Kankakee was a city in the United States of America, and it stretched 385 miles (620 km) to the south Five years ago, its population was 24,052.This city was considered an ideal place to live A river flowed through it, with forests along its banks. These forests had all kinds of trees and were home to various wild animals. The land sloped gently down toward the river due to the flow of water, and white stones and high cliffs rose in some places. Such a view could not be found anywhere else it could only be seen in Kankakee.
History
In 1834, after the government signed the Camp Tippecanoe treaty in 1832, the land that is now Kankakee came under government control. At that time, many people from the eastern states migrated and settled in the area, establishing a new community in Momence, Illinois.
Formation of Kankakee County
On February 11, 1853, the Illinois State Legislature created Kankakee County by combining the northern part of Iroquois County with the southern part of Will County.
At the time of its formation, the new county had six original townships:
- Yellowhead
- Rockville
- Bourbonnais
- Momence
- Aroma
- Limestone
In 1855, the western townships of Norton and Essex were taken from Vermilion County and added to Kankakee County.At that time, the population of the county was approximately 8,000.
Industrial Growth and David Bradley’s Legacy
In the mid-1800s, a man named David Bradley started a factory called Plow Works, which later became known as Bradley.He manufactured farming equipment and became well-known for the Bradley Plan.
Frank Lloyd Wright in Kankakee
In the early 1900s, a famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, designed a home for David Bradley’s grandson, B.Harley Bradley.
Development of Surrounding Cities
Later, North Kankakee was officially recognized as a city, and in 1891, it was renamed Bradley.
Transportation and Economic Expansion
Kankakee was a city that grew alongside the French settlement of Bourbonnais In addition to that, Kankakee also became the central hub and county seat of Kankakee County. In 1855, a depot was established there, which became part of the Illinois Central Railroad.
Population Growth Over the Years
Looking at the present situation, the population of Kankakee County has reached 110,000 and continues to grow day by day Back in 1900, the population was only about 13,500.
Governors from Kankakee
Three governors of Illinois had ties to Kankakee:
- Len Small
- Samuel Shapiro
- George Ryan
The Kankakee River
Kankakee is also home to a beautiful and clean river that runs 57 miles through the county It is excellent for fishing species such as Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Walleye, and Northern Pike.
For recreational activities on the Kankakee River, there are 12 boat launches, 8 campgrounds, and 18 riverfront parks offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
Conclusion
Kankakee’s journey of development is rooted in its deep history and the strategic efforts made for its progress. The reason behind Kankakee becoming a developed city lies in its forests and riverside location. To play an important role in Illinois, Kankakee went through phases such as the signing of treaties, migration of people, agricultural growth, and the rise of independent settlements. Today, Kankakee has become a developed area. Even now, Kankakee continues to grow due to its beautiful forests and river. Day by day, it is becoming a more developed and attractive city. See More
