Anita King, a former race car driver turned movie star, was the first woman to drive solo cross-country on the Lincoln Highway. Nicknamed the "Paramount Girl", she left Los Angeles on August 25, 1915. Making public appearances along the route, she . . . — — Map (db m170397) HM
National Cemeteries were first developed in the United States during the Civil War. Due to mounting war casualties, on July 17, 1862, Congress empowered President Abraham Lincoln, "to purchase cemetery grounds and cause them to be securely . . . — — Map (db m157063) HM
The inscription on the base of the memorial bench is taken from his final formal speech given prior to his death on April 15, 1865. It was a five-minute speech where Lincoln reminded his audience that slavery had been the central cause of the Civil . . . — — Map (db m157064) HM
Threat of war in 1940 transformed the farming town of Elwood into a munitions manufacturing hub. The War Department acquired 40,000 acres and built two massive plants to assemble bombs and shells. The factories employed more than 20,000 people. . . . — — Map (db m157067) HM
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have served honorably and admirably in America's armed forces. In their memory and in appreciation of their selfless service and sacrifice. — — Map (db m175190) WM
In July 1928, four Eagle Scouts were selected for a nationwide safety tour to promote the Lincoln Highway and the upcoming national scouting event in which the Lincoln Highway concrete markers would be installed. The Scouts, two Scoutmasters, and a . . . — — Map (db m172995) HM
In 1864, farmer Thomas Byron dug a well and struck "black diamonds" - coal. The next year, Scottish miner James Braidwood sank the first shaft. Towns like Braidwood, Coal City, Carbon Hill, Diamond, and Godley sprang up. These villages were home . . . — — Map (db m157068) HM
I believe the government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the union to be dissolved I do not expect the house to fall, but I do expect it will cease to be divided Our cause then, must be entrusted to Those . . . — — Map (db m170400) HM
The National Hotel erected in 1837 was for many years Joliet's finest hotel. Both Lincoln and Van Buren were guests.
Charles Reed built the first log house in Joliet on this site.
This corner was a division point in the old Sac and Fox . . . — — Map (db m157254) HM
This fountain is affectionately named "Frannie" in appreciation of the inspiration provided by Frances Jacksa Schultz. Fran is the wife of Mayor Arthur Schultz and conceived the idea for a fountain in the park that would be visible from the park, . . . — — Map (db m157164) HM
This series of four murals based on historical photographs commemorates the Joliet region's symbiotic relationship to the Des Plaines River and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. In 1673 French-Canadian voyageur Louis Joliet, the city's namesake, was . . . — — Map (db m157429) HM
Leisure Time
With what little spare time workers had, they took advantage of local social activities in Joliet. Churches, parks, and saloons were plentiful. Theaters were affordable entertainment. Five cents bought your ticket to popular . . . — — Map (db m158109) HM
The old "American House" hotel, where pioneers boarded while they built their homes, was at this site. Later, Frank Bush built this large stone block here. It housed the old Chicago House Saloon, Cobb's Jewelry, Dr. F.X. Woerndle, Firman Mack's Shoe . . . — — Map (db m157282) HM
Originally a Unitarian Church with unique street level commercial space, the structure was designed by Joliet architect G. Julian Barnes. The Richardsonian Romanesque style structure was built in 1891 with local Joliet Limestone accented with . . . — — Map (db m157969) HM
To commemorate our nation's 200th birthday in 1976 the volunteer Will-Joliet Bicentennial Park, Inc. built Bicentennial Park with its theatre and bandshell on historic Bluff Street. It was then given to the City of Joliet.
In 1987 to celebrate . . . — — Map (db m157281) HM
In 1832, when our first settlers arrived, the Deep Waterway at this site was a small river full of islands. They crossed it "by ford or makeshift ferry". In 1837 the village issued $3000 in script to build two bridges. After the bridges washed down . . . — — Map (db m157168) HM
From the 1860's into the 1900's the Herschberger families made carriages and wagons at this site. To the north there were many small shops; Sebastian Stephen made boots, Fred Beuttenmuller made guns, John Gersh had a meatmarket and Frank Kramer ran . . . — — Map (db m157503) HM
Presented by the Ladies of
the Grand Army of the Republic,
Department of Illinois,
In honor of
the Union Soldiers and Sailors
of
1861-The Civil War-1865 — — Map (db m158519) WM
Here in 1834 Martin and Sophia Demmond built a one and one half story house using one room for his first store before moving into Joliet's first stone building which he constructed at Bluff and Jefferson. In 1836 Col. John Curry added to the house, . . . — — Map (db m157165) HM
When Louis Jolliet and Father Marquette passed here in 1673, this was just a lazy little river. First known as the River Plain, the Des Plaines joined the I&M Canal (1848) 2 miles north of here. In 1900, because of the increased flowage from the . . . — — Map (db m157433) HM
In 1858 Edwin Porter made beer and ale here. By 1889 his brewery covered nearly two blocks. His 120 mules were stabled across the street. Large underground stone Bierkellers tunneled down the river. Pure artesian well water helped make the beer . . . — — Map (db m157269) HM
The commercial structure was built in 1900 as a passenger depot for the E.J. & E. Railway. The original structure included horizontal bands of unglazed Midland terra cotta trim around the windows. Tiny electric lamps provided definition of the . . . — — Map (db m157559) HM
Built in 1909, the Neo-Classical Revival structure was designed by architects Mundie and Jensen and incorporates massive fluted columns and Corinthian capitals. Indiana Bedford limestone proved over time to be an ideal stone to accommodate the . . . — — Map (db m157974) HM
This is the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site. The iron works and the local limestone quarries were once the backbone of the Joliet area economy. These two industries gave the city of Joliet the nickname of the "The City of Steel and Stone." Today, . . . — — Map (db m158092) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m157412) HM
George Kiser, an African-American, moved to Joliet from Missouri in the early 1900s. A laborer at the Joliet Iron Works, he worked in noisy, hot and dangerous conditions. The mill employed workers from all over the world - migrants from the south . . . — — Map (db m158086) HM
Martin Westphal and Sebastian
Lagger started their banking
business on Bluff Street in 1868. In
1875 they constructed the German
Loan & Sabings Bank on this site.
The stone and brick structure was
22' x 60'. The vault was sunk in
solid . . . — — Map (db m157437) HM
This mural portrays the early mills of Joliet along Hickory Creek. Images of the original Red Mill and the Cagwin Saw Mill, as well as the old Richards Street stone bridge, are combined with serene scenes portraying the Hickory Creek area. Pioneers . . . — — Map (db m167382) HM
Here at the Joliet Iron Works, high-risk jobs required the most manual labor and paid the lowest wage.
Men dumped materials into the top of 70-foot tall blast furnaces. Escaping gases could suffocate the workers, causing falls to the ground or . . . — — Map (db m158096) HM
Behind this plaque is a 16 x 12 x 13 inch copper box which was filled by the Will County Committee of the Illinois Sesquicentennial Celebration (1968). This is to be opened in one hundred years.
Beside the plaque is the cornerstone of Will . . . — — Map (db m158522) HM
James McKee's mill and dam operated here from 1834 until the Illinois & Michigan Canal was built in 1848. The locktender's house was on an island between the canal and the river. Stores on both sides sold food and drink to passengers as boats went . . . — — Map (db m157167) HM
Joliet's first stone building went up in 1834-5, and the city's business district quickly grew up around it. Joliet's downtown eventually shifted from Bluff Street to the east side of the river, where many limestone structures give evidence to the . . . — — Map (db m157416) HM
Outside of Chicago, Jollet has the largest number of operable lift bridges in the Midwest. The six bridges, built circa 1930, represent three of only four design styles of lift bridges made in the world.
The black railroad bridge is a vertical . . . — — Map (db m198528) HM
Built in 1903, the building was designed in the French Beaux Arts style by Daniel H. Burnham Co., the famous Chicago architect. For many years, Joliet City offices were located in this structure. The 1991 library addition tripled the size of the . . . — — Map (db m157563) HM
Dr. John Temple started stagecoach routes in 1834. Joliet was on one of the heaviest traveled lines west of Chicago. It ran along here between the bluffs and the river.
Rest stops were here and at the famous Old Virginia Tavern. In this area . . . — — Map (db m157436) HM
Railroads have played a key part in Joliet's economic development, labor history, and demographic composition. The construction, maintenance, and operation of the rails and trains provided jobs, and the railways hauled both raw materials and . . . — — Map (db m167381) HM
(front:)
Route 66, the Mother Road, is an American icon that symbolizes romance and freedom of the open road. Born in 1926, Route 66 was one of the first numbered U.S. highways, journeying 2,500 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. Today, . . . — — Map (db m158450) HM
Joliet/Juliet's first log cabin was built by Charles & Chloe Reed 1832-33. Other historic date of site is on plaque saved from 1958 fire of National Hotel and Adler's Market and replaced during Juliet's 150th birthday. — — Map (db m157261) HM
For many years this area of Bluff & Exchange (Jefferson) was Joliet's business center. On the NW corner pioneers traded at T.P. Dunham Hardware (later Barrett's), Clement Mercantile, Wilcox Drygoods, and W.A. Strong Hardware. Charles Clement, who . . . — — Map (db m157285) HM
Joliet's first sidewalks were of stone or wood. Stone from these bluffs was cut and laid on both sides of Bluff Street which was then 5' wider. Rev. J.H. Prentiss, organizer of the Presbyterian congregation, made his first home nestled here under . . . — — Map (db m157194) HM
Joliet's first stone building was constructed on this site by Martin Demmond. In 1834 he quarried limestone from these bluffs for a three story building comprised of stores, offices and ballroom. Completed in 1835 the convention to nominate Will . . . — — Map (db m157284) HM
Juliet/Joliet's first fire and
police by-laws and rules
were made in the
village's first adopted
charter in 1837. The first
volunteer fire department
was started at this site. — — Map (db m157487) HM
This is the oldest remaining construction in
Joliet. It was the underground storage area
behind Merchants Row's store #6 (1837). It
was at this site in the 1850's that
John D. Paige became the first to bottle
flavored water under pressure, thus . . . — — Map (db m157490) HM
This sculpture of cold cast bronze depicts Katherine Dunham, a Joliet native and among the most influential figures in 20th-century art. She was a dancer, actor, choreographer, anthropologist, author and activist who raised African/Caribbean dance . . . — — Map (db m167376) HM
Double the Risk
Less than half the iron plant workforce spoke English. Immigrants who did not speak English well were twice as likely to be injured or killed on the job. And with many people looking for work, it was easy to replace . . . — — Map (db m158108) HM
(Lester Frank Ward panel:)
The American Aristotle
The last of ten children, Lester Frank Ward (1841-1913) was born in Joliet, at Joliet and Benton streets. His father owned a quarry at what is now the site of the Illinois State . . . — — Map (db m157403) HM
Louis Joliet was a French-Canadian explorer who, along with Father Jacques Marquette, led an expedition to discover the extent of the Mississippi River in 1673. They discovered Mount Jolliet situated on the Illinois River in August of that same year. — — Map (db m158461) HM
Born in Laon, France, Father Jacques Marquette arrived in Canada as a Jesuit missionary in 1666. He spent six years living with Ottawa Native Americans before setting out on his exploration of the Mississippi River, including a journey up the . . . — — Map (db m158459) HM
A pioneer settler in Will County, Charles Reed staked the first claim to canal lands in Joliet in the fall of 1832, building a log cabin and grist mill at the present site of the Joliet Veteran's Memorial located at the southeast corner of Jefferson . . . — — Map (db m158458) HM
John D. Paige moved to Joliet in 1857 and quickly became established as an inventor and pioneer in the bottling of carbonated, flavored water, the precursor of today's soda pop. J.D. Paige soon expanded his business pursuits, becoming one of . . . — — Map (db m158457) HM
Frederich Bartleson was elected district attorney shortly after moving to Joliet in 1855. Mr. Bartleson later became the first Will County resident to volunteer for military service in the Civil War. Colonel Bartleson lost an arm in battle, was held . . . — — Map (db m158463) HM
Designed by Daniel Burnham and built in 1924, the stucco sculpture was a result of a design competition sponsored by the Joliet Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber headquarters employed a Spanish Renaissance motif, including an open-air atrium in the . . . — — Map (db m157569) HM
In the 1870's at this site Cleghorn and Mack sold harnesses and saddles, John Gorges made boots and shoes, Patrick Fant sold groceries and crockery, John Dames sold furniture and crockery and Joseph Walker sold toys and notions. — — Map (db m157193) HM
Jobs Drew Workers from Afar
The 1880s was a time of plenty. Jobs opened up for local residents as the economy recovered from the Chicago fire and a national depression.
Creating iron and steel takes skilled machinists, laborers and . . . — — Map (db m158089) HM
Joliet's third stone building, "Merchant's Row," (1837) was 120 ft. long and 3 stories high. First floor had 6 stores: Allen General Mdse, Blair Tinsmith, Harrington Meat Market, Chatfield & Fassett Grain Dealers, Boardman's "Cheapstore," and Dr. . . . — — Map (db m157489) HM
[two plaques, on different corners of the building but close to each other:](plaque on front of building:)
Built in 1910, the Morris Building was one of the most prominent buildings in the area. The seven story Neo-Gothic . . . — — Map (db m158765) HM
The structure was built in 1886 as a mixed-use building with main level commercial and upper level apartments. Renovations returned the structure to its original use. Building design features local dolomite limestone details at the windowsills and . . . — — Map (db m157967) HM
(left panel:)
Natividad Guiterrez, 1900-1978
In 1919, Natividad Guiterrez arrived in Joliet with his wife and grandmother. Like other Mexicans, he came here for work and found a job driving spikes on the EJE Railroad.
The . . . — — Map (db m157278) HM
This was a branch of the Old Sac (Sauk) Indian Trail that came from Fort Malden in Canada through Michigan, forked east of Joliet near Oakwood Cemetery, crossed the river between Joliet and Lockport and went on down the DesPlaines Valley. — — Map (db m157502) HM
After our pioneers lived and made their fortunes on Bluff Street, many built substantial homes on Broadway or Cross (Western Ave.). These Oneida Street steps, built to aid their climb up the steep hill, were originally of stone from the bluffs. They . . . — — Map (db m157432) HM
On this site and in this building, erected ca. 1895, the world's first Dairy Queen store opened on June 22, 1940.
Soft serve ice cream was unknown before its inception in Kankakee, Illinois in 1938 by John Fremont "Grandpa" McCullough . . . — — Map (db m157062) HM
This sandstone, Neo-Classical style structure was built in 1903. The building, distinguished by massive ionic columns, was designed by architect James Knox Taylor as Joliet's main post office. The structure is listed on the National Register of . . . — — Map (db m157970) HM
The last Native Americans in this area were of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi. In early years they fought on the side of French and British. In later years, under Chief Shabonna, they were friends to our settlers. In 1833 they signed a treaty giving . . . — — Map (db m157286) HM
The Art Deco style structure was designed by architect H.V. Van Hoist, and built in 1930. The building exterior is Bedford limestone with a granite base. The Art Deco style is exemplified in the building massing and the cut decorative tiles visible . . . — — Map (db m157568) HM
While many know of Joliet as the City of Steel, the foundation of Joliet's industrial heritage rests on solid limestone. Long before the steel industry came to epitomize Joliet's blue-collar character, the quarrying of limestone formed the early . . . — — Map (db m157420) HM
(Marker consists of two 2-sided posts:)(first post, left panel:)
This project was partially funded with a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Bureau of Tourism. Thanks also to the City of . . . — — Map (db m157424) HM
The Rubens Brothers created the Rialto Square Theatre as a magnificent vaudeville movie palace in 1926. One of the ten most beautiful theaters in the nation, the "Jewel of Joliet" was designed by prominent theatre architects C.W. and George Rapp and . . . — — Map (db m69925) HM
Stop by to grab an ice cream treat and stroll through the park for many great photo opportunities. The Rich and Creamy Ice Cream stand is the highlight of Route 66 Park, having served travelers for years. Be sure to look up and see Jake & Elwood . . . — — Map (db m157508) HM
A clearinghouse for information as you travel down the Mother Road, the Route 66 Experience has information on Route 66, Lincoln Highway and all of Joliet! Visit the Free Route 66 Experience with interactive features to entertain for hours! A key . . . — — Map (db m157506) HM
On this spot in 1850
Samuel Benedict Reed
Civil Engineer : Pioneer Railroad Builder : Citizen of Joliet
Began the survey for the present Chicago Rock Island and Pacific the first railroad to reach and bridge the Mississippi River. . . . — — Map (db m158763) HM
This mural depicts various aspects of the Joliet area's Native American heritage. Prominently featuring a map of the Great Sauk (or Sak) Trail, which many tribes used to traverse Will County, it also shows a Potawatomi child, examples of how Indians . . . — — Map (db m158767) HM
Here in 1836 our first tinner William Blair set up shop in a low wooden block building. In 1844 R.S. Higgins sold dry goods in his "St. Louis Store." Then in 1865 Ferdinand Zerkle, followed by-Henry Smith and George Nape in the 1890's, operated a . . . — — Map (db m157197) HM
(left panel:)
A people palace
In the 1920s, the six Rubens brothers began plans for the Rialto Theatre. It was to be a "Palace for the people." Joliet was at the peak of its industrial might when the theater opened in 1926. A . . . — — Map (db m157510) HM
How many workers does it take to make iron & steel? At its peak, about 3,000 workers transformed minerals into one of the world's strongest materials. These workers all had a hand in the industrial kitchen.
Recipe
Raw Materials
Iron . . . — — Map (db m158105) HM
The reinforced concrete structure was built in 1968 and features first floor 48 degree buttresses which support the larger upper floors. The originally controversial design by architect J.C. Cochrane is at the site of three previous Will County . . . — — Map (db m157973) HM
While traveling along the I&M Canal, workers had some free time. Often, they used pocket knives to whittle items, like a switch, to make the time move faster. They were "whittling their time away."
Find the canal worker who might have enough . . . — — Map (db m94006) HM
While serving in the State Legislature, Abraham Lincoln voted in support of the I&M Canal. Having traveled by several modes of transport, he understood the value of the proposed canal to Illinois and the entire nation. — — Map (db m94009) HM
In 1836 the young state of Illinois staked its future on the construction of a water highway, the I&M Canal. In 1974 the state began establishing a system of recreational trails along the canal. — — Map (db m94008) HM
I ran a successful business in Lockport, but no one was more prosperous than Hiram Norton. Over several decades, he capitalized on the canal's potential, negotiated exclusive rights to the water power, and expanded his milling operations.
To . . . — — Map (db m94015) HM
The Norton & Company Warehouse
This 100 foot square limestone building was constructed in 1848 by Hiram Norton to take advantage of the grain trade opened by the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The Norton Building was used as a warehouse, . . . — — Map (db m136018) HM
In 1837 the town of Lockport was laid out by the Illinois and Michigan Canal commissioners and a residence-office was built. The first floor of the permanent structure was completed in 1837, and became headquarters for construction and . . . — — Map (db m94016) HM
One of the first locks built on the I & M Canal, Lock 1 was operating at the turn of the century when this photograph was taken. All the limestone for the lock was quarried locally, as well as the hydraulic cement used for mortar.
Locks act . . . — — Map (db m136028) HM
Erected in honor of all employes
of Lockport Works
who served in the Armed Forces in
World War II
and in memory of those listed below
who lost their lives while in the
service of our country
Harold A. Adamson La Verne Bundy
Donald . . . — — Map (db m94002) WM
Donated to the
Lockport Township Park District
by Lockport Youth Center, Inc. on
February 21, 1955
Restored and Dedicated
June 12, 1988
[Additional plaque:]
National Historic District
1840
Registered 1975
Main Street . . . — — Map (db m94003) HM
To take advantage of the natural slope of the valley towards the Des Plaines River, the Hydraulic Basin was constructed on the westside of the I & M Canal. The 260-foot by 370-foot basin, begun in 1848, gave Lockport the greatest water power . . . — — Map (db m136025) HM
The Lockport Station
has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Railroad Landmarks
1860 - 2010
Today the structure is owned by Metra and has been refurbished, preserved and protected by the City of Lockport, Illinois. The . . . — — Map (db m94004) HM
Built in the 1850s, shortly after the opening of the I & M Canal, the Norton Building contained a grain warehouse and a grocery for farmers and citizens of Lockport, and a canal supplies store for boat crews. It also served as a crew dormitory. . . . — — Map (db m136016) HM
Erected in honor of all citizens of Lockport community who served in the Armed Forces in World War II and in memory of those listed below who lost their lives while in the service of our country
Harold Adamson Hugh Allison Russell Ayers . . . — — Map (db m94032) WM
To George Gaylord
I started driving mules in 1885 when I was about fourteen years old. When traveling from Lockport to Chicago, you went against the current, and it would take five husky mules to pull the boat at around two miles an . . . — — Map (db m94011) HM
As early as the 1830s the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad had invented the two-truck car. The design consisted of two sets of trucks or wheel housings, that held two axles each, for a total of eight wheels on each car. Springs were mounted in-between . . . — — Map (db m94153) HM
The origin of the caboose is uncertain, but the generally accepted story of its creation is that Nat Williams, a freight conductor on the Auburn & Syracuse Railroad during the 1840s made it his custom to sit on a box or barrel in the last car of a . . . — — Map (db m94156) HM
[Honor Roll of Veterans
by company and unit,
largely illegible]
——————————
This memorial had been dedicated to those of the Plainfield area who gave their all for their country in . . . — — Map (db m94077) HM
Plainfield has maintained a link to its heritage by preserving its historic architecture. The Downtown Historic District encompasses 50 properties along both sides of Lockport Street between Division Street on the east and James and Main Streets on . . . — — Map (db m94115) HM
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