The history of our area can be divided into two major periods and several areas of special interest.  You may access these histories by clicking on the in-text links below or by utilizing the links to the left.  

• Pre-History deals with the geological history of the land and the inhabitants before the arrival of European explorers, trappers, and settlers.

• The History section covers some of the events after European immigrants began to settle the area.

Five areas of special interest are:

• Pontiac Chautauqua Assembly
• Shoe Manufacturing Companies
• Pontiac Correctional Center
• Bloomington, Pontiac & Joliet Electric Railway
• Pontiac and the American Civil War

The Livingston County Historical Society is the driving force behind the preservation of all of our local history. The Livingston County Historical Society Museum is located in the restored Livingston County Courthouse.

Additional local history resources can be found at the Pontiac Public Library.