The Village of Algonquin, IL

Early Algonquin

Native Americans belonging to the Potawatomi originally inhabited the Algonquin area. In 1834, the first settler, Samuel Gillilan, arrived from Virginia. Fellow settlers Dr. Cornish, Dr. Plumleigh, Eli Henderson, Alex Dawson, and William Jackson soon followed.

Often referred to as the "Gem of the Fox River Valley," Algonquin is nestled in the foothills of the Fox River Valley. In its early years, residents considered several names for the growing community, including Denny's Ferry, Cornish Ferry, Cornishville, and Osceola. Community leaders eventually selected the name "Algonquin" at the suggestion of Samuel Edwards, who proposed the name of a ship he once owned. The name became official on December 23, 1847.

Read more about how Algonquin was named.

The Congregational Church

Organized just a few years after Algonquin received its name, the Congregational Church of Algonquin traces its beginnings to February 9, 1850, when seven men and seven women gathered at the home of Ambrose Dodd to establish the congregation. Early worship services were held in private homes and schools and later in a rented room above a blacksmith shop.

In 1867, under the direction of Reverend J.D. Davis, $2,500 was raised to construct a permanent church. The 32-by-50-foot building, featuring an 80-foot spire and seating for 200 people, was dedicated on January 17, 1868. As the congregation grew, additions and alterations were made while maintaining much of the building's historic character. In 1995, the Congregational Church received historic recognition from the McHenry County Historical Society.

Railroad and Growth

Algonquin experienced new growth with the construction of the railroad in 1855, providing farmers and dairy producers another way to transport goods to Chicago markets. On February 25, 1890, residents voted to incorporate Algonquin as a Village.

Along with its commercial activity, Algonquin became a popular summer destination for Chicago residents drawn to the Fox River and surrounding countryside.

Read more about the railroad and Borden Milk Factory.

Main Street and Columbia Hall

As Algonquin's downtown developed, new businesses established themselves along Main Street. In 1892, Thomas Kabon constructed a large two-story brick building known as Columbia Hall. Its second floor contained a banquet hall, while two retail establishments occupied the first floor. Businessman Dorr Thomas opened a meat market in the storefront on the building's north end.

Although the business changed ownership several times, the location continued operating as a meat market for more than a century as Main Street Market, representing one of Algonquin's longest-running commercial traditions at the same location.

Historic Village Hall

A Village Hall was erected in downtown Algonquin at 2 S. Main Street in 1906. Constructed by Blair and Summer of Janesville, Wisconsin, for $6,848, the building was completed on January 31, 1907.

The building originally housed the sprinkling wagon and fire department, jail, council chambers, clerk's office, and a vault for records. It later served a variety of community uses, including as a library and school, before municipal offices moved to 2200 Harnish Drive in 1996. Historic Village Hall continues to serve as a community facility and meeting center.

Read more about Algonquin's municipal centers.

The Algonquin Hill Climbs

One of the most distinctive chapters in Algonquin's history occurred between 1906 and 1913, when the nationally recognized Algonquin Hill Climbs tested early automobiles against the community's steep hills. Successfully completing an Algonquin hill climb was considered an impressive demonstration of an automobile's capabilities, and the "Algonquin Cup" became a prestigious award.

The events were held on Phillips Hill, Perry Hill, and later near what is now Huntington Drive. Hill Climb Park, located at Circle Drive and Huntington Drive, opened in 2004 and includes interpretive features recognizing this unique part of Algonquin's history.

The Riverview

Algonquin's popularity as a summer destination was reflected in the Riverview Hotel, constructed in 1907 near Harrison Street and Algonquin Road. The hotel accommodated visitors escaping Chicago for stays along the Fox River. The building also housed a barber shop and shaving parlor operated by Charles Vanderaue on its first floor.

In 1936, William Markowitz purchased the property, closed the hotel, and reopened the building as a tavern and restaurant while retaining the Riverview name. Through generations of owners and patrons, the Riverview remained a familiar gathering place and part of Algonquin's commercial and social history.

Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church

As Algonquin continued to grow, Father Joseph Lonergan was commissioned in 1915 to formally organize a Catholic parish in the community. Land was purchased along the western bank of the Fox River below the dam, and Algonquin summer resident, architect, and engineer Robert Layer, Sr. designed the new church. A cornerstone ceremony for the church, initially known as Corpus Christi Catholic Church, was held on July 11, 1915, drawing parishioners as well as hundreds of summer residents from Chicago.

The church was formally dedicated as the Roman Catholic Church of St. Margaret Mary of the Sacred Heart on Thanksgiving Day 1915. The parish grew alongside the Village during the decades that followed. Its first Catholic school opened in 1955, and continued growth eventually led to construction of a new church, which was dedicated in 1983.

Algonquin's Centennial

On June 8, 1935, Algonquin held a large celebration honoring the community's 100th birthday. The event carried the theme "Algonquin the Beautiful" and included a song written by school teacher Anne Eldredge, a large parade featuring authentic wagons and vehicles, and a dance in the park accompanied by a full orchestra.

Read more about Algonquin's 100th birthday.