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Origins and Early Settlement (1830s–1850s)

Barrington’s story begins in the wake of the 1833 treaty ending the Black Hawk War, when Indigenous tribes ceded vast lands in northern Illinois. The earliest settlers, including Jesse F. Miller and William Van Orsdal from New York, arrived in 1834 in what was then called Miller Grove – later renamed Barrington Center. This modest settlement sat at a pivotal crossroads, drawing more settlers from Vermont and New York.

Railroads soon transformed the area’s prospects. In 1854, the Chicago & North Western Railway arrived, establishing a station called Deer Grove. Civil engineer Robert Campbell platted nearby farmland, persuading the railway to relocate the station to what he called Barrington—after Barrington Center. The village’s first lumber operation followed on Franklin Street in 1855, and by 1863 the population reached about 300.

Incorporation and Growth (1865–1890s)

Formal incorporation came in 1865, when the Illinois legislature granted Barrington its charter on February 16, followed by its first Village Board meeting on March 20—appointing Homer Wilmarth as mayor. Soon after, Milius B. McIntosh became the first elected Village President.

The village weathered devastating fires in the 1890s—burning key blocks downtown in 1890, 1893, and 1898. These disasters prompted a construction shift, replacing wooden structures with more enduring brick and stone buildings that shaped downtown’s character for generations.

Architectural Heritage and Institutions

Several notable structures remain as testaments to Barrington’s architectural and civic heritage:

• Octagon House (c.1860): A rare eight-sided home built by Joseph Brown, featuring handmade construction and unique interior nooks—now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Barrington Historic District: A 92-acre zone preserving homes from roughly 1860 to 1930 in styles such as Queen Anne, Greek Revival, Italianate, Craftsman, and more.

• John Robertson Jr. House (1898): A Neoclassical American Foursquare home built for a local banker, listed on the National Register.

• Catlow Theater (1927): A Tudor Revival-style single-screen movie house, designed by Betts & Holcomb with interiors by Alfonso Iannelli. It originally featured vaudeville acts and silent films and is now undergoing a 2027 restoration in anticipation of its centennial.

• Barrington United Methodist Church: Tracing roots to 1840 frontier congregations, the current building dating to 1859 was later sold to become the first St. Anne Catholic Church.

Twentieth-Century Evolution

The early 20th century brought further development and modernization:

• In 1889, the EJ&E Railroad crossed the village, reinforcing its role as a regional hub.

• 1904 saw the arrival of long-distance telephone service and rural mail delivery—followed by natural gas, paved streets, Boy Scouts, and a library.

• The Barrington Woman’s Club (1914), Park Board (1929), and other civic institutions flourished.

• The Jewel Tea Company headquartered here in 1929, adding economic backbone.

• Barrington’s volunteer fire department, water system, and telephone services also date back to the late 1890s.

• The infamous 1934 shootout with gangster Baby Face Nelson left a lasting mark on the community and is commemorated in Langendorf Park.

• Post-WWII years saw rapid suburban growth and population expansion, like many Chicago-area villages.

History Preserved, Community Revived

History remains alive in Barrington through restoration and preservation:

• The Donlea‑Kincaid House (1898), now part of the Barrington History Museum, exemplifies late Victorian Folk style.

• The Wichman Blacksmith Shop (1929) was relocated to create a historical streetscape at the museum campus.

• Barrington’s White House—a grand 1898 mansion—underwent a transformative restoration in 2015 supported by a clean-energy grant. It now operates as a LEED Gold-certified cultural and event space.

Modern Celebrations and Civic Spirit

In 2015, Barrington celebrated its 150th anniversary—its Sesquicentennial—with events honoring its rural roots, architectural richness, and community pride.

Today, the village maintains a thriving downtown with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues that attract residents and visitors alike. Moving forward, projects like the Catlow Theatre’s restoration promise to keep Barrington’s history vibrant and its community connected.

In Summary

From its humble beginnings as Miller Grove and Barrington Center in the early 19th century, through the arrival of the railroads, fires, architectural flourishes, and post-war transformation—Barrington, Illinois has grown into a village rich in heritage, community, and forward-looking preservation. Its storied buildings, civic institutions, and vibrant downtown continue to reflect the enduring spirit of “be inspired” for residents and visitors alike.