The History of Joliet, ILLINOIS.
THE NATIONAL HOTEL:
- "Work on the National Hotel began in 1837. Upon completion, it became an important social center as well as a first class inn. For many years the National hosted most of the balls and large social gatherings in Joliet. Typically, dancing began in the early evening and continued until dawn. Conveniently located close to the canal on the southeast corner of Bluff and Exchange (Jefferson) Streets, the hotel lodged thousands of passengers from packed boats. When people began traveling by train, the National shuttled them from the station to its front door in a bright yellow bus drawn by a team of grays[horses] driven by Levi Boon. [This was a black man who] also sounded the hotel's GONG at mealtime to summon the hotel's guests. When Levi was feeling good and the wind was right, the GONG could be heard for miles around. The National Hotel was one of Joliet's finest; it had fresh spring water in the basement kitchen and a bell system consisting of wires running from the rooms to the office where they were attached to bells on springs. The National Hotel was a Bluff Street landmark until December 1958, when it was destroyed by fire. Over the years its register contained the names of such notables as ABRAHAM LINCOLN and MARTIN VAN BUREN."
- "The National Hotel was one of Joliets finest; it had fresh spring water in the basement kitchen and a bell system consisting of wires running from the rooms to the office where they were attached to bells on springs. The National Hotle was a Bluff Street landmark until December 1958, when it was destroyed by fire. Over the years its register contained the names of such notables as Abraham Lincoln and Martin Van Buren."(Robert E. Sterling)
START OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
- "By 1852, the community was recovering from gold-fever and entering a period of significant developments, not the least of which was the incorporation of Joliet as a city. However, by mid-century the problems and challenges of the growing community necessitated an improved system of local governance. In June 1852, the Illinois General Assembly passed the enabling act to establish the city of Joliet, and on July 5, 1852, local voters approved the new city charter. In the first election, two councilmen were chosen from each of the five wards, and Cornelius C. Van Horn was elected mayor."(Robert E. Sterling)
THE END OF A DECADE (p. 23 in the Sterling book):
- "Like the gold rush at the beginning of the decade, the Civil War at its end interrupted the pattern of steady growth and development[]. Fort Sumter's surrender on April 14 1861, shocked and outraged Joliet residents, many of whom gathered on street corners to discuss the stunning news. On April 17th, The courthouse was crowded and over-flowing with people anxious to learn more about the crisis and determined to raise a military company.
- A young lawyer named Frederick A. Bartleson jumped to his feet and signed his name at the top of the enrollment list, asserting that he would not ask anyone else to do what he was not willing to do himself. The city was alive with wartime enthusiasm as public meetings were held almost every evening. Besides Bartleson, William Erwin and T.Q. Hildebrant took the lead in organizing a volunteer company [army bregade].
- The old fairgroung was quickly converted into CAMP GOODELL -- named after a highly respected, local citizen -- and received recruits from counties throughout the congressional district. By the middle of May, a full regiment had gathered in camp, including two companies from Will County. The men elected Col.C.C. Marsh to be the commander and anxiously awaited their official acceptance for active duty.
- On June 13 1861, the regiment was mustered into military service as the 20th Regiment Illinois Infantry. A few days later, the 20th marched from CAMP GOODELL to the railroad depot where a tremendous gathering of friends and relatives cheered and wept in what for many was their final farewell. Those who remained at home attended meetings, contributed to war funds, and eagerly awaited reports from the field.
- The 20th fought a few early skirmishes, but then saw heavy action at Fort Donelson. Six(6) men from Will County were killed, including Col.Erwin whose body was escorted by Frederick Bartleson back to Joliet for Burial. By the summer of 1862, the North had suffered heavy casualties, and [President] Lincoln called for 300,000 more volunteers. War meetings and recruitment rallies were held throughout the area as Will County attempted to raise an entire regiment. County supervisors appropriated $60,000 in order to pay each volunteer $60.00 or, if he chose, $5.00 monthly to his family.
- CAMP GOODELL was renamed CAMP ERWIN, and once again became the center of local military activity. Upon receiving official authorization to organize the 100th Regiment, the men elected Maj.Frederick A. Bartleson of the 20th to be their colonel and commanding officer. The regiment was involved in several major battles and suffered many casualties at such places as: Stone River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, and Atlanta. Its popular one-armed colonel, Frederick A. Bartleson, was killed at the Battle of Kenesaw Mountain.
Or Visit The JOLIET NET City Guide.
