The Village of Hinckley has a rich and proud history. Dating back to the 1830s, prior to becoming settled, Mr. Hollenbeck (who lived near Ottawa) was journeying through his territory. He found a fine grove of trees west of present Hinckley, and named the grove after the squaws who were tending camp. Back in Ottawa, word spread of the undeveloped land, and in the spring of 1835 John Seebree built a log house. Next year saw more families come to the area and soon a small town was started at the west edge of present Hinckley. The town's name was Squaw Grove.

Hinckley was conceived in the 1870s as the brainchild of Francis Hinckley, President of the Chicago and Iowa Railroad. The rail line was placed one-half mile east of the Village of Squaw Grove and then was named Hinckley.

From this early birth, much change and innovation would come to Hinckley. Some key dates follow, the Methodist Church was built in 1853, the very first store 1872. The first schoolhouse was built in 1872, Hinckley has 20 businesses as of 1876, the St. Paul's Church built in 1885, volunteer fire brigade organizing of 1886 and unfortunately a tornado destroyed most of the Village in 1889. H. D. Wagner donated land for the Hinckley Memorial community building.

As the Village moves forward, it may have a new look, but the spirit of good citizenship and village pride has not change. Hinckley has had a proud past, in addition to a promising future.

For more information about the Village of Hinckley please visit: www.hinckleyil.com