Oak Park, IL

Oak Park is a city located in Cook County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 73,815. Oak Park is home to the University of Chicago and its athletic facilities. The city has been cited as one of the most beautiful places to live in America.

Oak Park was founded in 1871 by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who purchased 640 acres (259 ha) from Henry B. Waring for $100 an acre ($2,000/ha). The town grew rapidly and was incorporated on April 4th 1875 with a population of 1,200 people. It was named after the oak trees that lined Main Street. Rockefeller donated land for churches and schools and financed many civic improvements such as streetlights and parks.

Today Oak Park is known for its beautiful architecture including Victorian homes, public buildings such as the library and conservatory built in 1895-1898 by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., and tree-lined streets that are reminiscent of a small town America. Many famous people have lived in Oak Park including Frank Lloyd Wright who designed several homes in the area including his own home which is now a museum; Mary Pickford; Douglas Fairbanks; Gloria Swanson; Lillian Gish; Edward Albee; James Dean; Milton Berle; Alan King; Jerry Lewis and Oprah Winfrey who grew up here.