Elwood
Will County, IL
Elwood was surveyed and platted along the Chicago and Mississippi Railroad in 1854-55. The area experienced rapid growth and in 1869 was incorporated. Stores, shops, and dwellings sprang up and established a convenient trading place which demanded tradesmen, mechanics and professional men. In 1874 a fire swept the business section and in a few hours destroyed all but one business and the hotel. Property loss was estimated at $30,000, of which no more than $1,000 was insured.