Joliet

Joliet is a city in northeastern Illinois, United States, primarily in Will County with a portion in Kendall County. It is the county seat of Will County, located about 30 miles southwest of downtown Chicago at the junction of Interstates 55 and 80, along the Des Plaines River. As of the 2020 census, Joliet had a population of about 149,000.

Founded in the 1830s and named for Louis Joliet, a French-Canadian explorer, the city grew rapidly with the opening of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the arrival of railroads, establishing Joliet as a transportation and industrial center. Its early economy included iron, coal, salt, and manufacturing. The Joliet Correctional Center opened in 1858 and remained a notable landmark until its closure in 2002.

Joliet houses several cultural and historic sites, including the Rialto Square Theatre, a prominent performing arts venue opened in 1926, and the Old Joliet Prison. Route 66 Raceway hosts drag racing events, contributing to the area’s tourism and events. The Joliet Area Historical Museum preserves local history, and Joliet Junior College, founded in 1901, is one of the country’s oldest public community colleges.

Transportation and economy: The city serves as a rail and highway hub, with Amtrak and Union Pacific lines and convenient access to I-55 and I-80. Joliet’s economy encompasses manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and education services, and the city is part of the Chicago metropolitan area, contributing to regional commerce and culture.