Kane County History
The continuously growing Kane County area is filled with a rich history, dating all the way back to 1673 during the expedition of French explorers Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet. After a variety of territorial claims, the Illinois area was eventually founded in 1809 and admitted as the 21st state to the United States in 1818. Shortly after Illinois’ statehood, permanent settlers began to inhabit the developing region.
With an expanding population, the Illinois legislative body established Kane County, named for U.S. Senator and the first Secretary of State of Illinois Elias Kent Kane. LaFox, or what is now Geneva, was chosen to become the county seat of Kane County.
An influx of people came to the county in search of available work shortly after the Civil War’s end. Kane County’s quick population growth persisted through the 1900s, doubling in size between 1890 and 1940 from 65,000 to 130,000, and doubling again between 1940 and 1970 to 260,000 residents. Business and industry, healthcare facilities and educational opportunities also increased in number throughout these decades.
Kane County proceeds to expand today, both residentially and economically. Currently hailing as the fifth largest populace in Illinois, officials and residents strive to maintain Kane County’s historical charm, while progressing into the bright future that lies ahead.
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