Elburn, IL, is located in Kane County, Illinois. This small “village” has expanded significantly in recent years, more than doubling its population between the 2000 and 2010 census. The “village” is located at the cross section of Route 47 and Route 38, about 46 miles west of the Chicago Loop.
Incorporated in 1886, the village of Elburn was founded by William Lance in 1834. Not long after the arrival of William Lance, Henry Wayne would arrive and build an Inn called the Halfway House. The inspiration for the name came from the fact this new “village” was the halfway point between Oregon, IL, and Chicago, IL.
As it did for many small towns during this time, the railroad would offer an opportunity to expand. In 1854, the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company would build the Blackberry Station, the actual name by which this village was first known.
The Chicago and North Western Transportation company eventually asked the village to change its name to Melbourne. However, the decision was made to shorten the name to Elbourne. Since, the village has shortened its “second” name to Elburne, and its now current form of Elburn.
Elburn remained a rural village through most of the 20th century. It was actually the popularity of tract homes that led to its population boom. The small village once known as Blackberry Station now has a population over 5,000 and is a Metra stop on the Union Pacific/West Line.