Niles history goes back before its incorporation in 1899. It was first settled by Potawatomi Indians in the 1700's. The first pioneers were mainly German, settling in this area because of the rich farmland and its low cost. The vicinity of Milwaukee and Touhy Ave. became known as "Dutchman's Point" circa 1830's. In 1832 John Schadegar and Jules Perren built the first log cabin. The second house was built by Christian F. Ebinger, who with his family from Ann Arbor, Michigan, settled in the area in 1834. The Ebingers cultivated friendly relations with Indians. Christian was particularly well acquainted with Chief Black Hawk, with whom smoked the pipe of peace.

The first school was erected in 1838, in the area of what is now known as Touhy and Harlem Avenues. The early settlers engaged in truck farming/greenhouses and traveled the North Plank Road (Milwaukee Avenue) to the Chicago Markets.

Niles Township was incorporated in 1850. The only doctor in the area was Theo Hoffman who arrived about 1850. The Dannish, Bohemian, Polish, and English immigrants filtered into Dutchman's point around 1870. The population of the Village of Niles in 1884 was 200 people and consisted of two general stores, one pharmacy, a harness shop, two blacksmith shops, one doctor, two hotels, two schools, three churches, and three cemeteries. At the time of our incorporation August, 1899, John Huntington was elected the first mayor with a population of 500 and by 1920 the Village was 1,200.

"BLUE BOY" was the first Fire Wagon in Niles. It was used as a hand drawn unit in 1899-1990, converted to horse drawn in 1910. The unit is now at the Niles Fire Station #2 at Dempster and Cumberland.

In the 1930's, the population increased to 2,135 including 800 in St. Hedwigs orphanage. St. Hedwigs closed in 1960; it later became Niles College until 1995.

In 1932, Robert Ilg constructed a recreational park for his employees, consisting of twin swimming pools and cabanas, plus featuring a half size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa to cover the pool's water tank. In 1960 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ilg presented the Niles Y.M.C.A. organization, a part of the Ilgar Park property. In 1996, the Leaning Tower was dedicated to the Village of Niles by the Ilg family. The Leaning Tower was rededicated by the Village of Niles on June 26, 1997 after it's restoration.

The Village expanded by annexing an unincorporated area that became Golf Mill Shopping Center, dedicated in 1959. Niles has continued to progress within the community, with a new Village Administration Building, a new Family Fitness and Senior Center, expansion of the Library, and the Niles Middle school (known as Culver).