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Joliet, Illinois

Located in Will County, Illinois, Joliet was established in 1833. Joliet was originally called 'Juliet' paired with nearby 'Romeo.'. Prison Break and Blues Brothers filmed at Joliet Prison.

Founded 1833 | Population 152,579 | Peak 152,579 (2024) | County Will County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Joliet, Illinois

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1848I&M Canal Opens: Canal connects Great Lakes to Mississippi.

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1858Joliet Prison Opens: Notorious prison operates until 2002; later filming location.

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1869Steel Industry Arrives: Joliet Iron and Steel makes city major producer.

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1926Route 66 Through Town: Historic highway brings traffic downtown.

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1992Harrah's Casino Opens: Riverboat gambling transforms economy.

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2002Prison Closes: Becomes filming location for Prison Break.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1848 Transport

I&M Canal Opens

1858 Government

Joliet Prison Opens

1869 Industry

Steel Industry Arrives

1926 Transport

Route 66 Through Town

1992 Business

Harrah's Casino Opens

2002 Government

Prison Closes

Did You Know?

Joliet was originally called 'Juliet' paired with nearby 'Romeo.'.

Prison Break and Blues Brothers filmed at Joliet Prison.

Rialto Square has one of two hand-cut Czech crystal chandeliers in the world.

Joliet is located in Will County, Illinois.

Joliet was founded in 1833.

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