In 1873, Mt. Forest was founded as an exclusive community for Chicago’s richest residents when Col. Henry Dietrich and some Chicago businessmen bought 300 acres on a hill just north of the canal. By 1877, that town was a stagecoach stop and featured a general store, post office and telegraph office. It also was the first suburban community developed along the Chicago, St. Louis & Alton Railroad.
On May 28, 1892, the Village of Spring Forest was formed by a vote of 30-0. Mayor John H. Winterburn presided over the first village board meeting on July 5, 1892.
In 1937, residents voted to change their town’s name from Spring Forest to Willow Springs to create a new sense of identity, according to historical society president Jean Thode.