Joliet in Will County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

From Prisons to Libraries

I&M Canal Passage

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 2, 2020

1. From Prisons to Libraries Marker

Inscription. The peak years for limestone quarrying in Joliet were from 1850-1900. By 1900 quarries shifted production to crushed stone, and in 1917 Illinois produced more of this product than any other state. The last building constructed of Joliet stone was All Saint's Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet, completed during World War II.

There were many reasons for the decline of the Joliet limestone industry. By the 1890s different types of stone were available, and durable Indiana limestone proved to be superior to that from Illinois. Also, new types of less expensive building materials came into use, such as Portland cement, terra cotta, and artificial stone. In addition, architectural styles changed and called for new materials and colors.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 41° 31.534′ N, 88° 5.286′ W. Marker is in Joliet, Illinois, in Will County. It is on North Bluff Road north of West Jefferson Street (U.S. 30), on the right when traveling south. Marker is at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park. Touch for map. Marker is

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at or near this postal address: 30 N Bluff Road, Joliet IL 60435, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Quarry Workers / Joliet Stone (here, next to this marker); Joliet Buildings (here, next to this marker); Quarries Are Us (here, next to this marker); Lester Frank Ward / Fossils (here, next to this marker); Prairie Band of Potawatomi (a few steps from this marker); Joliet's Business Center (a few steps from this marker); Market in Joliet (within shouting distance of this marker); Oneida Street Steps (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Joliet.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 2, 2020

2. From Prisons to Libraries Marker

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 2, 2020

3. From Prisons to Libraries Marker

Marker is next to several other markers (it is hidden behind the lady w/ umbrella silhouette statue)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 6, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.