What is the history of Gilberts, Illinois?
In the spring of 1836, E.R. Starks and Elijah Rich filed claims to what would be Rutland Township, named after the Vermont city that had been their home before traveling to the Illinois frontier. In 1839, Albro Gilberts arrived, establishing his farm in what is now the center of Gilberts. Around the year 1852, a post office was established near the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad station and was named Gilberts Station. Soon after, the surrounding area of this establishment was also known as Gilberts Station.In 1855, Elijah Wilcox, and Andrew Pingree bought Gilberts’ farm and platted the village. Because of Albro Gilberts’ great presence and establishment in this area, Gilberts Station was renamed Gilberts in his honor. The community served as a loading point for agricultural commodities. Incorporated in 1890 as Gilberts, the village grew slowly until the proximity of Interstate 90 and the growth of nearby Elgin, IllinoisElgin brought increased development. By 1930, Illinois Route 72 wa
