Settled in 1836, Riverside, known then as the Aux Plains, first welcomed the Forbes family to its serene riverbanks and beautiful forest areas. Others soon discovered the desirability of the area. However, only a handful of individuals held large land holdings in Riverside, and consequently, land development from approximately 1840-1868 was minimal.
In 1869, the Riverside Improvement Company was incorporated and set forth to fulfill the company's dream of developing "a perfect village in a perfect setting."
Frederick Law Olmsted
The company selected Frederick Law Olmsted as their architect of choice, and based on Olmsted's plan, the community began to take shape and resemble the Riverside we know today.