Some more info from the July 16th entry.
Attractions: Empress casino, Historical Museum, Harrah's Casino, Rialto Square Theatre, Route 66 Welcome Center (even Paul goes there), Pitcher Park Nature Center, Chicago Speedway, Route 66 Speedway, Route 66.
Population growth:
1930- 38,000
1940- 36,000
1950- 50,000
1960-1990- 65,000-75,00
2000- 110,00
2007- 144,316
The influx of gambling money had definitely helped and the city is using it wisely. Lots of public art and restoration going on here. Now, there is a fair amount of tourism money coming in as well. State records show that tourism in Will County grew 9.4% last year, to $585 million.
The city was in the national spotlight July 11-13 as a major NASCAR race was held there.
From a tough, old industrial town, a vibrant city has emerged. In the past it has been associated with decay and, of course, the prisons (although Statesville is not within the city limits).
Joliet, as already mentioned is the fourth largest city, having passed Naperville which has 142,479. Of course, Chicago is the largest. Second largest is Aurora with 170,855, then Rockford with 156,596.
Not a Half-Bad Town. --RoadDog
RoadDog's RoadLog Blog: Being my travels down those great two lane highways of this nation as well as news I learn about them from media sources. Since I'm also very interested in historic preservation, there will be a lot of that as well.
The Shamrock Court Motel in Sullivan, Missouri. It can be yours for $125,000. Lots of possibilities. Actually, now you're too late. Missouri's Roamin' Rich bought it.
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