Lemont in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lemont Tornado of 1976

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 18, 2026

1. Lemont Tornado of 1976 Marker

Inscription. To the People of Lemont On June 13, 1976, in the bicentennial year of our country, a severe tornado struck our community claiming the lives of our neighbors and laying waste hundreds of our home. When the fury of the tempest had abated American flags began to appear over the heaps of rubble, symbolizing the will of the smitten to conquer the disaster. The entire community rallied behind their stricken neighbors to succor the distressed and to restore the waste places in its hour of adversity Lemont proved anew that it is the village of faith—faith in God; faith in our community; faith in ourselves. To perpetuate the remembrance of the indomitable spirit of our people, this flagpole is proudly dedicated by the Lemont National Bank.

Erected by Lemont National Bank.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Patriots & Patriotism • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the The Spirit of ’76, America’s Bicentennial Celebration series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 13, 1976.

Location. 41° 40.455′ N, 87° 59.964′ W. Marker is

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in Lemont, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Main Street east of Lemont Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is in front of the flagpole at the Lemont National Bank. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 310 Main Street, Lemont IL 60439, 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 Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lemont Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War Two Honor Roll (about 300 feet away); Korean War Memorial (about 300 feet away); Old Stone Church (about 400 feet away); Civil War Recruiting Depot (about 400 feet away); Lemont Village Hall (about 500 feet away); Lemont Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lemont Civil War Memorial (approx.

Lemont Tornado of 1976 Marker in front of Lemont National Bank image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 18, 2026

2. Lemont Tornado of 1976 Marker in front of Lemont National Bank

0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lemont.

Also see . . . June 13, 1976 Lemont Tornado. The National Weather Service shares the story of the F4 tornado that hit the Lemont area in the summer of 1976.

Excerpt: “In the storm’s wake, 2 lives were lost while 23 people were injured. The total track of the tornado was 8 miles long with a width of up to 800 yards. Total damage approached 13 million dollars. After all the damage was surveyed, the final rating of the tornado was an F-4 on the Fujita Scale (now known as the Enhanced Fujity Scale). Of particular interest with this tornado was the fact that two satellite anticyclonic (clockwise rotating) tornadoes were produced. In addition, the total time on the ground neared one hour, however the total distance traveled was only about 8 miles. Further research of the storm indicated that the storm was nearly stationary for a period in the tornado’s lifecycle, ultimately contributing to such the short distance traveled.”

(Submitted on March 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Lemont National Bank image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 18, 2026

3. Lemont National Bank

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 62 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.