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Hendricks County, Indiana was created by the Indiana State Legislature on December 20, 1823, and was officially recognized in the spring of 1824, with a population of 1,000. The 51st of Indiana's 92 counties to be created, it was named for then-governor William Hendricks. White settlers had already been living in the area at the time the county it was created, mostly in the southeast corner of the county (Plainfield area).

Danville was formed in October 1824 by the county commissioners, who wanted to make the county seat close to the geographic center of the county. Daniel Beals, James Downard, George Mattlock, and Robert Wilson each donated land to form the town. Lots were then sold, with the highest amount ($115) being paid for a lot on the corner of present-day U.S. 36 & North Washington Street (the northeast corner of the courthouse square). The name 'Danville' was chosen in honor of circuit judge William Wick, whose brother was named Daniel.

By 1826 the county had its first courthouse, a log cabin. It was replaced in 1830 by a brick building, at the location of the present-day courthouse. In 1860 the county decided it needed to build a bigger structure. The beginning of the Civil War delayed construction, and the county's third courthouse was not completed until 1862, at a cost of $60,000. This courthouse was a grand 3-story structure, with a bell tower and an observation tower. The Hendricks County Jail was built nearby in 1869 (today the building is the home of the Hendricks County Historical Museum).

One night in January 1912 a loud crash brought people to the courthouse square, only to discover that heavy snow had made the roof of the courthouse collapse, destroying much of the third floor in the process. The county commissioners decided it would cost too much to repair, so the courthouse was razed and a new courthouse erected in its place. This fourth county courthouse began construction in 1913 and was finished in 1915 for $225,000. This is the courthouse that is still used today.

Danville was a bustling town in the late 1800's. Not only was it home to the county courthouse, but Central Normal College moved there from Ladoga in 1878. The college was known as a school for teachers but also offered classes in business and other subjects. At its peak, Central Normal College had over 1,300 students enrolled each year. The students came from all over Indiana and surrounding states. But the number of students dwindled and the college closed in 1945. The Episcopal Church took over the buildings in 1946 and ran it as Canterbury College, but the college closed for good in 1951. The campus is now the site of the Danville Middle School (located at U.S. 36 & North Wayne Street), where some of the college's original buildings are still in use.

The Interurban (an electric railroad) also brought more people to Danville. The Interurban came to Danville in 1906 and it ran back and forth to Indianapolis once an hour. Money problems as well as the rise of the automobile led to its demise in 1930. A waiting station for the Interurban passengers was built at the corner of East Marion and South Indiana streets in 1908, complete with indoor plumbing. The train's route took it through Ellis Park, where the train trestle remained until 1961.

Today Hendricks County (population 118,000+, according to the Census Bureau), is the second-fastest growing county in the state. Brownsburg, Avon and Plainfield have all grown exponentially as part of Indianapolis' westside, with Plainfield having the largest population (18,396). In contrast, Danville's population is 6,418.