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Skokie, Illinois

Located in Cook County, Illinois, Skokie was established in 1888. The 1977 planned Neo-Nazi march led to a landmark Supreme Court free speech case. Had one of the largest communities of Holocaust survivors in America.
Founded 1888 | Population 65,000 | Peak 65,000 (2024) | County Cook County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Skokie, Illinois

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1888Founded: Originally Niles Centre.
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1938Economic Development: Skokie grew through the automobile industry.
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1940Renamed Skokie: From Potawatomi word.
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1942Military Presence: Military installations became a major part of Skokie's identity and economy.
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1977Neo-Nazi March: ACLU defends right to march; landmark free speech case.
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Latest News in Skokie

Feb 20, 2026
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Complete Historical Timeline

1888 Culture
Founded
1938 Industry
Economic Development
1940 Culture
Renamed Skokie
1942 Government
Military Presence
1977 Politics
Neo-Nazi March

Did You Know?

1
The 1977 planned Neo-Nazi march led to a landmark Supreme Court free speech case.
2
Had one of the largest communities of Holocaust survivors in America.
3
Name comes from the Potawatomi word for 'marsh.'.
4
Skokie is located in Cook County, Illinois.
5
Skokie was founded in 1888.

Famous People from Skokie, Illinois

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Erin Heatherton
Actor, Entrepreneur · Born Mar 4, 1989 · Age 36
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Jessy Schram
Actor, Model · Born Jan 15, 1986 · Age 40
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Jonathan Kite
Actor, Television Actor · Born Sep 2, 1979 · Age 46
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Mike O'Brien
Swimmer · Born Oct 23, 1965 · Age 60
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Nancy Lee Grahn
Actor, Television Actor · Born Apr 28, 1956 · Age 69
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