We began the annual festival in 2008 to raise awareness of Cantigny’s connection to France and how we got our name. The French theme commemorates an important chapter in the life of Robert R. McCormick, Cantigny’s benefactor. In 1918, at age 37, Colonel McCormick commanded an artillery unit at the Battle of Cantigny, about 75 miles north of Paris, as a member of the U.S. Army’s First Division.  The experience made a major impression on the Colonel. Upon returning to Wheaton, he renamed his estate after Cantigny, the tiny village where he and his fellow soldiers attacked and defeated the German forces who were holding it. It was America’s first significant battle of World War I.

In his will, McCormick established Cantigny “as a public park and museum for the recreation, instruction and welfare of the people of the State of Illinois.” The 500-acre estate was his gift to the community and this event honors his generous legacy.