Waukegan, Illinois

Waukegan is a city located in Lake County, Illinois, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 87,901. A 2002 census estimated the city population to be at 91,323.

History

Waukegan was established as a French trading post in the late 17th century. The town became the county seat in 1841. The Chicago North Western Railway reached the town in 1855. The town was incorporated as a city on February 23, 1859.

Related Topics:
French - 17th century - 1841 - Railway - 1855 - February 23 - 1859

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1950 the population was 38,946 people.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Waukegan is considered the home town of comedian Jack Benny (where a middle school is named for him and a statue of him stands in the downtown) However, Mr. Benny was born in Chicago. Waukegan is the birthplace of writers Ray Bradbury and Kim Stanley Robinson. 1920's Waukegan appears as "Green Town" in several of Bradbury's fictional works, and especially prominently in Dandelion Wine. "Ray Bradbury Park" is named in the author's honor.

Related Topics:
Comedian - Jack Benny - Writer - Ray Bradbury - Kim Stanley Robinson - Dandelion Wine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~