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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.

Founded 1829 | Population 86,000 | Peak 86,000 (2024) | County Lake County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Waukegan, Illinois

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1829Founded: Waukegan was founded as a railroad town in Lake County.

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1938Ray Bradbury's Hometown: Sci-fi author grows up; inspires 'Green Town.'.

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1942Military Presence: Military installations became a major part of Waukegan's identity and economy.

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1970Great Lakes NTC: Navy training base nearby.

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2010Modern Era: Waukegan continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.

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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?

Ray Bradbury based 'Green Town' on Waukegan.

Great Lakes NTC nearby is the Navy's only boot camp.

County seat of Lake County, Illinois.

Waukegan was founded in 1829.

Waukegan has a population of approximately 86,000.

Famous People from Waukegan, Illinois

Ray Bradbury

Writer · Born Aug 22, 1920 · Died Jun 5, 2012 (age 91)

Kim Stanley Robinson

Writer, Novelist · Born Mar 23, 1952 · Age 73

Shawn Marion

Basketball Player, Reality Television Participant · Born May 7, 1978 · Age 47

Diane Ackerman

Naturalist, Screenwriter · Born Oct 7, 1948 · Age 77

Neil Flynn

Actor, Comedian · Born Nov 13, 1960 · Age 65

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