In the mid 1800s, Matteson pioneers certainly could not imagine that this settlement would one day be home to nearly 13,000 residents, three school districts as well as private and parochial schools, and a booming major retail and office center.

In 1848, Fredrick Illgen purchased 40 acres from the government. These 40 acres are now the southern section of Matteson. The village was named after the 10th Governor of Illinois Joel A. Matteson, who was in office at the time of the settlement.