Joliet, Illinois is located approximately forty miles southwest of Chicago in Will County. Joliet was founded in 1833 on the banks of the DesPlaines River. It was incorporated in 1852.
It is named after the French explorer, Louis Joliet, who accompanied Father Jacques Marquette on his journey through the Great Lakes area.
By 1860, the poulation of Joliet was approximately 7,102 people. It was and continues to be the county seat.
During the two decades prior to the Civil War, Will County experienced significant growth, seeing its population increase from 10,162 people in 1840 to 29,321 by 1860, an increase of 140%. Most of the residents were native born and lived on farms or rural villages like the rest of the country. The Industrial Revolution was well underway and Joliet was seeing its effect as railroads spread across Illinois.
With the firing on Fort Sumter, Joliet like many places across the nation experienced great excitement. Two companies of volunteers were quickly organized and made part of the 20th Illinois Infantry Regiment.
Here is a list of the units that Joliet and Will County volunteers served in:
INFANTRY
CAVALRY
ARTILLERY
McAllister's Battery at Fort Donelson. From Battles and Leaders of the Civil War, volume 1.
A total of 3,696 men from Will County volunteered during the Civil War. Over 500 died in battle, from wounds or disease or in prison camps.
List of Will County dead. Taken from FIFTEEN YEARS AGO: or the PATRIOTISM OF WILL COUNTY, by George H. Woodruff, 1876.
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