The city of Chicago, though not directly mentioned, plays a significant role in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.
Why is this the case? Much of the novel draws inspiration from Fitzgerald’s time in Lake Forest, a captivating northern suburb of Chicago.
Fitzgerald, who attended Princeton, frequently visited Lake Forest, where he stayed with a socially prominent relative and mingled with the town’s wealthy families, including Ginevra King.
Ginevra King, a young socialite, captivated Fitzgerald’s heart, yet they were never truly together, similar to the relationships depicted in the novel.
King became Fitzgerald’s lifelong muse and is believed to be the inspiration for the character of Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby.
According to Lake Bluff History Center, “Believing he was rejected due to his lack of wealth, Fitzgerald, like Gatsby, possessed a strong ego, convinced his talent and charm should have sufficed.”
Visit the historic sites of The Great Gatsby
The Westleigh Farm: Formerly known as Kingdom Come Farm, it was the estate of Ginevra King. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the house has been restored to its 1930s grandeur, including the formal gardens and original stables.
Deer Path Inn: Recently deemed one of the best hotels in the country, the Tudor-style hotel offers a range of boutique rooms with fireplaces and infinity bathtubs.
The Katherine Bell Hale Gallery: Features exhibits related to Lake Forest history, including those connected to Fitzgerald and his time in the area.