History of Naperville, Illinois, USA

1854 - Napierville
Napierville, a thriving post-village, capital of Du Page co., Illinois, on Du Page river, about 30 miles W. S. W. from Chicago, 16 miles from the Illinois canal. It contains a court house and a number of churches, 1 bank, 2 newspaper offices, and several mills moved by water-power. Population in 1853, estimated at 2500.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Naperville
Na'perville, a post-village of Du Page co, Ill., in Naperville and Lisle townships, on the West Branch of the Du Page River, and on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, 30 miles W.S.W. of Chicago, and 9 miles E. of Aurora. Here is the Northwestern College, which was founded in 1861 by the Evangelical Association. Naperville contains also a normal school, which is a department of that college, a bank, a newspaper office, and 7 churches. Pop. in 1890, 2216.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Naperville, a banking city of Dupage co., Ill., on the West Branch of the Dupage River and on the Burlington Route, 9 miles E. of Aurora. Here is the Northwestern College, which was founded in 1861 by the Evangelical Association. Naperville has stone-quarries and manufactures of furniture and fly-nets. Pop. in 1900, 2629.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1946 - TRAIN WRECK DEATH TOLL AT 43. ENGINEER CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER.
Naperville, Ill., (AP) - Weary rescue workers Friday counted at least 43 dead in a terrific rear-end collision of the Burlington railroad's westbound fast Exposition Flyer and Advance Flyer Thursday.

Of 125 persons injured when the Exposition Flyer, speeding at more than 60 miles an hour toward San Francisco, rammed the stopped Advance Flyer, 31 remained in hospitals, some in critical condition. All but 5 of the dead had been identified.

The engineer of the Exposition Flyer, who Burlington railroad officials said had adequate warning that the preceding train had stopped, was charged with manslaughter. DuPage county officials said, however, this was a technicality to make certain the engineer would appear at an inquest and that no evidence of laxity had been uncovered.

The crash of the 2 steel car, diesel-powered trains occurred just 31 minutes after they left Chicago's Union station simultaneously at 12:35 p. m. CST on separate tracks, with the Advance Flyer, which ran on a... Read MORE...

Here's a mix of places to go and things to do in Naperville:
Riverwalk:

Start your exploration with a stroll along the Naperville Riverwalk. It's a beautiful stretch along the DuPage River, with bridges, fountains, and sculptures. Perfect for a relaxing walk or jog.

Naper Settlement:

Dive into the history of Naperville at Naper Settlement. This outdoor history museum features 30 historic buildings and structures that represent the town's development from the 19th century to the early 20th century.

Centennial Beach:

Cool off at Centennial Beach, a historic quarry turned swimming pool. It's a great place to relax by the water, and they often have events and live music during the summer.

DuPage Children's Museum:

If you have kids, this museum is a must-visit. It's interactive and educational, making learning a fun experience for children of all ages.

North Central College:

Check out events at North Central College. From sports games to concerts and theater productions, there's always something happening on... Read MORE...