In 1863, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad changed its corporate mind. Instead of running a track through
the town of Fullersburg, located at what is now York Road and Ogden Avenue, it selected vacant land one mile to the south.
Thus, the village of Hinsdale was born.
 William Robbins is known as the founder of Hinsdale. In 1863, he purchased the area's land for $20 an acre.
He platted the village in 1865, taming the wild prairie by grading roads, planting trees and building homes. The
following year he built the first school on the site of the present Hinsdale Middle School.
Along with a few capable land developers, the fledgling town drew wealthy Chicagoans, German and Swedish
tradesmen and others. Each group contributed to creating a thriving village by 1873, the year Hinsdale was
incorporated.
The original village boundaries were Chicago Avenue and Sixth Street on the north and south, respectively;
Main (Garfield) Street on the east; and on the west, Grant Street from Sixth to Third Streets, and Lincoln from
Third Street to Chicago Avenue.
Judge Joel Tiffany was the first president of Hinsdale. The cost of operating the village in 1873 was $410,
with total tax receipts of $600.
Until the 1890's, Hinsdale's water came from wells and cisterns, light from kerosene lamps and candles and
heat from cast-iron stoves, fireplaces or kitchen ranges. Streets were merely dirt and grass expanses defined
by newly planted saplings. Cows, horses and chickens were kept in backyards.
Advancements came rapidly, however, as the turn-of-the-century approached. Inspired by public-spirited citizens
and vigorous newspaper editors, utilities were established and community improvements were made. To further
enhance the village, additional amenities were created such as a library (1887), golf course (1894), hospital (1904)
and numerous service and social organizations.
The Memorial Building, at 19 East Chicago Avenue, houses the village offices, the library, the American Legion
and Community Service. Built as a war memorial, it was dedicated on the Fourth of July, 1928, to those who
served in the country's wars. The building's construction was privately funded by $200,000 collected door-to-door
throughout Hinsdale.
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