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 1800s. 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 1975 that the decision was made to create a second high school in Waukegan.  

Waukegan High School was renamed Waukegan East High School. The second high school was aptly named Waukegan West High School. Waukegan East High School continued to serve the high school-aged children of Waukegan for the next 15 years. The late 1980's brought about talks of reuniting the two high schools back into one. In 1990 this became a reality. 

Waukegan East High School was closed. Waukegan West High School resumed being simply called Waukegan High School. Today, only ninth graders attend classes in the Waukegan East building, while 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are located at the Waukegan West building.   

Waukegan East High School Quick Facts