Little Fort became the County Seat of Government in 1841 by virture of its population, replacing Libertyville. Between 1844 and 1846, the town's population grew from 150 to 750 people. In 1849 when the town was incorporated, the population had risen to 2,500.

Proud of the growth of their community and no longer wanting to be characterized as "little", on March 31, 1849 the residents of Little Fort changed the name of their town to Waukegan, the Potawatomi word for "fort" or "trading post"."

Waukegan residents began a school system for their children by the mid to late 1800's. It is likely that high school courses were in place by the late 1800's. Waukegan High School served the town and its ever-growing population through the early 1970's. It was in 1974 that the decision was made to create a second high school in Waukegan.

Eileen Lambo explains the process to create two high schools in Waukegan:

"I believe that in 1974 WWHS building was for all Freshman and Sophmores.  1975 it was for all Fresh and Soph, and the Juniors for that district.  In 1976 the two schools split to 4 years each in their respective districts.  This was the first year the4re were 2 high schools.   The homecoming football game for each school was played against one another in 1976 with East winning 20-0."  

Waukegan High School was renamed Waukegan East High School. The second high school was aptly named Waukegan West High School. Waukegan West High School served the families of Waukegan for 15 years. It was further decided in 1990 that Waukegan would revert to the one high school system. This decision effectively closed Waukegan West High School.

Today, the Waukegan West High School building is home to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders of the Waukegan school district, while ninth graders attend classes in the Waukegan East building.