Joliet, Illinois City Guide and Commons Social Network

In Joliet Theaters Now

“Built on a strong work ethic, family values, and community pride, Joliet is currently the fastest growing city in the Midwest,” according to the CityofJoliet.com.

Known as the “City of Steel and Stone” and located roughly 50 minutes from southwest Chicago, Joliet is the fourth-largest city in Illinois. With a population of more than 152,000, Joliet is commuter-friendly, offering options via rail service by Metro Train lines, Pace bus services or easy driving access to a number of major interstates. The phrase "Crossroads of Mid-America” is found on the Joliet city seal.

A thriving town located in both Will and Kendall Counties, Joliet became the county seat of Will County in 1836. By 1852, Joliet was incorporated as a town. The name "Joliet" comes from Louis Joliet, a French Canadian who in 1673 explored the Des Plaines River area with Father Jacques Marquette. The two men camped at the end of town on a large mound overlooking what is now called Joliet.

Downtown Joliet housed the very first Dairy Queen in 1906 in a two-story brick building. Miss America of 1927 was Joliet’s own Lois Delander, who was crowned at the age of sweet 16, and who served as the longest-reigning Miss America in the history of the contest (The pageant did not resume until 1933 because of the Great Depression.).

History buffs will enjoy graceful Victorian houses such as the Jacob Henry mansion, or the Hiram B. Scutt mansion. Historic limestone architecture is a Joliet trademark because of the rich stone and steel industry in the town. Founded in 1901, Joliet Junior College is the oldest junior college in the country. The town is also home to Rasmussen College, and University of St. Francis.

Visitors and residents alike enjoy the New City Center’s self-guided walking tour of Joliet’s murals, sculptures, and mosaics created by the Friends of Community Public Art. The Slovenian Women’s Union of America and Slovenian Heritage Museum, founded in 1978, highlights Joliet’s Slovenian roots.

Built by convict labor, the infamous Joliet Correctional Center, a men’s penitentiary from 1858-2002, is featured in the TV show "Prison Break" and was used for opening shots in the wildly popular 1980’s "Blues Brothers" movie. The prison also was used for the film "Let’s Go to Prison." Completed in 1860 at a cost of $75,000 the prison had room for 761 inmates, making it then the largest penitentiary in the nation. During the Civil War, both convicts and prisoners of war were held there. By 1910, there was still no running water or toilets in the prisoners’ cells.

The humorous Steve Goodman song, “Lincoln Park Pirates,” pokes fun at the practices of an infamous Chicago auto-towing firm called Lincoln Park Towing, and features the verse:

"Our drivers are friendly and courteous.

Their good manners you always will get.

For they all are recent graduates

Of the charm school in Joliet” ...

Contemporary entertainment in Joliet features an array of cultural and sporting destinations. Joliet boasts Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino, the Hollywood Casino and Chicagoland Speedway at Joliet, Route 66 Raceway, Joliet Jackhammers baseball. A must-see is the “jewel of Joliet,” the Rialto Square Theater.

Written by Kathleen Cooney

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