🏡 A Little Naperville History – From a Neighbor Who Loves This Town

As someone who’s lived in Naperville for over 40 years — and had the pleasure of helping many clients make this beautiful town their home — I’m often asked what makes Naperville so special. For me, part of the answer lies in its rich and fascinating history.

Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for decades, there’s always something interesting to learn about Naperville’s past. Here are just a few of my favorite local history facts that help paint the picture of how this incredible community came to be:

📜 It All Started with Joseph Naper

Naperville was founded in 1831 by Joseph Naper, a shipbuilder who traveled from Ohio with his family and a group of settlers. They originally called it Naper’s Settlement, and it quickly grew into a bustling village centered on farming, trade, and community.

🏙 We’re Older Than Chicago!

Believe it or not, Naperville was settled two years before Chicago became a city. While Chicago took off thanks to its position on Lake Michigan, Naperville quietly grew into a vital local hub — and we’ve held onto that proud, independent spirit ever since. We, also have more streets than Chicago!

🏛 DuPage County’s First County Seat

In 1839, Naperville became the original county seat of DuPage County. That changed in the 1860s after a hotly contested vote (there are even stories of county records being spirited away in the middle of the night!). It’s a quirky part of our local lore that still gets people talking.

🏠 Naper Settlement Brings History to Life

If you haven’t visited the Naper Settlement recently, I highly recommend it. This 13-acre living history museum in downtown Naperville features over 30 restored buildings — including the stunning Martin-Mitchell Mansion — and offers seasonal events that are perfect for families or anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia.

🚂 The Railroad Sparked Growth

The arrival of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in the 1860s changed everything. It connected Naperville to the booming city of Chicago and helped turn our little town into a place of progress, opportunity, and growth.

🌟 From Small Town to National Standout

Hard to believe, but in the 1950s, Naperville had fewer than 7,000 residents. Today, we’re a thriving city of over 149,000, nationally recognized for our excellent schools, vibrant downtown, and beautiful neighborhoods — all while keeping our small-town heart.

🔔 The Bells of Moser Tower

One of Naperville’s most unique landmarks is the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower. With 72 bells, it’s one of the largest carillons in the world, and you can often hear it playing near the Riverwalk. It’s a lovely little piece of culture that adds charm to our downtown.

🏡 Historic Homes with Personality

As a Realtor, I have a special appreciation for the historic homes scattered throughout our community. From Victorian-era beauties to early 20th-century gems, Naperville offers an incredible variety of architecture — and a deep sense of character that’s hard to find elsewhere.

💛 We Celebrate Our Roots

Naperville does a wonderful job preserving and honoring its past — from historical street names and downtown buildings to local events and educational programs. Our heritage is woven into the fabric of daily life, and I believe it’s one of the things that makes living here so fulfilling.