Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Gifford Park

Area — 1.5 Acres

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

1. Gifford Park Marker

Inscription. Elgin's first park—given to the settlement of Elgin, November 9th, A.D. 1844, by the honored pioneer citizens, James T. Gifford and his wife, Laura Raymond Gifford. Only one of their many gifts to Elgin

Erected 1922 by Elgin Women's Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is November 9, 1844.

Location. 42° 2.167′ N, 88° 16.671′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of Dupage Street and Chapel Street, on the right on Dupage Street. The marker is in Gifford Park, near the path in the northwest corner of the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elgin IL 60120, 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 this marker: A different marker also named Gifford Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elgin Historic District (about 300 feet away); Veteran Post 49 G.A.R. Memorial (about 600 feet away); Gifford-Davidson House (about 600 feet away); James T. Gifford’s Log House (about 700 feet away); W.W. I Memorial Davidson Park

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(about 700 feet away); The Log Cabin Home of James T. Gifford (about 700 feet away); Davidson Park (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.

Regarding Gifford Park. James T. Gifford settled this area in 1836 and named it Elgin, after a Scottish hymn. His first home, a log cabin, was located about 250 yards (two blocks) south of this spot, at what is now Davidson Memorial Park, where two plaques honor him today. The final home he lived in, on Prairie Street south of here, was completed in 1849, the year before he died; it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Gifford Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

2. Gifford Park

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

3. Gifford Park Marker

The marker is across the street from the old Elgin High School building, which is now an administration building for School District U-46.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.