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Elgin, Illinois

Located in Kane County, Illinois, Elgin was established in 1835. The Elgin Watch Company produced over 60 million watches during its 104-year history. The Elgin Butter Board once set butter prices for the entire nation.
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Founded 1835 | Population 115,100 | Peak 115,100 (2024) | County Kane County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Elgin, Illinois

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1835Founded on Fox River: Settlement at Fox River crossing northwest of Chicago.
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1864Elgin Watch Company: National Watch Company makes Elgin 'Watch City'; produces millions of watches over century.
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1910Dairy Industry Peak: Elgin Butter Board sets national butter prices.
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1968Watch Factory Closes: Elgin National Watch Company ceases production after 104 years.
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2000Chicago Suburban Growth: Hispanic immigration and suburban expansion drive growth.
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2020Diverse Modern City: Elgin is one of most diverse communities in Illinois.
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Latest News in Elgin

Feb 20, 2026
They’ve Won $288 Million From The Lottery But The State Won’t Pay Them
Winning the lottery has been the dream for many, and in Illinois, lottery winners are hitting the jackpot.

Complete Historical Timeline

1835 Culture
Founded on Fox River
1864 Industry
Elgin Watch Company
1910 Business
Dairy Industry Peak
1968 Industry
Watch Factory Closes
2000 Business
Chicago Suburban Growth
2020 Culture
Diverse Modern City

Did You Know?

1
The Elgin Watch Company produced over 60 million watches during its 104-year history.
2
The Elgin Butter Board once set butter prices for the entire nation.
3
Today Elgin is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Illinois.
4
Elgin is located in Kane County, Illinois.
5
Elgin was founded in 1835.

Famous People from Elgin, Illinois

BB
Bruce Boxleitner
Actor, Voice Actor · Born May 12, 1950 · Age 75
DO
David Otunga
Actor, Lawyer · Born Apr 7, 1980 · Age 45
JG
Jim Gaffigan
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jul 7, 1966 · Age 59
DM
Donella Meadows
Writer, Teacher · Born Mar 13, 1941 · Died Feb 20, 2001 (age 59)
PF
Peter Fitzgerald
Lawyer, Politician · Born Oct 20, 1960 · Age 65
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