Cicero, IL : Interesting Facts, Famous Monuments & Information | What is Cicero, IL known for
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 14 Jun, 2023
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Welcome to our blog post on Cicero, Illinois! Nestled in the heart of Cook County, Cicero is a vibrant town that holds a treasure trove of history, culture, and unique attractions.
With a rich past and a bustling present, Cicero offers a captivating blend of landmarks, events, and stories that make it a fascinating destination to explore. In this article, we’ll delve into some interesting facts about Cicero, highlight its famous monuments, and provide you with essential information to discover what this town is truly known for. Whether you’re a local resident or a curious traveler, get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Cicero, IL!
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Cicero City
1. Cicero is one of the oldest incorporated townships in the United States, tracing its roots back to 1849.
2. Cicero is home to the oldest continually operating movie theater in Illinois, the Tivoli Theater, which was established in 1917.
3. The original Stickney-Forest View Public Library, founded in 1910, was the first library in the state of Illinois to be approved to receive county tax funds.
4. From 1880 to 1950, Cicero was an important location on the old Monon railroad, with a roundhouse and more than a dozen rail lines passing through.
5. Big Joe Turner, the blues singer who wrote the well-known song “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” was born in Cicero in 1911.
6. The popular motion picture classic The Blues Brothers (1980) was filmed partially in Cicero.
7. The Town of Cicero is renowned as the unofficial home of Italian-Americans in the Chicagoland area and is home to Johnny’s Italian Sausage & Deli, which has been a local institution since 1928.
8. Cicero is designed to serve as a regional hub with easy access to Chicago, the suburbs, and several freeways, making it a convenient spot for business meetings and events.
9. The town is home to the well-known Cicero Public Safety Facility, which houses police and fire personnel, as well as the headquarters of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police.
10. The annual Cicero Fest celebrates the town’s vibrant history and culture with music, food, entertainment, a car show, carnival rides, and more.
What is Cicero City is Known For
Cicero, Illinois is known as the “City of Pride and Progress”. The city is located in Cook County, Illinois, just outside Chicago and is one of the most populated towns in Illinois. Cicero is known for its vibrant music scene, its multi-cultural population, and its many historic sites. Some of the most popular attractions in Cicero are the Cicero Historical Society Museum, the Cicero Public Library, and the North Cicero Avenue Historic District. Cicero is also home to many businesses, as well as the famous Hawthorne Race Course.
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History & Information About Cicero City
Cicero is a suburb of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois. The population was 83,891 at the last census in 2010. It was founded in 1849 and officially incorporated as a city in 1901. It is surrounded by Berwyn, Oak Park, and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. The town is named after Marcus Cicero, the great Roman Statesman and Philosopher.
Cicero has a rich history that spans over a century. It has several sites in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Lavergne Hotel, the Hawley Mansion, St. Mary’s Hospital, the Frederick Storer House, the Kirby House, and the Coddington Mansion.
Cicero is home to some of the best schools in the state, such as Lincoln Elementary School and Morton West High School. It is also home to one of the largest and oldest festivals in the Midwest- the Cicero Fest. Cicero Fest is held in the month of July and celebrates the culture and history of the town.
Cicero is a great place to live, work, and play. It is close to downtown Chicago, yet still affordable with plenty of amenities. The town has plenty of parks and recreational activities to enjoy, as well as great shopping and dining. Cicero is a wonderful place to call home!
Best Famous Monuments & Historical Buildings in Cicero City
Cicero, IL is home to many historical monuments and buildings, each of which is as unique and beautiful as the city itself. Here are some of the best and most famous monuments and buildings that have made Cicero such a great place to live and visit.
1. The Chicago Portage National Historic Site – This site showcases a two-mile portage, or land bridge, connecting the Chicago and Des Plaines Rivers. This area served as the gateway for early European explorers and traders to the interior of the continent. It has been named a National Historic Landmark and is an incredible reminder of this city’s early history.
2. The Berry Memorial Library – Established in 1969, this library was funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. It houses a great collection of books, magazines, and other materials about the security of historic and architectural preservation, with a special focus on the history of Cicero.
3. The National Shrine of St. Thecla – This beautiful shrine was completed in 1953 and was made in honor of Pope Pius XII. It is a beautiful reminder of the Catholic faith’s presence in Cicero and the surrounding area.
4. The Sicilian American Heritage Museum – Founded in 2004, this museum documents and celebrates the ethnic heritage of the Sicilian immigrants who first settled in Cicero in the late 19th century. It contains a large collection of artifacts and photographs.
5. The Unitarian Church – This church was established in 1985 and is a wonderful example of historic architecture in the city. It’s an important part of the city’s history and an incredible reminder of the diverse cultural background of the citizens of Cicero.
These are just a few of the amazing monuments and historical buildings that have made Cicero such an amazing place to live and visit. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’ll definitely appreciate the history and beauty of these amazing structures.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Cicero City
Cicero, Illinois is a vibrant and vibrant town located in Cook County, bordering the city of Chicago. It is an ideal spot for tourists looking to explore the culture and history of the city while enjoying many of its attractions. Here is a travel guide for Cicero, IL, offering some of the city’s best attractions, activities and restaurants.
Getting There: Cicero is located about nine miles west of Chicago and is easily accessible by car. It is served by the Chicago Transit Authority, which offers bus and elevated train services. Additionally, Metra provides commuter rail services between O’Hare International Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago.
Attractions: The town of Cicero is home to many historic landmarks. These include the nationally-registered landmark, Congress Plaza, as well as the lesser known sites like the Old Chicago Times Building and the John C. Smith House. You’ll also find the Cicero Town Hall, built in 1921 and home to a variety of art galleries. All of these sites add to the city’s cultural heritage.
Activities: There are numerous parks and outdoor attractions spread throughout Cicero, allowing visitors to explore the city in all its beauty. The Cicero Parks and Recreation Center is a great place to start your adventure, offering a variety of sports activities and playgrounds. Other parks include Cicero Park, Robert R. Williams Park, and Aloft Park.
Dining: The city of Cicero has plenty of diverse dining options to choose from. For Italian fare, be sure to check out La Casa Bianca and Lucano’s. Other cuisines include Greek and Italian, with Greek restaurants like Mykonos and Marri’s Mediterranean Cuisine & Bar.
Shopping: Cicero has a variety of shopping options for visitors to enjoy. For those looking for more traditional shopping experiences, Stern’s Market offers a variety of gifts, home items, and toys. Other stores include Cicero Sports & Hobby, where you can buy a variety of sports and hobby items, as well as Cicero Antiques, which offers a wide selection of classic and antique items.
Events: A variety of events take place in Cicero throughout the year. Highlights include Cicero’s Summerfest, held in August, the Cicero Christmas Parade, and the Cicero High School Homecoming. If you’re looking for a more one-of-a-kind event, check out the Cicero Horror Film Festival, an annual celebration of the horror genre.