Vine-Oakwood-Green Bay Road Historic District

The Vine-Oakwood-Green Bay Road Historic District is a residential area in Lake Forest containing approximately twenty houses spread across Oakwood Avenue, Vine Avenue, and Green Bay Road. The district covers roughly 13 acres and is located near former railway tracks, which shaped its development as a residential location.

Patrick Conlin built the first house here in 1856, setting off the founding of Lake Forest. The eastern portions of the area were platted by Jed Hotchkiss in 1857, marking the systematic development of the residential district.

The residential area displays a blend of Late Victorian and Revival architectural styles, with features like wide porches and detailed trim work shaping its appearance. These design choices reflect the tastes of affluent residents who made this location their home during the late 1800s.

Visitors can best explore the district on foot to observe the different houses and their features from street to street. The flat terrain and manageable size make it suited for a self-guided walk without significant elevation changes or detours.

A resident of 494 Oakwood Avenue was a woman who would later make history through an unexpected turn of events that led to a royal title. This surprising chapter in the district's story connects the quiet residential area with major twentieth century events.