General Info
Kane County was explored by French explorers Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet in 1673 and land was claimed by France. In 1763 Kane County was ceded to the British until 1778 when land was claimed by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia then surrendered all territorial claims to the federal government. In 1787 the Northwest Territory was established and Illinois was part of Indiana Territory until 1809 when the Illinois Territory was established by Congress. Illinois was admitted as a state in 1818. In 1836 Kane County was named after Elias Kent Kane, a well respected attorney who was the first Secretary of State and assisted in drafting the Illinois Constitution. Residents of Kane County elected the county-township type of government and in 1848 sixteen townships were created. Following the Civil War, Kane County experienced a sudden growth in population as families sought employment in factories and mills along the Fox River. With the arrival of the railroad, Kane County became a well-known dairy region as the railroads provided quick transportation of butter, milk and cheese to Chicago hotels. Kane County continued to grow as its population doubled between 1890 and 1940. With the expansion of Chicago, more and more farmlands are being redeveloped to accommodate the high demands of residential construction. As rapid development of farmland continues, Kane County officials seek to maintain a balance between the beautiful open spaces and the growing needs of its inhabitants. Today Kane County is home to approximately 507,579 residents.
