Aurora was originally two towns: McCarty Mills on the east side and Hartford on the west side of the Fox River. McCarty Mills was founded bySamuel and Joseph McCarty (brothers), who initially owned land on both sides of the river, but sold their lands on the west side, living and operating their mill on the east side. McCarty Mills eventually incorporated as Aurora, and Hartford incorporated as West Aurora. The name Aurora was chosen because of Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), which were shimmering fantastic hues of greens and blues high above the night sky.
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