Contrary to popular belief, the rural community of Sandwich, Illinois, was not named after the nineteenth-century English Duke whose favorite lunchtime fare bears his name! Instead, the town was given its name by one John Wentworth, a powerful United States Congressman. As a reward for his successful efforts in establishing a rail depot and permanent post office in the settlement (then known as Newark Station), Wentworth was allowed to rename the town Sandwich, after his hometown of Sandwich, New Hampshire. One of the town’s founding fathers and developing pioneers, Wentworth was instrumental in laying the foundation for the town’s future growth.

In 1865, the Honorable August Adams contributed considerably to the community’s burgeoning wealth by establishing the Sandwich Manufacturing Company. Just three years later, in 1868, the Enterprise Company was founded, giving the town two manufacturing firms. By 1876, the economy in Sandwich was booming as a result of the growth of new trades, a variety of professions and businesses, and the birth of two local newspapers.

From its early pioneering days on the Illinois prairie to its present position as one of Illinois’ most respected communities, Sandwich has always been a comfortable and friendly town, proud of its traditions and heritage, offering a warm welcome to friends, visitors and new enterprises.

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Sandwich is an easily accessible community. It lies on the southeastern edge of DeKalb County, Illinois, on State Route 34. It also continues into Kendall county on the east; and the southern border of the city limits is also the northern border of LaSalle county. It is just 15 minutes south of the City of DeKalb, just southwest of Aurora, northwest of Joliet and northeast of Ottawa. From Chicago, Sandwich is a pleasant 60-minute drive westward on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), to the East-West Tollway (I-88), then beyond Aurora to the Sugar Grove exit. The town has three motor freight terminals that serve three local carriers, two interstate and one intrastate carriers. Package delivery service is also available.

On the west edge of town, the private Sandwich Airport is equipped with a 3,000 foot concrete lighted runway. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, the world’s busiest, also offers easy access to air travelers. The Burlington Northern Railroad provides commuter rail service.

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Sandwich has a vibrant business community focused on stimulating growth and prosperity for all existing and future enterprises. The Sandwich Chamber of Commerce is devoted to working with businesses and organizations in the community. It is strongly goal-oriented, continuously organizing and mobilizing resources to support economic and civic improvements.

Some of the major employers that are proud to make a home in Sandwich are: C.T.S. Knight Co.; Impact Die Casting Corporation; Designed Stairs, Inc.; Gord Ind. Plastics; Fanplastic Molding; and the Plano Molding Co. Sandwich is highly regarded for its no-nonsense work ethic, and wage rates for experienced workers in selected occupations within the community compare favorably to statewide averages.

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Sandwich offers a wide variety of beautiful homes for residential living. The town’s 5,900 citizens proudly display a blend of diverse tastes. From stately, turn-of-the-century manors to modern, upscale designs, residential living in Sandwich is a pleasant reflection of its friendly personality and old-fashioned charm. Over 12 religious denominations are represented in Sandwich, further underscoring the character and background of the city.

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