The History of Joliet – Chapter 10 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Although Illinois didn’t have slavery, state laws imposed a severe penalty upon anyone aiding a fugitive slave. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News In the two decades before railroads began to span across … 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 – Chapter 7 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo City’s first mayor nearly hanged by citizens The excitement was intense and the public opinion divided,” Woodruff wrote. “And in the excitement and division of sentiment, many were ready to hang Van Horne without … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 2 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Sisters’ kidnapping the beginning of Joliet Although they never lived here, Sylvia and Rachel Hall could be thought of as the mothers of Joliet. Or rather, the mothers of Juliet. By John WHITESIDE of … Read more
The History of Joliet – Chapter 1 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo Native American tribes hunted and fished here for hundreds of years The most numerous tribe were the Illinois, from which this state eventually would take its name. In their native tongue, Illinois meant ‘superior … 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