Wheaton, IL

Wheaton is a city located in Cook County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 76,815. Wheaton is home to Wheaton College and Norton Simon Museum.

Wheaton was founded in 1846 by Dr. Jesse Wheaton and Rev. Ezra Norton as a small farming community on the west side of Chicago. The city's name comes from Dr. Wheaton's first name and his home town in Massachusetts. In 1874, the Chicago & North Western Railway reached Wheaton, providing access to markets beyond Chicago for farmers and merchants in the new town. The railroad also brought jobs and residents to the growing city; by 1900, there were 1,500 people living in Wheaton.

Wheaton's growth continued through the early 20th century as new businesses and homes were built near the railroad tracks. In 1915, construction began on what would become Norton Simon Museum; when it was completed in 1922, it was one of America's most prestigious museums. The Great Depression hit Wheaton hard; by 1933 only 5 percent of households had electricity compared to 95 percent nationally. However, despite these challenges, Wheaton continued to grow steadily through World War II and into the postwar years as families moved into newly constructed homes near downtown and along major arterial roads such as Glen Ellyn Road and Belmont Avenue.

In recent decades however, growth has slowed considerably in Wheaton due to changing economic conditions nationwide; according to City data from 2009-2010 only 3 percent of households lived below poverty level while nationally that number was over 15 percent at that time (according to US Census Bureau). This slow growth has led some residents – including those who have lived in Wheaton for many years –to question whether or not the city can continue to support its large population without additional development or investment from businesses or government entities outside of its borders . Despite these challenges however , many residents remain optimistic about their city's future ; they believe that with continued investment from both business owners and government officials alike , Wheatons potential will be realized .