Wealthy entrepreneurs moved to the district beginning in the 1890s due to its natural beauty and proximity to major golf resorts.

The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) was opened in 1862 and added a station in modern-day Hinsdale, Illinois two years later.

Before the station was built, real estate developer William Robbins purchased 700 acres (2.8 km2), the first land in Hinsdale, including a lot for his own home.

Hinsdale issued bonds to improve its public works, resulting in running water, electricity, and a sewage system for the town.

Howard George Hetzler was the President of the Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad and the Superintendent of the Chicago division of the CB&Q.

The Boston, Massachusetts firm of Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge designed the George H. and Carrie R. Mitchell House at 244 E. First Street in 1893.

Fellow Oak Park native John S. Van Bergen was the architect of the 1923 Harold Klock Residence at 306 S. County Line Road.