About Frankfort


Frankfort was founded in 1855 and incorporated in 1879. The land was initially inhabited by Native American Indians from as early as 1700.  Then came the French fur traders and land speculators who became the first "owners" of the land in Frankfort Township, in the sense they came to work and live on the land. These early pioneers included James Boorman, Arthur Bronson, John Fennertz, Horatio J. Loomis, Sylvester Bowen and Harvey Higgins, and contributed to Frankfort's existence today.

While the first pioneers were mostly of English and Scottish descent, German settlers from Pennsylvania made the Village of Frankfort a reality. Frankfort Township was named in 1850 by Frederick Cappel after his native city, Frankfurt-Am-Main, Germany. In 1855, the Joliet and Northern Indiana Railroad built a line through the Frankfort area and named it, "Frankfort Station."  When the Village incorporated, the word "Station" was dropped from its name.
 
Learn More About Frankfort's History at the Frankfort Area Historical Society Museum

Recently ranked 36th in the nation's fastest growing suburbs by Forbes Magazine, Frankfort is thriving. Known as the "Jewel of the South Suburbs." Frankfort has been recognized with the Southland's Reader's Choice award for "Best Community.  Experiencing rapid growth, attracting new residents, commercial and industrial businesses, Frankfort is a premier community with award-winning schools and exceptional residential, commercial and industrial development. In 2014, Frankfort was named by Chicago Magazine as one of the top places to live. In 2016 Frankfort was named one of the top ten communities for Illinois families, and voted among the top 12 safest communities in Illinois.
 

Historic Downtown

Frankfort's historic downtown is home to unique boutiques, quality restaurants, a children's museum, and a number of other businesses. Frankfort's downtown is host to a wide variety of family-friendly community events that create a vibrant town center amidst a quintessential small-town setting.

Breidert Green, located at Kansas and Oak Streets, is home to year-round community events including a farmers' market, outdoor concerts and movies, award-winning craft and art fairs, classic car shows, a Fine Arts Fair, a 5k walk/run, holiday events and a winter festival. The Old Plank Road Trail provides over 20 miles of a picturesque bike path winding through Frankfort and provides access to the historic downtown district. Award-winning Prairie Park on White Street features over 13 acres of preserved native prairie, natural plants and a fishing pond.
 

DEMOGRAPHICS

 

Mission Statement

"The Village of Frankfort will encourage opportunities through planning, commitment and community involvement by showcasing the charms of a community that embraces new ideas while treasuring its past."