Illinois History

Following settlement in the area some 300 years earlier, Cahokia emerged as the largest and most influential city of the pre-Columbian Mississippian culture. At its peak, it was the largeset urban center north of Mexico. You can still visit its massive earthen mounds today.

French explorers navigated the Illinois River, leading to the establishment of French settlements like Cahokia and Kaskaskia. You can still visit remnants of this era, such as the Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site, which traces its history to about 1740.

Illinois became the 21st state in the Union on December 3, 1818, after adopting its first constitution earlier that year. At the time it was largely unsettled, with a population of about 35,000. Trace the history of the event by walking the Constitution Trail, or visiting the Illinois State Museum.

Springfield became the state capital in 1837, a decision influenced by Abraham Lincoln and other legislators. The move from Vandalia symbolized the growth and development of Illinois. Visit the historic Old State Capitol to explore the seat of government during Lincoln's era.

The completion of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1848 connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, transforming Chicago into a booming transportation hub and paving the way for its economic rise. Experience this historic waterway today at the I&M Visitors Center and Canal Boat.

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States, before leading the nation through some of its greatest constitutional, military, and moral crises. Explore his legacy at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

This devastating fire destroyed much of Chicago, but the city's rapid rebuilding efforts transformed it into a symbol of resilience, innovation, and architectural leadership. Viist the Chicago Historic Water Tower to see one of the few buildings to survive the disaster.

Chicago's Home Insurance Building, completed in 1885, is considered the first modern skyscraper, paving the way for the city's iconic skyline and history of architectural innovation. Trace our architectural heritage today at the Chicago Architecture Center.

Hull House in Chicago became a beacon for social reform, providing education and services to the immigrant community and advocating for labor rights and women’s suffrage. Discover its impact on social justice at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.

This world's fair, held in Chicago, celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in America. It showcased technological and cultural achievements, the legacy of which are still felt today. The buildings which now house The Field Museum and Art Institute of Chicago were built for the event.

This nationwide railroad strike, originating in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood, was a significant event in U.S. labor history. In highlighting workers’ rights, it led to important changes in labor relations. You can explore its history at The Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center.

Robert Wadlow, born in Alton in 1918, holds the record as the tallest person in history, having reached an impressive 8 feet 11 inches tall at the time of his death in 1940. You can behold his height in person at his statue in Alton.

Historic Route 66, often called the Mother Road or Main Street of America, begins in downtown Chicago and stretches west across the state. It was established in 1926, and you can still trace its route today. Explore its history along the way at the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum.

Cook County Hospital in Chicago opened the first blood bank in the United States in 1937, a pioneering step that revolutionized medical practices worldwide. Discover more about advances in medical science at the Museum of Science and Industry.

On December 2, 1942, beneath the University of Chicago's Stagg Field, Enrico Fermi and his team achieved the first controlled nuclear chain reaction, marking the dawn of the atomic age. This landmark event can be explored further at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab).

The first-ever televised presidential debate took place in Chicago on September 26, 1960, between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. You can learn more about this and other broadcasting milestones at the Museum of Broadcast Communications (reopening 2025).

Illinois voters approved a new state constitution on December 15, 1970, modernizing governance and enhancing civil rights. This forward-thinking document introduced a number of innovative reforms, setting a benchmark for other states. Explore its impact and legacy at the Illinois State Museum.

Opening in 1973 and completed in 1974, the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) in Chicago held the title of the world's tallest building for nearly 25 years. Its sky-high observation decks offer stunning views of the city’s skyline. See those views for yourself at the Willis Tower Skydeck.

Led by Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls clinched their third consecutive NBA title in 1995, solidifying their status as one of the greatest basketball teams of all time. Relive the excitement of this golden era at the United Center, the home of the Bulls.

Barack Obama, a former Illinois State Senator, was elected as the first African American President of the United States in 2008. You can visit sites associated with his rise to prominence, including the Obama Family Home in Hyde Park.