Kankakee became the county seat when Kankakee County was established in 1853. The largest city in the county, Kankakee embraced the railroad from its 19th-century beginning, becoming an important railroad hub in Illinois. The Kankakee County Historical Society has long worked to preserve the city's history and it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2006, making it one of Illinois' oldest historical societies. The images in this book come from the society's large collection and they represent many slices of Kankakee life from 1853 to 1910.

The Kankakee County Museum is home to the historical society and this book is part of their mission of collecting, preserving, interpreting, and displaying the history and rich culture of Kankakee County for its citizens. Norman S. Stevens is the executive director of the Kankakee County Museum. Previously, he has worked as a museum professional for the First Division Museum at Wheaton, Illinois, for Michigan State Historic Parks at Fort Mackinac, Michigan, and for Virginia Military Institute Museum Programs. He has taught college history at a number of academic institutions for 20 years.