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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.
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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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Latest News in Joliet

Feb 20, 2026
They’ve Won $288 Million From The Lottery But The State Won’t Pay Them
Winning the lottery has been the dream for many, and in Illinois, lottery winners are hitting the jackpot.

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?

1
Joliet was originally called 'Juliet' paired with nearby 'Romeo.'.
2
Prison Break and Blues Brothers filmed at Joliet Prison.
3
Rialto Square has one of two hand-cut Czech crystal chandeliers in the world.
4
Joliet is located in Will County, Illinois.
5
Joliet was founded in 1833.

Famous People from Joliet, Illinois

MM
Mercedes McCambridge
Stage Actor, Voice Actor · Born Mar 16, 1916 · Died Mar 2, 2004 (age 87)
GM
George Mikan
Lawyer, Basketball Player · Born Jun 18, 1924 · Died Jun 1, 2005 (age 80)
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Nick Offerman
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jun 26, 1970 · Age 55
JG
Janina Gavankar
Actor, Musician · Born Nov 29, 1980 · Age 45
AC
Adrianne Curry
Actor, Film Producer · Born Aug 6, 1982 · Age 43
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