Welcome to palatine

Before it was a commuter stop or a weekend destination, Palatine was a hard-working railroad town — one that carried the grit and generosity of its earliest settlers. Today, the restored streets, brick storefronts, and station clocktower honor that legacy, while a new generation of businesses and gathering places keep the downtown spirit alive.

Early Settlement and Township Origins (1830s–1860s)

• The area now known as Palatine Township saw its first non-Native settlement in the mid-1830s. George Ela is often credited as one of the earliest: in 1835 he cleared land in what became the Deer Grove area and built a log cabin. Palatine Historical Society+2Palatine, IL+2

• The land was heavily wooded and interlaced with small streams. Early settlers came largely from New York and New England (often called “Yankee” settlers), traveling westward after the Black Hawk War. Palatine, IL+2Chicago History Encyclopedia+2

• Over time, German immigrants also arrived (especially from the 1850s onward), many of whom were farmers. They joined the earlier settlers and helped shape the agricultural and social foundations of the area. Chicago History Encyclopedia

Railroad Arrival & Village Founding (1850s–1866)

• A pivotal moment for Palatine’s development was the extension of the Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) through the area. In about 1855, a depot was built (on land donated by Joel Wood) on the north side of the tracks. Palatine, IL+5Palatine Historical Society+5Arcadia Publishing+5

• Joel Wood, who surveyed and laid out the village plat, is sometimes considered the founder of the village. One of the original downtown streets bears his name. Palatine, IL+4Arcadia Publishing+4Chicago History Encyclopedia+4

• The railroad presence allowed local farmers to bring produce to the depot and ship it to Chicago markets, linking Palatine into the region’s broader economy. Chicago History Encyclopedia+2Palatine Historical Society+2

• In 1866, the community formally incorporated as the Village of Palatine. By then it had enough population and infrastructure (including a Methodist church) to support municipal governance. Living History of Illinois+3Chicago History Encyclopedia+3Palatine, IL+3

Growth in the Late 19th & Early 20th Centuries

• After incorporation, Palatine’s growth was modest but steady. New businesses, services, and churches established themselves, and farms continued to supply produce and goods. Living History of Illinois+3Arcadia Publishing+3Chicago History Encyclopedia+3

• The downtown area (near the tracks) developed gradually, with commercial blocks built along streets paralleling the railroad, and businesses catering both to local residents and rail travelers.

• In 1911, a shortline railroad — the Palatine, Lake Zurich & Wauconda Railroad (PLZ&W) — was established, beginning passenger service in 1912. The PLZ&W ran to Wauconda and served local traffic and recreation destinations (such as Dr. Wilson’s Deer Grove Park). However, it faced financial challenges and closed in 1924. Palatine, IL+5Wikipedia+5Arcadia Publishing+5

• Infrastructure such as roads and small sidewalks matured over this time. Local residents continued to patronize small shops and services downtown, and the railroad remained a defining anchor.

Mid-20th Century: Challenges, Shifts, and Suburban Growth

• After World War II, suburban expansion began reaching northwest of Chicago, with Palatine among the communities transformed from semi-rural to suburban. Palatine, IL+3Homes.com+3Chicago History Encyclopedia+3

• One early postwar development was Palanois Park, marketed as a suburban subdivision. Wikipedia+1

• Over time, shopping and commercial patterns shifted. The downtown, once the local hub, faced increasing competition from automobile-oriented strip centers and regional malls.

• In Palatine’s downtown, some buildings aged, storefronts changed hands, and economic vitality fluctuated. Some redevelopment and infill projects occurred, though not always cohesively.

• A local anecdote: at the corner of Wilson & Brockway, in the early 20th century a mansion once stood (home to Dr. William Schirding and his wife). A plan was once made to build the State Bank of Palatine on that site, but the 1929 stock market crash interrupted those plans. Palatine, IL+1

Downtown Decline & the Need for Revitalization

• By the late 20th century, Palatine’s downtown area faced many of the same challenges common to older American suburban downtowns: declining foot traffic, aging buildings, competition from newer retail areas, and parking constraints.

• Recognizing the importance of a vibrant downtown (especially centered around the train station), local stakeholders began discussions about redevelopment and revitalization.

• In December 1999, the Village initiated efforts to revitalize downtown. Palatine, IL+3Wikipedia+3Palatine, IL+3

• These efforts eventually led to new plans for a modern passenger station, parking structures, and the mixed-use development of adjacent parcels. Palatine, IL+3Wikipedia+3Arcadia Publishing+3

Palatine Station: Rail and Redevelopment

• The original train depot (built 1855, later modified) had been located on the north side of the tracks, east of Brockway Street. Patch+2Palatine Historical Society+2

• In 1866, a formal depot building was erected, marking the official establishment of rail infrastructure for the village. Patch+2Palatine, IL+2

• In 1971, a newer station (with attached strip-mall and restaurant) was constructed across Smith Street from the older location, replacing the original depot. Wikipedia+1

• In 2001, the current station was built, designed by DLK Civic Design, featuring a clock tower, a pedestrian concourse, decorative canopies, a café/coffee shop, and improved passenger amenities. Wikipedia

• The earlier 1971 station was later demolished to make way for parking garages, new office buildings, and mixed-use development immediately adjacent to the tracks. Wikipedia

• Today, Palatine is one of the busiest non-downtown stations on Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest line. Wikipedia

Downtown Revitalization & Modern Era

• As part of the downtown revitalization, new residential units (condominiums, rowhouses) and commercial buildings were built near the train station and main streets. Wikipedia+2Arcadia Publishing+2

• A parking garage was added to accommodate commuter parking and reduce surface lots.

• Streetscape enhancements, pedestrian landscaping, and façade improvements have accompanied the development of the downtown core.

• Local organizations, such as the Downtown Palatine Business Association (DPBA) and the Palatine Historical Society, support ongoing events, tours, and preservation efforts. Palatine, IL+3Palatine Historical Society+3Arcadia Publishing+3

• The Clayson House, built by George H. Clayson in 1873 and preserved by the Historical Society, is a local historic landmark whose restored building and carriage house operate as a museum and event space. Palatine Historical Society

Present-Day Downtown & Identity

• Today, downtown Palatine is a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly district. It balances commuter traffic (via the station) with local shops, restaurants, and residential uses. Homes.com+2Palatine, IL+2

• Some observers note that, unlike many suburbs that lose their town center charm, Palatine retains a strong local identity in its downtown, making it more than just a pass-through zone.

• The station anchors the modern downtown: commuters arrive and depart daily, reinforcing foot traffic and supporting local businesses. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

• Palatine itself has continued to grow (population ~67,908 as of the 2020 census) and diversify, while preserving elements of its historic character. Wikipedia+1