During its brief history it developed from unpopulated wildlife to a largely rural community with a number of suburban villages.

[2] After 1850, Cook County was divided into basic governmental entities,[5] which were designated as townships as a result of the new Illinois Constitution.

[2][6] Illinois's permissive incorporation law empowered any community of 300 resident citizens to petition the Illinois legislature for incorporation as a municipality under a municipal charter with more extensive powers to provide services and tax local residents.

[6] Following the June 29, 1889 elections,[9] several suburban townships voted to be annexed to the city, which offered better services, such as improved water supply, sewerage, and fire and police protection.

[10] The township has no current governmental structure or functions,[1] other than being used by the Cook County Assessor's office for taxation valuation and record keeping purposes.