Elgin is a city in the state of Illinois situated on the Fox River 64km or 40 miles northwest of Chicago. It is situated within the northern region of the state of Illinois. Most of the city is located in the County of Kane and a part of Elgin crosses over into Cook County. Elgin City had a total population of 108,188 according to the 2010 census, making it the 241st biggest U.S. city and the 8th biggest in the state of Illinois.
Prior to the Black Hawk Indian War of the year 1821, the region was settled by Native American tribes. Following the war, the area began to see more settlers. Two brothers from New York, James T. Gifford and Hezekiah Gifford, established the city of Elgin during the month of April of 1835. They named it after the Scottish hymn, "Song of Elgin." During 1849, the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad entered the city. Elgin is where the leading producer of watches within the United States, the Elgin Watch Company is located.
The city of Elgin was among the only northern Illinois cities to feature a riverboat casino during the 1990s. Though the Grand Victoria Casino generated controversy initially, it has grown to be a proven source of income for the city. As of March the year 2005, the casino has been drawing about 4 million individuals each year, making it the 5th most popular tourist spot within Illinois. The Grand Victoria Foundation offers to nonprofit societies in the city of Elgin, community grants. The casino has contributed an amount in excess of $116.
The city of Elgin has a significant Laotian American community since the city of Elgin has been the sister city of Vientiane, Laos' capital ever since the year 1967. Lots of Laotian Americans have opened up shops and restaurants contributing to the cultural diversity of Elgin.
There are numerous playgrounds and parks within the city of Elgin like Wright Avenue park, Zayres Park, Channing Park and Wing Park. There are hours of leisure time available at the Elgin Shores County Forest Preserve and the Poplar Creek County Forest Preserve. Other locations to go see comprise the Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum, the Elgin Area Historical Society Museums and the Elgin Public Museum.
The city has many retail and shopping establishments, such as the Summit Square Shopping Center, the Wing Park Manor Shopping Center, Town and Country Plaza Shopping Center, Clock Tower Plaza Shopping Center, Tyler Creek Plaza Shopping Center and Fox River Plaza Shopping Center.
Lords Park is a fantastic place that sprawls over 112 acres and features a herd of American bison, a petting zoo and the Elgin Public Museum. Wing Park is an impressive 121 acres and consists of a golf course. There are numerous golf courses like the Elgin Country Club, the Bowes Creek Country Club and the Highlands of Elgin.
The Centre of Elgin is amongst the country's and region's biggest municipal recreation centers. It houses an aquatic park and a climbing wall, among other features. The Elgin Sports Complex located on the City's Southwest side provides 10 lighted ball fields, The Hill BMX track and 10 soccer fields. The Complex hosts numerous national, local and regional tournaments each and every year.