A committee of three members of the legislature selected LaFox (Geneva) as the Kane County seat since James Herrington's Tavern and Inn, located on North State Street near the Fox River, had the only post office in the County. Herrington's Tavern also served as the first County Courthouse. On June 4, 1836, 180 men gathered at Herrington's Tavern to elect officials for the new County: three commissioners, a Sheriff, a Recorder of Deeds, a Coroner, and a Surveyor.

The Illinois Constitution of 1848 empowered counties to change their form of government and the residents of Kane County, mostly from New England, chose the county-township type. Sixteen townships were created: Hampshire, Jackson (Rutland), Dundee, Burlington, Washington (Plato), Elgin, Franklin (Virgil), Fairfield (Campton), St Charles, Royalton (Kaneville), Blackberry, Geneva, Batavia, Little and Big Rock, Sugar Grove, and Fox River (Aurora).

The following year the responsibilities of the County Commissioners were divided. The administration of the County was transferred to a Board of Supervisors consisting of one supervisor from each of the 16 townships. Another elected official, the County Clerk, was added. A Chief Judge and two associate judges assumed the judicial responsibilities formerly held by the commissioners.

The form of government for Kane County changed again in 1972 when the Illinois legislature abolished the Board of Supervisors and established the County Board. Kane County was divided into 26 districts and one Board member was elected from each district. The new 26 member County Board took office in May, 1972.