Calumet City

Calumet City Municipal Water Report Info

As Calumet City enters the 21st century, it's appropriate to reflect on its vibrant history. The region's earliest inhabitants were semi-nomadic peoples who migrated from Asia across what is now the submerged Bering Strait land bridge. These indigenous groups traveled through the area while moving toward warmer climates. Even today, artifacts such as arrowheads are discovered in Green Lake Woods (opposite River Oaks Mall) and Wentworth Woods.

Memories of the former "Town of West Hammond" include everything from community-spirited residents to bootleggers who defied prohibition by operating speakeasies along State Street. Calumet City was influenced by key figures including the pioneering Schrum Family, health advocate Faith Bailey, and even notorious 1920s crime boss Al Capone.

Calumet City evolved significantly in land development, construction, public safety and industry. In the early 1900s, population more than doubled, with builders struggling to meet housing demand. Land was acquired for the two-story brick building that still serves as City Hall today. Water infrastructure expanded with mains and hydrants installed on nearly every street, alongside wooden sidewalks. A second fire department was established to protect the entire area, and perhaps the most significant improvement was the construction of an electric plant providing street and incandescent lighting.

Following the devastating 1901 fire that destroyed West Hammond's primary industry, the G.H. Hammond Meat Packing Plant, other businesses emerged to fill the economic void, including Hirsch Stein Starch Company, Bernard J Burczyk's Printing Company, and West Hammond Brewing Company.

Today, Calumet City features a renovated City Hall, a major South Suburban shopping center, modern Library and Police facilities, two Fire Departments, quality public schools, civic organizations offering community outreach, and numerous businesses contributing to the city's vitality. Now in its 123rd year, Calumet City maintains strong ethnic, racial and cultural diversity, learning from its past while embracing a fresh, vibrant vision for the future.