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HISTORY Joliet was first settled as a town in daughter. Other possible sources of the name include the Shakespearean character (the nearby village of Romeoville was named as a companion; see '' Romeo And Juliet '') or a corruption of the name of French Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet , who visited the area in 1673 . The name was eventually changed to Joliet in his memory in 1845 , and the city was incoporated in 1852 . Maps from Joliet's exploration of the area placed a large hill or mound on what is now the south west corner of the city. That hill was named Mound Jolliet, and was made up entirely of clay. The spot was mined by early settlers and is now a depression. That depression was settled soon after and became known as the town of Rockdale. Like several midwestern cities with economies focused on manufacturing, Joliet has experienced economic troubles, with the unemployment rate reaching as high as 25% in the early 1980s. Joliet's proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area has provided some relief; the city is increasingly evolving from its status as a steel-town to an exurb. Still, most new migrants to the area are moving to Joliet to live, choosing to work in bordering Cook and DuPage counties, and the downtown area is largely empty and downtrodden, while perceptions about Joliet as a depressed city with a low quality of living linger. GEOGRAPHY Joliet is located at 41°31'59" North, 88°6'32" West (41.533030, -88.108933). According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 99.3 Km&2 (38.3 Mi&2 ). 98.6 km&2 (38.1 mi&2) of it is land and 0.8 km&2 (0.3 mi&2) of it is water. The total area is 0.76% water. DEMOGRAPHICS As of the Census of 2000, there were 106,221 people, 36,182 households, and 25,399 families residing in the city. The Population Density was 1,077.6/km&2 (2,790.9/mi&2). There were 38,176 housing units at an average density of 387.3/km&2 (1,003.1/mi&2). The racial makeup of the city was 69.32% White , 18.16% African American , 0.28% Native American , 1.14% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 8.97% from Other Races , and 2.09% from two or more races. 18.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 36,182 households out of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.9% were Married Couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 24.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.39. In the city the population was spread out with 29.5% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 16.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males. The median income for a household in the city was $47,761, and the median income for a family was $55,870. Males had a median income of $41,909 versus $29,100 for females. The Per Capita Income for the city was $19,390. 10.8% of the population and 7.7% of families were below the Poverty Line . 13.5% of those under the age of 18 and 8.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. TRANSPORTATION Situated approximately 40 miles southwest of central Chicago, Joliet has long been a significant transportation hub. It lies on both sides of the Des Plaines River , a major waterway in Chicagoland , and was one of the principal ports on the Illinois And Michigan Canal . The Elgin, Joliet, And Eastern (EJ&E) Railroad came through in the 1850s, and the Santa Fe line soon followed. U.S. Highways 6 (the Grand Army of the Republic Highway), 30 (the '''Lincoln Highway'''), 45 , 52 , and 66 ('''Route 66''') all ran through the city. In the 1960s, Interstate 55 and Interstate 80 made their way through Joliet, linking up near Channahon just west of the city limits. The phrase "Crossroads of Mid-America", found on the Joliet seal, is an allusion to the intersection of I-80 and I-55. Also, Joliet is the final stop on the Metra lines from Chicago Union Station and La Salle Street Station , so there are not one but two ways to get in and out of Chicago during the week, depending on where you want to go downtown. LANDMARKS in downtown and Rockdale , and a Harrah's hotel and casino downtown (The Harrah's Boats have been permanently docked due to bridge wear and tear). There are also many stores, restaurants, and shops, including a Shopping Mall located on Rt.30. COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
HIGH SCHOOLS
SPORTS One of Joliet's nicknames is the "City of Champions". Joliet is home to three high schools: Joliet Catholic Academy , Joliet West and Joliet Central . Joliet Catholic Academy was formed in 1990 as a merger between the city's all-boys and all-girls Catholic high schools, Joliet Catholic High School (changed names to Joliet Catholic Academy)and St. Francis Academy . Joliet Central was the first of three public high schools in Joliet. It was founded in 1901. Central is known for their high academic SCholastic Bowlers, and their Articulate Journal Club. Joliet East (now closed) and Joliet West were built in later years to accommodate the Baby Boom . Joliet Central JROTC has won Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) for the past 17 years, while Joliet West has only received one year. JCA is not affiliated with JROTC. Joliet Catholic is known primarily for its Football . Since the founding of the state football playoffs in 1974, Joliet Catholic has won a record 12 state football championships. The Hilltoppers, as they are known, have produced NFL players Mike Alstott and Tom Thayer, along with Dan "Rudy" Ruettiger of Notre Dame fame. Joliet Township High Schools Central have been known for their great basketball teams. JTHS Central's Band has been the best in the nation, receiving countless awards of achiement. Joliet is also home to the minor league baseball team the Joliet JackHammers of the Northern Independent League . Chicagoland Speedway is also located in Joliet, which plays host to annual events from NASCAR and Indy Racing League . Route 66 Motor Speedway also takes place on the drag-strip across the street from the speedway. Joliet Central has become activly involved in Rout 66 by building an alternative fuel source vehicle. Alternative Fuel Source Vehicle NOTABLE NATIVES AND CITIZENS
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