Much of the territory known as Wheatland Township was officially owned by Native Americans until 1833.  After that time, many settlers were not interested in moving to a region that was lacking significant wooded land.  Farmers relied on wood as a source of fuel and building material.  They also believed that if the land did not support the growth of trees, it would not be good for farming.  However, as land sold out in adjacent townships, Wheatland Township became more attractive to settlers.

The first settler in Wheatland Township was Isaac Foster, who arrived in 1837.  He was followed by Josiah Wightman in 1838 and in 1839 by L.G. Colgrove and Chester Ingersoll.  Other settlers, such as the Clows, Pattersons and Findleys arrived in the 1840s.  Wheatland Township, formerly known as the Oregon Precinct, was officially organized in 1850. 

The tax levy in 1884 was $9,181.62 including a school tax of $3,120.26.  The population in 1880 was 1,098.  There were ten single-school districts. 

Although no one town or village of a sizeable significance developed in Wheatland Township, there was a pronounced sense of community among the residents.  The reason for this was the annual Wheatland Plowing Match.  The Wheatland Plowing Association was formed in 1877.  Farmers were looking for a way to promote agriculture and to strengthen the bonds of friendship among residents.  The first Plowing Match was held in September, 1877.  Wheatland Township became know as the most fertile and productive township in the state of Illinois.  Wheatland Township became strong through its fellowship and union.  For over 100 years, the matches were the high light of every year with hiatuses only during WWI and WWII.  The Plowing Association still is a part of the area today.

Post Offices served as community crossroads and Churches were the community anchors in Wheatland Township.  Numerous schools were scattered throughout the township, but they were not as significant as the post offices and churches.  Two of those original churches still are an active part of the Wheatland community today; Zion Lutheran Church and Wheatland Presbyterian Church.  The original Zion Lutheran Church was moved across 111th Street and Book Road in 2000 to the Will County Forest Preserve land, but was lost to fire several years later.

Wheatland Township has continued to grow.  Currently, the population of Wheatland Township exceeds 24,000 families.  The major municipalities of Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego and Romeoville are all part of the still growing township.  The equalized assessed valuation is $2,903,600,000.00.  Homes and businesses seem to appear overnight.  Our schools frequently are recognized for their excellence.  Still, ties to the past remain.  Tamarack subdivision, for example, carries the name of one of the earliest rural crossroads developed in Wheatland Township.  The Fry Family YMCA demonstrates decades of family commitment to community.  The names of our schools also reflect the history of Wheatland Township.  This practice encompasses our ability to not only honor the past, but to recognize that our future lies within the heritage of brotherhood and sisterhood that has made Wheatland Township a thriving, vital community.