Wheaton in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Adams Park

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 19, 2025

1. Adams Park Marker

Inscription. The original homestead of John Quincy Adams was located in the center of this block. The home was built in the late 1800s and demolished in January, 1943. John Quincy Adams was a descent of the second and sixth presidents of the United States. The property was donated to the City of Wheaton for use as a park by Adams' daughter, Catherine Adams Wells. The original fountain from the homestead still stands in the center of the park.

This site has been recognized by the Wheaton Historic Preservation Council for its historical significance.

Erected 1986.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #02 John Adams, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #06 John Quincy Adams series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 41° 51.974′ N, 88° 6.387′ W. Marker is in Wheaton, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Wesley Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. The marker is to the right of the southwest entry into Adams Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wheaton IL 60187, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

this marker: A different marker also named Adams Park (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Adams Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Theater (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1912 Chicago Aurora & Elgin Station (about 700 feet away); Site of the World's First Radio Telescope (about 700 feet away); Judge Elbert H. Gary (about 800 feet away); Vietnam Veteran's Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Korean War Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wheaton.

More about this marker. Another plaque to the right of the entrance relates to Adams's daughter's donation of the land upon her death in 1942. That sign, and most online sources, spell her first name "Katharine."

Regarding Adams Park. The park's namesake, John Quincy Adams, was a fourth cousin, twice removed, of the sixth president of the United States who had the same name. A successful grain merchant, trader and real estate investor in Chicago, he moved to Wheaton in the mid-1870s.

Also see . . . The Story Behind Adams Park. From the official site of Wheaton Mayor Phil Seuss.

Excerpt: "Upon the passing of John Quincy Adams, in 1899, Katherine
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 19, 2025

2. Adams Park entrance
continued to live in the family home. She even got married right in the house her father had built. She was known to appreciate gardens and kept beautiful examples upon the property. She welcomed visitors to view and stroll through the gardens. It is no surprise, then, that she willed the property to become a park upon her death, in 1942. She instructed the family home to be taken down and provided the funding for Adams Park to be created.

"Landscape Architect Annette Hoyt Flanders took on the park’s renovation. She remodeled it, moving the fountain to its new location, in the center of the park. It enjoys a place of prominence on a larger base with a decorative, circular bench surrounding it. People can be found on pleasant days sitting on the bench admiring the sparkling water at the fountain. The only city-owned park, Adams Park is truly a peaceful oasis amongst a bustling downtown cityscape. Various landscape architects and horticulturalist have also made improvements over the years."

(Submitted on September 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Adams Park fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 19, 2025

3. Adams Park fountain

John Quincy Adams house image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 19, 2025

4. John Quincy Adams house

A historical marker in the center of the park includes this photo of the Adams mansion, which was located here from the 1890s until being razed for the creation of this park in 1943. The fountain is visible in front of the home.

Rear view of the entrance into Adams Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 19, 2025

5. Rear view of the entrance into Adams Park

The original Wheaton library, now home of the Wheaton Historical Society, is in the background to the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 5. submitted on September 21, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.