West Point, IL

West Point is a small town located in Mc Henry County, Illinois. The population was 2,811 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Crystal Lake, IL- Mc Henry County, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The town was founded in 1836 and named for General George Washington's headquarters during the American Revolutionary War. The first settler in West Point was John W. Brown who built a cabin on what is now known as Brown's Hill. In 1839, James Sibley settled near Brown's Hill and platted out what would become the town of West Point.

In 1841, West Point became an incorporated village with a population of about 150 people. The first mayor of West Point was Joseph Cogswell who served from 1840 to 1842. In 1850, the population of West Point had grown to 350 and by 1860 it had reached 500 people.

During the Civil War, many men from West Point enlisted in the Union Army to fight against Confederate forces. Among these men were Captain John Averell Harney and First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing who both later became generals in the Union Army during the Civil War.

After the Civil War ended, growth continued in West Point as new businesses were established and homes were built for new residents. By 1880, the population of West Point had reached 1,000 people and by 1900 it had reached 1,500 people.

In 1920, electric lights were installed throughout town and this helped spur even more growth in WestPoint as businesses began to open late into night due to increased tourism opportunities associated with having electric lights downtown.. By 1930, there were 3 hotels operating in downtown WestPoint: The Hotel Crystal Lake (now closed), The Hotel Mc Henry (now closed), and The Park Inn by Radisson (now closed).

The Great Depression hit west point hard however; by 1940 only 1 hotel remained open: The Hotel Mc Henry which was now owned by Frank Janssens Sr.. However despite these tough times there was still growth; by 1950 there were 5 hotels operating in downtown west point: The Hotel Crystal Lake (now closed), The Park Inn by Radisson (now closed),The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Crystal Lake North (opened 1990),The Hampton Inn & Suites Crystal Lake North (opened 1990),and Best Western Plus Mc Henry Valley Lodge (opened 1992).

Today west point is a thriving small town that continues to grow thanks to its location close to major cities such as Chicago and Rockford but also because it retains its small-town feel with friendly locals that are always willing help out when needed!