Justice, IL
County: Cook
History
Justice, Illinois is a village located in Cook County, in the northeastern part of the state. It is a suburb of Chicago and is situated about 14 miles southwest of downtown Chicago.
The area where Justice is now located was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Potawatomi and the Illinois tribes, who were part of the larger Algonquin Native American nation. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile soil for farming.
Justice was officially incorporated as a village in 1911. The village's name is said to have been inspired by one of the early settlers, David Justice Cobb, who owned a large tract of land in the area.
In the early years, Justice was primarily an agricultural community, with farms and orchards dotting the landscape. The village slowly grew in population, especially after the opening of the nearby Illinois and Michigan Canal in the 1840s and the construction of rail lines in the late 19th century. These transportation networks brought increased economic opportunities and development to the area.
Over time, Justice experienced the typical suburbanization that many communities surrounding Chicago faced. The village saw significant residential growth in the mid-20th century, as people sought more affordable housing options outside of the city. Today, Justice is primarily a residential community, with a mix of housing options ranging from single-family homes to multi-unit buildings.
In terms of notable historical events, Justice doesn't have any significant events specific to its history. However, as a suburb of Chicago, the village has been influenced by the larger historical events and trends of the region. This includes the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which left a lasting impact on the entire metropolitan area, including the development of newer, more fire-resistant building materials.
In recent years, Justice has focused on economic development, attracting businesses to the area and improving its infrastructure. The village continues to thrive as a close-knit community with a mix of residents looking to enjoy suburban living while having easy access to the opportunities and amenities of Chicago.
Overall, the history of Justice, Illinois showcases its evolution from a rural farming community to a residential suburb, shaped by the larger historical events and trends of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Attractions
Justice, Illinois is a small village located southwest of Chicago. While it may not have many major tourist attractions within its borders, there are several nearby places of interest that visitors can explore. Here are some attractions you can visit near Justice:
Brookfield Zoo
Located in nearby Brookfield, this renowned zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. It offers a variety of exhibits, shows, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Toyota Park
This multi-purpose stadium in nearby Bridgeview is the home of the Chicago Fire soccer team. It also hosts concerts, sporting events, and other performances throughout the year.
Hawthorne Race Course
Situated in Cicero, this thoroughbred horse racing track offers live horse racing, simulcast racing, and various dining options. It is a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts.
SeatGeek Stadium
Formerly known as Toyota Park, this outdoor stadium hosts various events such as concerts, soccer matches, and rugby games. It is located in Bridgeview, not too far from Justice.
The Morton Arboretum
Just a short drive away in Lisle, this expansive 1,700-acre botanical garden features beautiful displays of trees and plants, along with hiking trails, multiple gardens, and art exhibitions.
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Located in Darien, this forest preserve offers picturesque hiking and biking trails. It is known for its scenic waterfall, stunning landscapes, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Although it's a bit further away in downtown Chicago, the Art Institute is certainly worth a visit. It houses a vast collection of artworks from different periods and cultures, including famous pieces like Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Van Gogh's "The Bedroom".
These are just a few attractions near Justice, Illinois that visitors can explore to make the most of their trip to the area.
Climate
Justice, Illinois has a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The village experiences all four seasons distinctively.
Summers in Justice are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s °F (around 30 °C) to low 90s °F (around 32-35 °C) in July and August. However, heatwaves can bring temperatures above 90 °F (32 °C) for extended periods. Humidity can make the summer weather feel even hotter. Thunderstorms are common during this season, providing some relief from the heat.
Autumn in Justice brings mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s °F (around 15-18 °C) to low 70s °F (around 21-24 °C). The region experiences beautiful fall foliage as the leaves change color. Rainfall also tends to increase during this season.
Winters in Justice are cold, generally starting in December and lasting until February. Average high temperatures during this time range from the mid-30s °F (around 0-4 °C) to low 40s °F (around 4-7 °C). Snowfall is common, with an average annual accumulation of around 35 inches. Cold snaps can bring temperatures below freezing, and frigid winds from the northwest are not uncommon.
Spring in Justice is a transitional season, with temperatures gradually warming up. Average high temperatures range from the low 50s °F (around 10 °C) to mid-60s °F (around 17-19 °C) in April and May. Rainfall tends to be moderate during this season as well.
Overall, Justice, Illinois experiences a range of temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year, allowing residents to enjoy the distinctiveness of each season.
Neighborhoods
Justice is a village located in Cook County, Illinois, United States. Although it is a relatively small community, it is divided into a few distinct neighborhoods.
Bedford Park
This neighborhood is situated towards the southern part of Justice and is mostly industrial. It is home to several warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers.
Justice City Center
This neighborhood is the central hub of the village and is where you will find the village hall, library, and most of the commercial establishments. It is located along Archer Avenue and offers various shopping and dining options.
Fairmount
Located in the northeastern part of Justice, the Fairmount neighborhood is primarily residential. It consists of single-family homes and some multi-unit residential buildings. This area provides a more suburban feel to the village.
Lubavitch
This is a small neighborhood located towards the western part of Justice. It is mainly residential and is known for its close-knit Orthodox Jewish community. Lubavitch includes various synagogues, religious schools, and community centers.
Ashburn
The Ashburn neighborhood is in the southwestern corner of Justice and is mostly commercial and industrial. It is adjacent to the Chicago Midway International Airport, bringing various businesses and services to the area.
These neighborhoods offer a range of living environments, from industrial areas to quiet residential communities. Each contributes to the overall character and diversity of the village of Justice.