Montrose was founded on July 19, 1870 and has seldom boasted a population of more than 300. Nevertheless, the village has a colorful history that includes stories of doctors, lawyers, businessmen, gamblers, criminals, and politicians. Dr. Albert Goebel enjoyed 41 years of medical practice and delivered more than 2000 babies. Clyde Spitler became the first student from Effingham Country every to receive a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois College of Agriculture in 1907. Spitler later played a major part in organizing the Effingham County Farm Bureau. Montrose was the adopted town of Lawrence Yates Sherman, who married a Montrose woman, then became a prominent member of state and national politics, serving 12 years in the Illinois legislature, including 2 terms as Speaker of the House, en route to becoming Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. He eventually because the first man to represent Illinois in the Senate and served under President Harding as Special Advisor in the installation of the Federal Bureau of the Budget. He was also a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination. The most significant reminder of the history of Montrose is the magnificent, 2-story mansion built by pioneer businessman Philip Wiwi, which stands near the 4-way stop in the center of town.