KANKAKEE, a new county in the northeastern part of Illinois, lying between the counties of Iroquois and Will, and bordering on the state of Indiana. Area, about 590 square miles. It is watered by the river Kankakee and its tributaries. The surface is generally level, and consists chiefly of prairie. Capital, Kankakee City. (Baldwin's New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States..., 1854)
KANKAKEE COUNTY Is situated in the north-eastern part of the state, between the counties of Iroquois and Will, and bordering on the state of Indiana, and has an area of about 600 square miles. It is watered by the Kankakee river and its tributaries. The surface is generally level and is principally prairie. Along the bank of the river fine groves are occasionally met with. Soil excellent and well improved. The county is intersected by the Illinois Central railroad (Chicago branch). There is within its borders an abundance of building material, and water for manufacturing purposes. Capital, Kankakee. Population, about 15,000. (Hawes' Illinois State Gazetteer...,1859)