Historical Markers and War Memorials in Lake County, Illinois
Waukegan is the county seat for Lake County
Adjacent to Lake County, Illinois
Cook County(784) ► McHenry County(38) ► Allegan County, Michigan(53) ► Berrien County, Michigan(80) ► Van Buren County, Michigan(76) ► Kenosha County, Wisconsin(39) ►
Touch name on this list to highlight map location. Touch blue arrow, or on map, to go there.
On Hawley Street at North Whitney Street, on the right when traveling west on Hawley Street.
On November 19, 1895 a one room frame school house was moved to this location from the northeast corner of Lake Street and Belvidere Road. Soon afterwards the building was extended ten feet to the front, raised ten feet and a brick veneer was added. . . . — — Map (db m55556) HM
On Hawley Street at North Whitney Street, on the right when traveling west on Hawley Street.
The original bell from St. Andrew Episcopal church heralded many events in the life of the church and community. Usually an altar boy would be assigned the task of pulling the long rope. It was rung before regular services. It was rung for weddings . . . — — Map (db m55555) HM
On Central Park, 0.2 miles west of Library Lane, on the right when traveling west.
In 1895, the year of Grayslake's incorporation, Charles F. Kuebker bought the land that encompasses Central Park from Charles Whitehead. He brought his wife and young son to Grayslake the following year. They tilled the soil and raised animals. In . . . — — Map (db m55557) HM
On Decatur Avenue at Lawrence Street, on the right when traveling east on Decatur Avenue.
Eleven original Officer’s Quarters stand along the bluff of Lake Michigan behind Building One. Six were designed for junior officers, four for senior officers and one for the Commandant. Original occupants included the junior Chaplain, junior . . . — — Map (db m38080) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east.
On many occasions during its history, Great Lakes Naval Training Center has fought to remain an important training location for the Navy. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decision of 1993 finally seems to have put an end to that fight. This . . . — — Map (db m37879) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the left when traveling east.
In the early months of World War II, the Navy Department designated Great Lakes as the only site for training African-American recruits. Since recruit training camps were named after naval heroes, it was thought fitting to do the same for the camp . . . — — Map (db m38002) HM
On Dahlgren Street near Farragut Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The Mess Hall and Galley were designed to serve one thousand two hundred eighty men, but during WWI, over five thousand sailors were fed at each meal. The ornamentation on the outside walls of the Mess Hall suggests the purpose of the building. Its . . . — — Map (db m38005) HM
On Dewey Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling west.
The original Drill Hall, now a gymnasium, was designed with battered walls to give the massive building a military, fort-like appearance. Above the main entrance, the architects provided a large ornamentation of the bow of an ancient sailing ship, . . . — — Map (db m38182) HM
On Decatur Avenue near Mahan Road, on the right when traveling east.
Building one, with offices for the base commander and staff, was originally known as the Administration Building. Designed as the focal point of the base, its 155-foot tower overlooks the parade field and was the tallest structure on the original . . . — — Map (db m38079) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east.
During World War I, the Public Works Department at Great Lakes was tasked with the original construction of new facilities. Originally, Public Works was to use local civilian contractors. The problem, however, was that patriotic tradesmen joined . . . — — Map (db m37870) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east.
Throughout WWI and WWII, athletic opportunities for recruits included swimming, basketball, hockey, water polo, boxing, wrestling and track and field. But, it was in football that Great Lakes achieved national prominence. Among the thousands of . . . — — Map (db m37922) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east.
The Great Lakes History Trail has been established on base to teach about the past and promote a healthy future. As you walk the 2 mile trail, you will learn more about the fascinating history of our great base at the actual locations where it . . . — — Map (db m37876) HM
On Decatur Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
This replica of the 1910 bandstand
upon which LT John Philip Sousa, USN
directed the Naval Training Center Band
was built from original plans in observance
of the Naval Training Center's
75th Anniversary.
Dedicated by NTC Commander . . . — — Map (db m38007) HM
On Sampson Road at Farragut Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Sampson Road.
Unlike many military complexes where troops occupied the site before construction, the Great Lakes project was designed and built before training operations began. The architect, Jarvis Hunt of Chicago, varied the design of individual buildings . . . — — Map (db m38183) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the left when traveling east.
(Left Side): Origins of the Base During the 1898 Spanish-American War, the Navy recognized that over half of the American sailors in that war had come from the Midwest. Congressman Foss of Illinois suggested that in the future, it might . . . — — Map (db m219216) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the left when traveling east.
The First Recruit17-year old Joseph Gregg of Terre Haute, Indiana arrived at Great Lakes Naval Center on July 1, 1911, the day of the first commissioning of the Station. Later that year on October 8, President William Howard Taft officially . . . — — Map (db m37970) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the left when traveling east.
In March, 1944, the first African-American naval officers in U.S. history were commissioned at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Twelve ensigns and one warrant officer made American military history, and went on to serve with distinction in World . . . — — Map (db m38003) HM
On Decatur Avenue near Mahan Road, on the right when traveling east.
Throughout WWI and WWII, athletic opportunities for recruits included swimming, basketball, hockey, water polo, boxing, wrestling and track & field. But, it was in WWI football that Great Lakes achieved national prominence. Among the thousands of . . . — — Map (db m38077) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east.
With the surrender of Japan and the close of hostilities in August, 1945, a call resounded across the nation to “bring our boys back home.” A demobilization center was established at Great Lakes to process the discharge of sailors. In . . . — — Map (db m37926) HM
On John Paul Jones Street, on the right when traveling north.
Land donated, 1905,
by
The Commercial Club of Chicago,
Theodore Roosevelt, President,
Paul Morton, Secretary of the Navy,
F. A. Delano, President, Commercial Club, Chicago,
Graeme Stewart, Member, Commercial Club, Chicago.
Station . . . — — Map (db m38082) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east.
Early aviation at Great Lakes included both pilot training and schools for enlisted Aviation Quartermasters, Machinists Mates, Aviation Armorers, and Ordnancemen. The first pilots were from among wealthy Illinois families who not only encouraged . . . — — Map (db m37873) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east.
During the astonishing growth of the Navy during World War I, women were, for the first time, accepted into the Navy. These women enlisted into the yeoman rating and were designated with an (F) for female. They served with the aviation unit and . . . — — Map (db m37925) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the left when traveling east.
World War IOn April 6, 1917, less than six years after Great Lakes was opened, the U.S. declared war on the Central Powers. By August, the number of trainees grew from 618 to 50,000. Vast tent cities sprang up to house the flood of volunteers. . . . — — Map (db m37996) HM
On Farragut Avenue near Sampson Road, on the right when traveling east.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, only 6,814 sailors were in training at Great Lakes. Two hours after the attack began, Captain Spaulding, the Public Works Officer, authorized a large construction program. 13 prime contractors, 27 architectural . . . — — Map (db m37920) HM
American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) recognizes Whizzer at Six Flags Great America as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance.
Designed by engineer Werner Stengel (1936- ) and manufactured by the . . . — — Map (db m200697) HM
Near Six Flags Drive north of West Washington Street (Road 22), on the right when traveling north.
American Coaster Enthusiasts recognizes Batman The Ride at Six Flags Great America as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historic significance.
As the world's first inverted looping roller coaster, the . . . — — Map (db m226355) HM
Near West Washington Street (County Road A22) 0.3 miles east of Milwaukee Avenue (State Route 21), on the right when traveling west.
Amos Bennett, born in 1797 in Connecticut to freed slaves, was the first African American settler in Lake County. This marker sits on a portion of land Bennett settled and farmed with his wife and children in the mid 1830s. He later farmed 150 . . . — — Map (db m245306) HM
Near Six Flags Drive south of Cedar Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
Columbia is the world's grandest carousel. Standing as high as a ten-story building, every inch of this monumental carousel honors American craftsmanship. None so large or so elegant has ever been built.
On Columbia's two turntables, 106 . . . — — Map (db m231644) HM
On Kilbourne Road, 0.1 miles north of Old Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The Mother Rudd Home is the oldest building in Warren Township. It served as a stagecoach stop, inn, tavern and post office. After the organization of the township in 1850, it was the official town hall and all caucuses and elections were held here. . . . — — Map (db m55519) HM
On O’Plaine Road at Washington Street, on the left when traveling north on O’Plaine Road.
“In memory of the sons and daughters of Warren Township who gave their lives during military conflicts of the United States so that freedom might prevail.” — — Map (db m229122) WM
On Leonard Wood West, on the left when traveling south.
This U.S. Army Post was named after Civil War Cavalry General Philip Sheridan, to honor his many services to Chicago (1868-1883).
The Commercial Club of Chicago, concerned since 1877 with the need for a military garrison, was motivated by the . . . — — Map (db m55515) HM
On Leonard Wood West, on the left when traveling south.
General Philip H. Sheridan
Astride his mount "Rienzi" at the height of the Battle of Five Forks in April, 1865, where he inspired his troop by riding back and forth in front of them (and the enemy) carrying his unit's guidon and rallying them to . . . — — Map (db m55516) HM
On Central Avenue at Saint Johns Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Central Avenue.
This is the site of the first public building built by the Highland Park Building Company in 1868. It contained the first city offices, community and religious meeting rooms. It was bought by James McDonald and became McDonald's Store and Hall. The . . . — — Map (db m64705) HM
On Saint Johns Avenue south of Laurel Avenue, on the left when traveling south.
Built in 1847 of hand hewn, virgin white oak timbers, this is Highland Park's oldest standing structure. It was a centennial gift from Exmoor Country Club to the Highland Park Historical Society and the people of Highland Park.
In December, . . . — — Map (db m64707) HM
On Leonard Wood Avenue South, on the right when traveling east.
Was designed by the Architectural Firm of Holabird and Roche and is a classic example of Military Architecture. It was built in 1891 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior on 4 December . . . — — Map (db m55517) HM
On North Green Bay Road (Illinois Route 131) 0.2 miles north of Armour Drive, on the right when traveling south.
In 1837 William Dwyer, his wife Mary, and her brother, Dr. Richard Murphy, established a claim to the property on this site and created what was known as the Dwyer Settlement. The Dwyer homestead included a tavern and one of the three stage stops . . . — — Map (db m66619) HM
On North Saint Mary's Road (County Route 19) 0.5 miles north of West Everett Road (County Route 40), on the right when traveling south.
Adlai Ewing Stevenson – Governor of Illinois from 1949 to 1953, twice the Democratic Party nominee for president, and United States Ambassador to the United Nations – built this residence in 1938. Known as "The Farm," the house, outbuildings, and . . . — — Map (db m41247) HM
Legion of Merit Chief Commander
General Dragoljub Mihailovich distinguished himself in an outstanding manner as Commander-in-Chief of the Yugoslavian Army Forces and later as Minister of War by organizing and leading important resistance . . . — — Map (db m55566) HM
On Robert Parker Coffin Road, on the left when traveling west.
Owned by the Bollenbach family, wagonmakers and blacksmiths, the center two-story section was moved from its original location across the road. — — Map (db m78444) HM
On Old McHenry Road, on the right when traveling east.
The peak medallion and other Victorian design elements reflect later additions to original two-story center section. Remained a residence until 1963. — — Map (db m78453) HM
On Old McHenry Road, on the left when traveling east.
Home of Christ and Albert Sauer, the eldest and youngest of the four brothers to settle in the village. Christ was a Civil War Veteran. — — Map (db m78452) HM
On Old McHenry Road at Robert Parker Coffin Road, on the left when traveling east on Old McHenry Road.
Originally erected as Sauer's Cheap Cash Store by Civil War Veteran Christ Sauer. Remained a family business until 1932. Destroyed by fire and rebuilt. — — Map (db m78447) HM
On Farragut Avenue east of Sheridan Road (Illinois Route 137).
Panel 1:
McDonnell/Douglas A-4D (A-4) “Skyhawk”
The Douglas A-4D “Skyhawk” was designed by the late Ed Heinemann in response to a Navy requirement for a fast (but compact) long-range, light-weight carrier . . . — — Map (db m67360) WM
On Sheridan Road (Illinois Route 137) near 10th Street, on the right when traveling north.
The Washburn and Moen Manufacturing Company of Worcester, MA. established a wire mill – The Waukegan Works – east of this location along Lake Michigan. The land for its Illinois operation was purchased January 16, 1891, on the . . . — — Map (db m38184) HM
On Rockland Road (Illinois Route 176) 0.1 miles east of Energy Drive, on the right when traveling west.
On June 12, 1924, the largest train robbery in U.S. history occurred near here. Bandits boarded the train in Chicago and forced postal clerks to surrender sacks containing more than two-million dollars in securities and cash. Local police . . . — — Map (db m54066) HM
On North Old Rand Road south of North Garland Road, on the right when traveling south.
In 1840, Andrew C. Cook and his wife Mary Oakes came to Wauconda Township from Vermont, via the Erie Canal, the Great Lakes to Chicago and then to Wauconda. They purchased 380 acres of land at $1.25 per acre. A log cabin was erected before clearing . . . — — Map (db m54062) HM
Born December 23, 1923
United States Marine Corps
1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 6th Marine Division
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and . . . — — Map (db m116062) HM WM
Near North Sheridan Road, 0.2 miles north of Greenwood Avenue.
From 1912 to 1962, Bowen Park was the site of the Joseph T. Bowen Country Club, owned by the Hull-House Association of Chicago. Here, children from many national, racial and religious backgrounds learned to respect each other and the environment. . . . — — Map (db m54019) HM
On Washington Street at South West Street, on the right when traveling east on Washington Street.
A resident of Glen Rock Avenue in Waukegan and a musician in Company C, 55th Illinois Infantry
He is the youngest soldier ever to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery on the battlefield at Vicksburg, Mississippi on May . . . — — Map (db m115973) HM WM
On North Park Avenue, 0.1 miles Washington Street, on the right when traveling north.
Author Ray Bradbury (1920-2012), born in Waukegan, Illinois, is renowned as one of the most celebrated fiction writers of our time and one of the most important figures in the genre of science fiction and fantasy.
This park, where Bradbury . . . — — Map (db m137380) HM
In Memoriam
U.S.S. Maine
Destroyed in Havana Harbor
February 15th, 1889
This tablet is cast from metal recovered from the U.S.S. Maine
(Lower tablet:)
Dedicated to Ben L. Jones Camp
No. 50 United Spanish . . . — — Map (db m116088) WM
In memory of Alvin E. Johnson & William W. Kyndberg Presented to Homer Daringer Post No. 281 American Legion by Mrs. Alvin E. Johnson & Mrs. William W. Kyndberg — — Map (db m116061) WM
Near North Park Avenue, 0.1 miles north of Washington Street, on the right when traveling north.
[Clockwise, from upper left]
Early Life
Ray Douglas Bradbury was born on August 22, 1920. His parents were Leonard Spaulding Bradbury and Esther Marie Moberg. He spent much time during his youth reading at the Carnegie Library, which he . . . — — Map (db m137566) HM
On Sheridan Road (Illinois Route 137) at 26th Street, on the right when traveling north on Sheridan Road.
Erected in 1902 to provide a temporary lodging house for the followers of John Alexander Dowie, founder of the Christian Catholic Church and Zion City, Elijah Hospice was believed to be the largest wooden balloon-frame structure in the world. . . . — — Map (db m38186) HM
