The Growth of Lisle
In the period leading up to
permanent settlement much of the land in the area was occupied by Native
Americans. The onset of westward expansion resulted in an influx of new
settlers coming to the area. The first permanent settler in DuPage Township was
Bailey Hobson. Hobson, who arrived during the spring of 1830 from Orange
County, Indiana, was one of the only few people in the area. This was due to
the prominent Native American presence and the perceived image of the west
being a place for savages. It was not to long before the Black Hawk War broke
out and many retreated to Chicago as they wanted to avoid having a conflict
with the Indians.
By 1832, however, the war ended and westward expansion continued. This resulted in James C. and Luther Hatch coming to the present site of the Village of Lisle. The Hatch brothers were the first individuals that we know of to settle in the area that would become Lisle. The Hatch brothers along with other early inhabitants in the vicinity were chiefly devoted to agriculture in this area made up of rolling prairies, interspersed groves of fine growing timber, and plentiful water, supplied by both branches of the DuPage River. Many who laid claim here were in agrarian businesses.
The arrival of these settlers was followed by many more and the area continued to grow. Lisle continued to grow until the end of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. As the township ventured into the twentieth century the chief interests of the community were brick making, dairy and agriculture. The area would continue to grow around the Depot and the variety of farm related businesses that opened up. Although there was growth in the town, Lisle did not lose its small-town, rural atmosphere that was enjoyed heavily by residents.
By 1832, however, the war ended and westward expansion continued. This resulted in James C. and Luther Hatch coming to the present site of the Village of Lisle. The Hatch brothers were the first individuals that we know of to settle in the area that would become Lisle. The Hatch brothers along with other early inhabitants in the vicinity were chiefly devoted to agriculture in this area made up of rolling prairies, interspersed groves of fine growing timber, and plentiful water, supplied by both branches of the DuPage River. Many who laid claim here were in agrarian businesses.
The arrival of these settlers was followed by many more and the area continued to grow. Lisle continued to grow until the end of the nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. As the township ventured into the twentieth century the chief interests of the community were brick making, dairy and agriculture. The area would continue to grow around the Depot and the variety of farm related businesses that opened up. Although there was growth in the town, Lisle did not lose its small-town, rural atmosphere that was enjoyed heavily by residents.