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Fun Facts and Fascinating Village Tales About Johnsburg, IL
Let’s play a fun game of “fact or fiction.” For years, Johnsburg, Illinois has been the setting of many local legends and stories, some true, some thought to be myths, and others that will remain a mystery.
One thing is for certain, our village’s local history is a wonderful reminder of who we are, how far we have come, and where we are going.
Take a look at some of our fun facts about Johnsburg and find out what makes it the unique community it is today.
Fact: Just Under 7,000 Residents Call Johnsburg Home
According to the April 2020 Census, 6,355 people live in Johnsburg. We have a large population of married adult couples (69%). Roughly 90% of our housing market is owner-occupied, including many homes that are used for seasonal recreation, thanks to our connection with the Fox River/Chain O’Lakes Waterway system.
It is fiction that neighboring communities have more waterfront access, as we have the most of any community along the Chain O’Lakes.
Fact: Johnsburg Was Settled by German Immigrants
In 1841, three families from the Eifel region of the former German kingdom of Prussia settled Johnsburg. This was only a short time after our county, McHenry County, Illinois, was founded.
The early settlers formed St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, which was among the earliest Catholic parishes in the entire state of Illinois. The current church, on W. Church Street, has stood since 1900 and has an historical designation.
Fact: Johnsburg is Home to a Sailing School That is Over 120 Years Old
Hoist the sail and steer the rudder! One of our most iconic Johnsburg, Illinois fun facts has to do with sailing. With our beautiful community’s connection to the water, the village provides access to a boat launch. Many of our residents are nautical enthusiasts and take part in a Community Sailing School, which is located at the historic Pistakee Yacht Club.
The school and club have been key to our community for generations. Head out to the lake, where you will find various races and events throughout the sailing season.
Fact: A World Series Slugger, Renowned Musician, and TV Star are All from Johnsburg
Several notable people have called Johnsburg home over the years:
- Former Major League Baseball second baseman Chuck Hiller was born and raised in Johnsburg. In the 1962 World Series, while playing for the San Francisco Giants, he became the first National League player to hit a grand slam in a World Series game. Hiller was born on October 1, 1934 in Johnsburg. He passed away in 2004.
- Musician and artist Kathleen Brennan is from Johnsburg. She is the main songwriting collaborator of blues and jazz musician Tom Waits, who actually debuted a song entitled, “Johnsburg, Illinois” on his 1983 album Swordfishtrombones. The song is a love song to Brennan.
- TV host Sam Saboura is a graduate of Johnsburg High School and lived in the community as a teenager. He has hosted shows like ABC’s Extreme Makeover and TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New.
Johnsburg, IL Local Stories
Recognizing Our Johnsburg Community
Johnsburg is home to one of the most interesting Illinois legends in state history: a modern-day name change. This occurred in the early 1990’s before Johnsburg was formally recognized as the community it is today.
For over 100 years, residents lived on what was unincorporated land in McHenry County, however, the name “Johnsburg” was dear to these citizens and their community. An initiative spurred in 1990 to examine incorporation with their already incorporated neighbor, Sunnyside. With annexation, the community property size grew to five times as large and the population increased by more than 3,000.
Following dedicated work by leadership and citizens, annexation occurred in 1991. The following year, a petition was created to formally change the name of Sunnyside to the Village of Johnsburg. The economic and legal requirements to complete the change were monumental. In fact, certain parcels of land still remain somewhat of mystery today, in regard to zoning.
Learn more about the historic village tale as documented by our former village president and trustees.
Al Capone’s Visits
Some may chalk it up with other Illinois myths, others might not. Rumor has it that Chicago gangster Al Capone spent plenty of time around the McHenry County and Lake County areas in the 1920’s.
The legend goes that Capone and other organized crime figures would frequent establishments during prohibition to rewind and relax.
Some stories tell us that the area was used to house beer and that secret tunnels were created, while others suggest there was plenty of fun to be had at bars and clubs along Pistakee Lake.
Did Capone ever set foot in Johnsburg for an evening out on the town? That may always remain a mystery.
Make Your Own Village Tales in Johnsburg, IL
It’s the people that make our community an enjoyable place to live, work, and visit. Come to Johnsburg and see why our village is a great place for family and friends. With a front-porch view of the lake, numerous hard-working businesses, and a community that supports one another, you have the perfect playground to explore and grow.
What’s your Johnsburg story? Take a trip to our village and make memories. To stay up-to-date on our community tales and the latest in village news, we invite you to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
