Aurora
Illinois
City Of Aurora
Joseph McCarty, a pioneer from New York State, came west seeking a new home. Reaching the Fox Valley, he built the first campfire in April of 1834 on the island, which is now the site of downtown Aurora. He thought that the Fox River location was an ideal place for a new community and told his brother, Samuel. It was not long before Samuel arrived, family was sent for, and a permanent settlement was taking roots. The settlement was named McCarty mills for the brothers' grist mill and sawmill. In 1837, when a Post Office was established, the village became Aurora, goddess of the dawn. Later, when the City was the first in the United States to use electric lights for publicly lighting the entire City, it achieved the nickname of "City of Lights". The modest camp of 1834 has grown into a teeming city. With a population of 157,267 according to 2003 special census, the City has steadily grown throughout the years to become the second largest city in the state.
The City is accessible through five interchanges on the East/West Tollway Corridor. Corporate offices and commercial growth on the City's east and west sides continue to expand the City's boundaries, now stretching from Route 59 on the east to portions beyond Orchard Road on the west. The Far East Side of the City includes the regional Westfield Shoppingtown at Fox Valley (formerly known as Fox Valley Mall) and residential areas and is projected to house 60,000 people within the next twenty years. The City extends into four counties, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and Will. There are six school districts and seven townships covered within the city limits. There are four historic districts and a large number of individual landmark designations for many of the City's buildings.The City of Aurora is rich in history and pride. The future for the "City of Lights" looks bright as the community continues to grow and prosper.
Recent News
Aurora Festival of Lights Drive-Thru Returns for 17th Year
A mile of sparking lights! A month of magical nights! The Aurora Festival of Lights – the largest free outdoor drive-thru holiday light display in the region - returns for its 17th year with dazzling displays that will delight children…
Read More »October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year's theme is 'Secure Our World.' Celebrating its 20th anniversary, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a dedicated time to provide the public with information needed to stay…
Read More »11th Annual Fiestas Patrias Festival Attracts Top Performers to RiverEdge Park
International Sensation Los Tucanes de Tijuana Set to Headline Aurora, IL - The City of Aurora’s Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board, in conjunction with the City of Aurora and RiverEdge Park, are excited to announce that the 11th annual…
Read More »2023 Aurora Memorial Day Parade
AURORA MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: REMEMBRANCE & RESPECT Aurora will celebrate the 155th anniversary of Memorial Day during the 2023 Aurora Memorial Day Parade. The parade is held in honor of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price and…
Read More »28 Food Trucks in Downtown Aurora on Friday, May 5, 2023
28 Food Trucks in Downtown Aurora on Friday! 28 FOOD TRUCKS will be in downtown Aurora this Friday for the annual FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL hosted by Aurora Downtown! Get ready to taste some of the most delicious food truck cuisines from around the area!…
Read More »City Of Aurora News - Shamrock The Block In Downtown Aurora This Weekend
Inaugural St. Patrick's Day Procession and Annual Irish Flag Raising Ceremony in Downtown Aurora Aurora, Illinois - Aurora will shamrock the block this weekend at its inaugural Aurora St. Patrick’s Day Procession and second annual Irish…
Read More »City Of Aurora News : Inaugural St. Patrick's Day Procession And Annual Irish Flag Raising Ceremony
Paint the city green at the inaugural Aurora St. Patrick’s Day Procession and Ceremony at noon on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in downtown Aurora. Sponsored by the Dolan Family, in collaboration with the City of Aurora, the celebration will…
Read More »City Of Aurora -4th Anniversary of the Henry Pratt Tragedy
The City of Aurora will commemorate the 4th anniversary of the Henry Pratt tragedy by honoring the five men who lost their lives, and all of those whose lives were forever changed on that fateful day. During the In Memoriam Tribute, moments of…
Read More »City Of Aurora : Black History Month in Aurora
From the first Black settlers in Aurora just prior to the Civil War to the contemporary Black leaders of the state's second-largest city, the story of Aurora’s Black community is intrinsically interwoven into the story of the City of Lights.…
Read More »City Of Aurora - The Passing Of An Aurora Icon And Institution
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Fred Rodgers. A fierce champion and advocate for youth, he died early Saturday morning. The City of Aurora’s first-ever Youth Services Director, Fred served our community in that…
Read More »City Of Aurora - Free Sports Saturdays for Elementary Students
The Fox Valley Park District, Fox Valley Park Foundation, and the City of Aurora collaborate to host free SPORTS SATURDAYS for elementary students every Saturday through March 25. Sports Saturdays provide a supervised environment for children…
Read More »City Of Aurora News - East Aurora Superintendent to Receive Top Heritage Award
East Aurora Superintendent to Receive Top Heritage Award She is the first woman to serve as superintendent of the state’s first public school district and has led the charge that has resulted in significant positive changes in less than…
Read More »Retiring Waubonsee College President To Be Honored By City Of Aurora
Mayor Richard C. Irvin and the Aurora City Council will honor tomorrow Dr. Christine Sobek as she prepares to retire this week as president of Waubonsee Community College. The award-winning post-secondary education leader will be feted at the…
Read More »City Of Aurora - Free Christmas Tree Recycling To Begin January 9
AURORA, ILLINOIS - Help the environment by making sure your real Christmas tree is reused as mulch and isn’t taken to a landfill. Beginning Monday, January 9, real Christmas trees will be picked up for free during weekly trash and recycling…
Read More »City Of Aurora : Christmas Weekend At The Aurora Festival Of Lights
The weather outside is frightful. But the lights are so delightful. Gather the family, and let’s go, let’s go, let’s go! After days of drifting snow, frigid temperatures, and high winds, all light displays have been assessed and…
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