Hinsdale Historical Society

The Village on the County Line
The history of our village can be traced back for more than a century. What we call "Hinsdale" today was once known as Brush Hill and later called Fullersburg. Hardy pioneers seeking higher ground came west from the shores of Lake Michigan, following the old Black Hawk Indian Trail, which led them to what is now DuPage County and the western edge of Cook County.

With great foresight, William Robbins, "The Father of Hinsdale," bought 6,400 acres of land in 1862, and a village was born. One of the first things Robbins did was to plan and build streets, but equally important, he planted thousands of young shade trees. The name "Hinsdale" was established on April 3, 1873, and Judge Joel Tiffany was its first president. Hinsdale’s population at that time was about 500; today, it is home to approximately 17,498 residents.

The hard work, planning, and tenaciousness of our Hinsdale forefathers has resulted in a cornucopia of loveliness, tree-shaded streets and a gracious and quiet elegance. It can be said that more than a century later, the Village of Hinsdale has fulfilled nearly every dream its planners visualized.

Helping to maintain this rich heritage is the responsibility of today’s Hinsdale. Surely a segment of that is a vital, self-supporting business community. Our residents have at their fingertips services of every nature. In this day of large shopping centers and impersonal service, Hinsdale’s businesses provide complete services in a warm, caring, and professional manner. Those hardy pioneers who envisioned a thriving community here would be pleased to know that their dreams have been handled with care from generation to generation, and that their village today successfully combines the charm of the past with the vitality of the future.