Village Profile Home Page | About our Company | Sales Opportunities | Community eStore | vpmobile.us

History

Prior to 1830, the Illinois and Prairie Pottawatomi Native American tribes inhabited what is now Geneva. The first white settlers began to make their way to the area at this time, the first being Daniel Shaw Haight, a man of Dutch heritage. In 1833 he built a cabin near the Fox River and in 1835 he sold his land to James and Charity Herrington, two people who would prove to be very influential in establishing this community.

By 1836 Geneva (at the time called Herrington Ford) was named the new county seat through many efforts on the part of James Herrington. The name Geneva was said to stem from a suggestion made by Dr. Charles Volney Dyer, who had just visited New York, where Geneva was a city name.

Herrington left his mark on this new city before his death in 1839, serving as sheriff, opening the first post office, tavern and general store. This was a town on the move. Only a year after Herrington’s death, a school, post office, blacksmith and sawmill made their way to Geneva.

The railroad’s appearance in 1853 was a welcome asset to the city and the mainly industry-driven economy in the 19th century. Transporting both freight and passengers would benefit industry and population.

Along with the railroad came a trickling of Swedish immigrants. Helping to construct the railroad from Chicago to Geneva, many of these laborers liked what they saw in Geneva and decided to make this developing area home. From that point on, the Swedish population had a great influence on Geneva. Becoming highly involved in government, many Swedish men have served as mayor and members of the city council. Swedish lodges were constructed, a park developed and festivals held to assist in the preservation of the deep-rooted Swedish customs.

The people of Geneva take pride in their roots and work to preserve the integrity of their historic establishments and traditions by sustaining what they built in the past to coincide with what the future brings. This rich cultural and historical heritage is one of the city’s most attractive aspects that draws visitors to spend time here.