Historical Markers in
Lake County, Illinois

164 Hawley Adlai Ewing Stevenson II Andrew C. Cook House Base Realignment and Closure Black and White Bollenbach Wagon Shop Building Five Building Four Building One Cook Memorial Library Cpl. Richard E. Bush Memorial Creamery Douglas A-4 "Skyhawk" Fighting Tradesmen Fort Sheridan Fort Sheridan Fred Sauer Residence General Dragoljub Mihailovich George Umbdenstock Residence Great Lakes Athletics Great Lakes History Trail Joseph T. Bowen Country Club LT John Philip Sousa Bandstand Original Architectural Design Origins of the Base / Construction Orion Perseus Howe Pre-Civil War Residence Ray Bradbury Park Rededication of Naval Training Center Great Lakes Ritzenthaler Farmhouse Rose Residence and Zimmer Hotel Sauer Family Residence Sauer General Store Serbian Orthodox Monastery of St. Sava Shiloh House Site of the First Public Building St. Andrew Church Bell Tavern and Wagon Shop The Dwyer Settlement in Lake County, Illinois The First Recruit / Original Historic Structures The Francis Stupey Log Cabin The Golden Thirteen The Great Lakes Football Team The Mother Rudd Barn The Post War Era The Rondout Train Robbery The Story of This Land The Water Tower United States Naval Training Station Washburn and Moen Manufacturing Company Waukegan Doughboy Statue Waukegan U.S.S. Maine Memorial Waukegan Veterans Memorial Welcome to Ray Bradbury Park Wings over Great Lakes Women at Great Lakes World War I / Between the Wars World War II Zimmer Residence Zion Hotel "Brick Row"
Illinois was part of the French colonial empire, and the city of Cahokia, located near present-day Collinsville, was one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in North America. At its peak, around 1250 CE, Cahokia had a population of around 20,000 people.
Illinois random facts
Lake County, Illinois is located in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 40 miles north of downtown Chicago. Known for its natural beauty and numerous lakes, the county has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the Native American tribes that first inhabited the area.

The earliest recorded history of Lake County begins with the Potawatomi and Miami tribes, who used the land for hunting and gathering. European settlers arrived in the late 17th century, primarily traders and missionaries seeking to establish relationships with the Native Americans. The region remained sparsely populated until the 1830s when the U.S. government opened it up for settlement.

In 1836, Lake County was officially established, named for the numerous lakes that dot its landscape. The county's growth was slow at first, but the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s sparked urban development and brought an influx of new residents. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation flourished, and the county became an important hub for trade and commerce.

Lake County experienced significant growth and expansion throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The establishment of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in the 1920s brought economic stability and employment opportunities to the area. Additionally, the construction of highways and the growth of suburbanization led to a population boom in the post-World War II era.

Today, Lake County is a thriving suburban region with a diverse population and a strong economy. It is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and recreational opportunities offered by its beautiful lakes and parks. With its rich history and ongoing growth, Lake County continues to be a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lake County, Illinois.

  • 1837 - Lake County is created in the state of Illinois.
  • 1839 - The first permanent settlement is established in the Village of Little Fort, later known as Waukegan.
  • 1859 - The Illinois State Legislature designates Waukegan as the County Seat.
  • 1874 - Lake Villa Township is established.
  • 1893 - The Great Chicago Fire leads to an influx of people and economic growth in Lake County.
  • 1909 - Naval Station Great Lakes is established in North Chicago.
  • 1934 - The Lake County Forest Preserve District is created to protect and preserve open spaces.
  • 1958 - The National Safety Council relocates its headquarters to Lake Forest.
  • 1975 - Six Flags Great America amusement park opens in Gurnee.
  • 1994 - The Lake County Discovery Museum opens in Wauconda.