The first visitors to the Lake Zurich area were French explorers, who in 1896 began to settle on the rich soil. Following the Treaty of Prairie du Chien in 1829, the Potawatomi Indians who first inhabited the land began to leave, and by 1836 they had entirely relocated from the area.

Lake Zurich, Illinois then known as Cedar Lake, was already forming into a fledgling community. As more settlers arrived, buildings were constructed, as were the Union Store and first newspaper. The area remained a primarily farming community until the early 20th century, when the advent of the automobile necessitated road construction and served an influx of new residents as well as vacationers.

From a farming community to a resort town to a modern, thriving village, Lake Zurich uses its rich history as a guide for the future.

– Source: Lake Zurich Chamber of Commerce  (2/15/08)