The History of Joliet – Chapter 13 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo The boys of the regiment are proud of that lad, and he will not fail of making a great man for want of friends to assist him. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 17 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo The ground at the new prison site was filled with limestone, which meant convicts couldn’t tunnel out. That limestone also could be used to build the prison walls and buildings. By John WHITESIDE of … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 5 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo MATTESON once was the most influential man in town Matteson, a Democrat, avoided the slavery dilemma. By taking the middle ground on this controversial issue, he became an enemy of Abraham Lincoln. By John … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 6 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Despite the risks, residents clamored for fast transportation As railroads expanded across the country, people in Joliet desired the faster method of travel. There were public hearings on the need, and newspapers called for … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 9 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo The article that was published on Oct. 14, 1856, referred several times to LINCOLN as “that black Republican.” Some local historians believe, however, that the speech he made in Joliet may have included the … Read more
The History of Joliet – Introduction By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Did you know? City’s vibrant story leaps off page Our city’s founders were just plain people with the same kind of worries and concerns we often have today. But in living their lives here, they … Read more