naperville is a city in illinois in the united states. it is ranked the 5th biggest in illinois. it was founded by joseph naper who founded it along with the dupage river in 1831. before any settlement, naperville was home to native american tribes. in 1641, the first caucasian contact with native americans in illinois. they were kicked out by the potawami tribe that kicked out the ilinewek tribe whom they had made contact with native americans. naper arrived with his friends and family to what would be known as napers settlement. he was known for many things in naperville as it was incorporated as a community in 1857. the county is named after the river, dupage county. these churches were built by the early families of naperville such as the hobsons, napers, and scotts as they built seven churches. naperville became an important stop from chicago and ottawa. by 1832, there were 180 residents living in naperville whom they had built sawmills, stores, the pre-emption hotel, and gristmills. du-page county was established in 1839 and naperville became the county seat. eight businesses in naperville contributed to the building of the southwest plank road. this was completed in 1851 and connected chicago, naperville, and oswego.