Historical Markers in
Kane County, Illinois

31 North Broadway Aurora Hotel • Leland Hotel Aurora National Bank Building Aurora Public Library Aurora Silverplate Manufacturing Co. Aurora Vietnam Veteran Memorial Billy and Ma Sunday BPO Elk's Club Building Civil War Memorial Civil War Memorial Dedicated in Memory of Our Fathers Duff House Dundee Veterans Honor Roll Elgin Elgin Milk Condensing Company Elgin National Watch Company Elgin National Watch Company Factory Bell Elgin Road Races Elgin's Masonic Temple Cornerstone Former U.S. Post Office German-American Bank Building • American National Bank Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall Illinois Watch Case Company Joseph and Samuel McCarty Kane County Government Center Kane County Veterans Memorial Korean War Leland Hotel Masonic Building Memorial Tribute to Elgin Academy's Patriotic Sons Who Served in the Great Civil War, 1861-1865 Old Second National Bank Otto J. Maha Paramount Theatre Pinkerton’s Early Home Spanish-American / Philippines War The City of Lights The Lincoln Highway Vietnam W. [William] W. & Phebe Welch W.W. I Memorial Davidson Park Washington Reformed Presbyterian Church West Dundee Riverwalk Wilder Park World War I World War II
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was one of the most devastating fires in U.S. history. The fire destroyed much of the city, including over 17,000 buildings and left more than 100,000 people homeless. The fire started in a barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O'Leary, but the cause of the fire is still debated to this day.
Illinois random facts
Kane County, Illinois has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Fox nations, prior to European settlement. European explorers first came to the area in the 17th century, with French traders establishing relations with the native tribes.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in Kane County, seeking new opportunities and fertile land. The first permanent settlement was established in 1834 by Joseph McCarthy, who built a log cabin in present-day St. Charles. Over the next few decades, more settlers arrived and the population grew steadily.

Kane County officially became a county in 1836, carved out of neighboring LaSalle County. It was named after Elias Kane, a United States Senator from Illinois. The county experienced rapid growth in the mid-19th century, thanks to its proximity to Chicago and the development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and canals.

The 20th century brought further expansion and industrialization to Kane County. Agriculture remained important to the economy, with corn and soybeans as major crops. The county also became a hub for manufacturing, particularly in the cities of Aurora and Elgin. Today, Kane County is a diverse and vibrant community, known for its beautiful natural landscapes, historic downtown areas, and strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Kane County, Illinois.

  • 1836 - Kane County is officially established on January 16.
  • 1837 - The first settlement in Kane County is established in Geneva.
  • 1838 - The first courthouse is built in St. Charles.
  • 1839 - The first newspaper, the Aurora Beacon, is published in Aurora.
  • 1841 - The first railroad reaches Kane County, connecting Chicago and Elgin.
  • 1844 - The town of Elgin is officially incorporated.
  • 1850 - The county population reaches over 16,000.
  • 1851 - The first public high school in Illinois is established in Elgin.
  • 1855 - The Elgin Watch Company is founded.
  • 1862 - The American Civil War begins, and many residents of Kane County enlist in the Union Army.
  • 1869 - The Illinois State Mental Hospital (now Elgin Mental Health Center) opens in Elgin.
  • 1872 - The Chicago and North Western Railway connects Elgin to Chicago.
  • 1900 - The county population reaches over 56,000.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression affects the county's economy, causing hardship for many residents.
  • 1943 - The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) is established near Batavia.
  • 1956 - The Kane County Fair begins its annual tradition in St. Charles.
  • 1970 - The county population exceeds 250,000.
  • 1992 - The Chicago Premium Outlets open in Aurora, boosting the local economy.
  • 2007 - The Kane County Cougars win their first Midwest League Championship.