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Waukegan, Illinois

Located in Lake County, Illinois, Waukegan was established in 1829. Ray Bradbury based 'Green Town' on Waukegan. Great Lakes NTC nearby is the Navy's only boot camp.
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Founded 1829 | Population 86,000 | Peak 86,000 (2024) | County Lake County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Waukegan, Illinois

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1829 Founded: Waukegan was founded as a railroad town in Lake County.
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1938 Ray Bradbury's Hometown: Sci-fi author grows up; inspires 'Green Town.'.
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1942 Military Presence: Military installations became a major part of Waukegan's identity and economy.
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1970 Great Lakes NTC: Navy training base nearby.
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2010 Modern Era: Waukegan continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Waukegan

Jan 1, 1970
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.
Jan 1, 1970
Heres what These New Purple Parking Spots Mean
In the bustling streets of American cities back in May 2016, a splash of purple began popping up in parking lots, catching the eye…
Jan 1, 1970
Illinois Legislature Would Force Welfare Recipients Take Drug Tests Meet
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In early 2016, Illinois lawmakers pushed forward a controversial bill that would have required welfare recip…
Jan 1, 1970
Man Defends Home Break Using Lethal Force Faces Consequences
Chicago, Illinois – On a chilly January evening in 2016, a homeowner took matters into his own hands when intruders targeted his…
Jan 1, 1970
Womans Unexpected Run Gas Station Goes Viral
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On a chilly December evening in 2015, what started as a simple errand turned into a moment that spread across…
Jan 1, 1970
Trump Poised Strong Performance March 15 Primaries
Washington, D.C., October 24, 2015 — As the 2016 Republican primary race heated up, Donald Trump looked set to make a big splash…

Complete Historical Timeline

1829 Culture
Founded
1938 Culture
Ray Bradbury's Hometown
1942 Government
Military Presence
1970 Government
Great Lakes NTC
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
Ray Bradbury based 'Green Town' on Waukegan.
2
Great Lakes NTC nearby is the Navy's only boot camp.
3
County seat of Lake County, Illinois.
4
Waukegan was founded in 1829.
5
Waukegan has a population of approximately 86,000.

Famous People from Waukegan, Illinois

RB
Ray Bradbury
Writer · Born Aug 22, 1920 · Died Jun 5, 2012 (age 91)
KR
Kim Stanley Robinson
Writer, Novelist · Born Mar 23, 1952 · Age 73
SM
Shawn Marion
Basketball Player, Reality Television Participant · Born May 7, 1978 · Age 47
DA
Diane Ackerman
Naturalist, Screenwriter · Born Oct 7, 1948 · Age 77
NF
Neil Flynn
Actor, Comedian · Born Nov 13, 1960 · Age 65

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