Mount Prospect was a dynamic community long before it was officially incorporated and recognized by the state in 1917. From the 1830s to the 1870s, the area surrounding Mount Prospect was inhabited by Yankees from the eastern states, members of the Potawatomi, Sach and Fox tribes, and finally by German immigrants. It was officially named “Mount Prospect” in the 1870s by a developer named Ezra Eggleston. The area became more settled just before the turn of the century, and finally in 1917 the residents voted to incorporate. Since then, Mount Prospect has grown as an industrious community with a sense of pride in its rich history.
Additional Resources:
- Mount Prospect Public Library
- Library Research Services
- Illinois Digital Archives
- Central School
- Facebook
The response and input on Facebook was amazing. See many photos and videos not shown here, plus links to Daily Herald articles and more!
Mount Prospect Collections on the Illinois Digital Archive:
- Dimensions of Life in Mount Prospect
- Mount Prospect History
- Mount Prospect Public Library
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