[3][4] Until the late 18th century, Uphall was a small rural community but the industrial revolution triggered growth as local mining activity increased.

[3] The largest growth was a direct result of the discovery and exploitation of local oil shale in the area, as well as across West Lothian generally.

Surrounding villages expanded rapidly as rows of miners' cottages were erected to accommodate the influx of people, who relocated from places such as the Scottish Highlands and rural Ireland.

[3] Post war industrial development at Greendykes and East Mains Industrial Estates, coupled with new employment throughout the West Lothian district, the new town of Livingston and increased commuting to Edinburgh, continued to see the village grow into a larger settlement contiguous with Broxburn in the 20th century.

[11][12] Kirkhill House in Uphall was the principal residence of David Stewart Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan in the latter part of the eighteenth century.

Among the features were a remarkable accurate scale model of the Solar System in the gardens surrounding the house, and an accompanying astronomical pillar now located in Almondell country Park.

[14][15] Originally built for the local laird, the house was later purchased and expanded by John Shairp, an advocate to Mary, Queen of Scots.

[20] Uphall previously had a public hall (built 1873) that became the local cinema house in the 1920s, before closing in 1974 (the site is now occupied by a car showroom).