Village of Hawthorn Woods History

On March 10, 1958 the formation of the Village of Hawthorn Woods was approved by a unanimous vote of 71 residents who were opposed to a developer’s attempt to rezone the area and create a large city. Hawthorn Woods became Lake County’s 31st municipality. The prime purpose of the incorporation was to control any future development of the area in a reasonable and orderly manner. To date, that same philosophy applies in Hawthorn Woods.

The Village of Hawthorn Woods has changed and grown over the past 50 some years – experiencing the devastation of the power of nature when touched by ice storms, snow storms and a destructive tornado in 1967 and experiencing renovations and changes to the community including coming together to fight urban sprawl of large shopping centers to preserve the open space feel of the community.

Creation of new subdivisions and continued population growth have seen the Village grow considerably with additions of new schools, a golf course community, restaurants, parks and recently a state-of-the-art aquatic center.

Preserving the rural atmosphere and continuing to require quality workmanship and design are key in Hawthorn Woods. Keeping that focus will guarantee that Hawthorn Woods will continue to be a desirable place to live.

For more information on the history of Ela Township and the communities surrounding Hawthorn Woods visit: http://www.eapl.org/lakezurich/PHET.asp