Elgin, IL, Website

Elgin, Illinois. Elgin is a city located on the Fox River in Cook County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 94,487.

The city is known for its Victorian landmarks, many dating back to the period when it was a center of dairy commerce. The local library is named for Gail Borden who once owned a condensed milk factory here. The Elgin National Watch Company, which produced Elgin watches, was also located here. Elgin is home to the Elgin Academy, the oldest coeducational, non-sectarian college preparatory school west of the Allegheny Mountains as well as Elgin High School, which boasts five navy admirals, a Nobel prize-winning chemist (Paul Flory) and a chief executive of General Motors among its alumni. Residents relax at the extensive Lords Park (112 acres) and Wing Park (121 acres). A bike trail runs for miles along the Fox River. Elgin is the sister city of Vientiane, the capital of Laos.