips Park, donated in 1899 by Mayor Travis Phillips, remains a community centerpiece. Its attractions include a zoo (since 1915) and “Mastodon Lake,” named after prehistoric fossils uncovered during 1930s-era Works Progress Administration expansions.

• Aurora also hosts one of the nation’s largest collections of Sears kit homes, showcases rich architectural heritage, and celebrates culture at venues like the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum.

Local Perspective

Residents often highlight the charm of downtown Aurora, with its historic architecture, bike trails, and growing cultural scene:

“Historic buildings with fantastic architecture… Aurora is trying really hard to make this a destination place and they’re doing a great job.”
“Downtown Aurora … is getting pretty nice with lots of bars and restaurants and other things to do (shows at the Paramount… concerts at the Riversedge Park…).”

Summary

From its humble origins as McCarty’s Mill through its industrial boom, reputation as the City of Lights, and present-day revival, Aurora’s narrative is one of resilience and reinvention. With its rich heritage, vibrant downtown, cultural landmarks, and strong future outlook, Aurora continues to shine brightly in the heart of Illinois.