Cemeteries in Lake Forest (City)

Lake Forest, located in Lake County along the western shore of Lake Michigan, was founded in 1857 as a planned community and incorporated in 1861.

It was originally established by Presbyterian leaders and educators as the site of Lake Forest College, with the goal of creating a morally grounded, academically focused town. Early settlers were primarily of New England and northern European descent, many affiliated with the college or church. The city developed as a retreat for wealthy Chicagoans, particularly after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and became known for its large estates, tree-lined streets, and elite social institutions. The arrival of the railroad strengthened its role as a commuter suburb and summer haven. Protestant denominations dominated early religious life, followed by Catholic and Jewish communities. Lake Forest remains known for its affluence, historic architecture, and educational institutions.

Cemeteries such as Lake Forest Cemetery preserve the legacy of the city’s founders and prominent families.