Joliet

History

Joliet is a city in Will County and Kendall County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1834. It was originally named "Juliet" after the daughter of one of its early settlers, James B. Campbell. However, in 1845, the city's name was changed to Joliet in honor of the French Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet, who in 1673, along with Father Jacques Marquette, paddled up the Des Plaines River and camped on a huge mound, a few miles south of present-day Joliet.

Geography

Joliet is located at 41°31′14″N 88°09′02″W. The city has a total area of 62.77 square miles (162.57 km2), of which 62.11 square miles (160.86 km2) is land and 0.66 square miles (1.71 km2) is water. It is situated approximately 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Chicago and is a major part of the southwest Chicago metropolitan area.

Economy

The economy of Joliet has had a diverse history, ranging from a heavy manufacturing background to its present diversified base. Today, the city's economy is influenced by sectors such as healthcare, education, logistics, and entertainment. The Harrah's Joliet and Hollywood Casino Joliet are two of the city's top employers and contribute significantly to its economy.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 147,433 people, 48,019 households, and 34,900 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 67.5% White, 15.5% African American, 0.6% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 11.6% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 27.8% of the population.

Education

Joliet is served by several school districts. The Joliet Public Schools District 86 serves K-8 students while the Joliet Township High School District 204 serves high school students. The city is also home to Joliet Junior College, the nation's first public community college.

Culture

Joliet is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The Rialto Square Theatre, a favorite for concerts and live performances, is often referred to as the "Jewel of Joliet". The city also hosts the annual Route 66 Classic, a festival that celebrates the city's connection to the famous Route 66 highway.

Transportation

Joliet is a significant transportation hub. The city has two major rail lines from the Union Pacific Railroad and the BNSF Railway that pass through it. Joliet also has three interstate highways (I-80, I-55, and I-355) and a regional airport, the Joliet Regional Airport.