Joliet is the fourth largest city in Illinois with a population approaching 153,000 residents as of 2008. It is at the moment the fastest growing city in Illinois and one of the fastest in all of the United States. Joliet was established in 1833 when Charles Reed built a small cabin on the west bank of the Des Plaines River after the end of the Black Hawk Indian War.
Today the center of Joliet is around the Des Plaines River although the city actually is located across the Des Plaines as well as the DuPage River. Joliet is similar to many Midwestern towns which are dependent on manufacturing industries although Joliet’s main attraction is its City Center which features Harrah’s Casino and Hotel and the “Jewel of Joliet,” The Rialto Square Theatre, said to be one of the world’s loveliest theaters.