Fox Valley (Illinois) facts for kids
The Fox Valley, also known as the Fox River Valley, is a special area in Northern Illinois. It follows the path of the Fox River. This region is located on the western side of the big Chicago metropolitan area. The Fox Valley starts in the village of Antioch in the far north. It stretches south to the city of Ottawa. This area has a mix of quiet countrysides, busy suburban towns, and historic downtowns from the 1800s. Around 1 million people live here.
A Glimpse into History
Long ago, several Native American tribes lived in the Fox Valley. These included the Potawatomi, Sac, and Fox tribes. They lived off the land and the river.
Some cities in the Fox River Valley were once big industrial centers. They were part of what is sometimes called the "Rust Belt." This means they had many factories that made things. Over time, some of these factories closed.
The Fox Valley is home to Aurora, which is the second-largest city in Illinois. Other important cities include Elgin. Nearby are Batavia, St. Charles, and Geneva. These three cities have been known as the Tri-City area for a long time.
Cities and Towns of the Fox Valley
Many towns and cities are located along the Fox River. Here is a list of some of them, going from north to south: