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Illinois History

Explore Our Past, Through Illinois Historic Sites and Attractions

Discover the history of Illinois through its people, buildings, landscapes, and historic sites.

Illinois history is full of fascinating stories and engaging events. From the streets of historic communities, to the halls where American presidents once walked, to the vistas of a prehistoric city, trace the history of Illinois and discover how its legacy is felt even to this day.

Main Street in Galena
Exterior of the Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock
A large three-storey high mural of Blackhawk on the frontage of a brick building
A large old styled building

A (Very) Brief History of Illinois

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The land we now know as Illinois was first occupied by Native American settlements, and much later, French explorers. It became the 21st state in 1818.

Kaskaskia and Vandalia were its first capitals, before Springfield took over in 1837. Illinois played a big part in the Civil War era.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 spurred remarkable innovation, and Chicago's status as a cultural and economic powerhouse was cemented when it hosted the 1893 World's Fair. 

Along the way, there've been countless more stories. Discover some here.

Land of Lincoln

Illinois History

Illinois' history is closely intertwined with that of our 16th president. As you trace his footsteps, you'll see how the history of our state influenced the future of an entire nation. Check out 10 notable historic sites in central Illinois where Lincoln's living legacy shines on. Follow his life through New Salem and Springfield.

A Timeline of Illinois Historic Facts and Events

Trace Illinois' history through some of its most notable historic events and facts, and explore the sites that echo that legacy today.

  • Aerial view of Cahokia in painting style.

    1050: Cahokia Rises

    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.

    1050: Cahokia Rises
  • Late 1600s: Early European Settlement

    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.

    Late 1600s: Early European Settlement
  • The Great Seal of the State of Illinois, featuring a bald eagle on a rock carrying a shield and a banner with the state motto, "State Sovereignty, National Union", encircled by the words "Seal of the State of Illinois" and the date Aug 26th 1818

    1818: Founding and Statehood

    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.

    1818: Founding and Statehood
  • Lincoln actor in front of the Old State Capitol in Springfield

    1837: The Birth of Our Capitol

    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.

    1837: The Birth of Our Capitol
  • Man leading a donkey and a canal boat

    1848: Illinois and Michigan Canal Opens

    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.

    1848: Illinois and Michigan Canal Opens
  • An Abraham Lincoln actor thinking.

    1860: Abraham Lincoln Elected President

    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.

    1860: Abraham Lincoln Elected President
  • An illustrated lithograph of the Great Chicago Fire, with groups of people fleeing across Randolph Street Bridge

    1871: The Great Chicago Fire

    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.

    1871: The Great Chicago Fire
  • A black and white photo of an 1880s-era skyscraper on a city street corner

    1885: The Birthplace of Skyscrapers

    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.

    1885: The Birthplace of Skyscrapers
  • The exterior of the Jane Addams' Hull-House Museum, a circa-1892 two-story brick building

    1892: Hull House Opens

    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.

    1892: Hull House Opens
  • 1893: The World's Columbian Exposition

    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.

    1893: The World's Columbian Exposition
  • A Pullman Monument

    1894: The Pullman Strike

    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.

    1894: The Pullman Strike
  • Statue of a man

    1918: A Not-So-Tall Tale of the Tallest Man in History

    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.

    1918: A Not-So-Tall Tale of the Tallest Man in History
  • 1926: The Place Where Route 66 Began

    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.

    1926: The Place Where Route 66 Began
  • An illustrated postcard of Cook County Hospital in Chicago, an 8 story brick building on a street corner

    1937: The First Blood Bank in the U.S. Opens in Chicago

    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.

    1937: The First Blood Bank in the U.S. Opens in Chicago
  • An illustration of the first controlled nuclear reaction, with a group of people at left watching the reactor at right

    1942: The Birth of the Atomic Age

    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).

    1942: The Birth of the Atomic Age
  • The historic first television debate between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, both men standing on stage beneath microphones, the debate moderator sitting in between.

    1960: Chicago Hosts the First Televised Presidential Debate

    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).

    1960: Chicago Hosts the First Televised Presidential Debate
  • State capitol building in Springfield

    1970: Illinois Adopts a Landmark New Constitution

    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.

    1970: Illinois Adopts a Landmark New Constitution
  • Willis Tower, rising above the other buildings in the Chicago night skyline

    1973: Sears Tower Becomes the World's Tallest Building

    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.

    1973: Sears Tower Becomes the World's Tallest Building
  • The front facade of the United Center in Chicago, seen from a car park

    1995: Chicago Bulls' Historic NBA Championship Run

    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.

    1995: Chicago Bulls' Historic NBA Championship Run
  • Exterior of the Obama house in Hyde Park

    2008: Barack Obama Elected President

    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.

    2008: Barack Obama Elected President

Nauvoo

Illinois History

Discover Nauvoo, one of the most significant historical sites in Illinois, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River. This well-preserved and restored town takes you through the history of an early Mormon communinty, with more than 30 historic sites, demonstrations, and tours in horse-drawn wagons. It's a must-visit historic destination to experience mid-19th century life in Illinois, and to understand the roots of a belief system.

 

Horse Carriage going past an an Amish building

Amish Country

Illinois History

Plan a trip to picturesque Amish country in central Illinois, a key historic attraction in the heart of the state. Explore a community where black buggies rule the road, teams of horses plow the fields, and locals greet you with a friendly wave. Here, traditional lifestyles and crafts are preserved with exceptional care. It's a rare glimpse into a unique side of Illinois' history and cultural heritage, and one you'll want to check off on your tour of Illinois historic sites.

Green fields of the State Historic Site Cahokia Mounds

Cahokia Mounds

Illinois History

Discover America’s ancient past at Cahokia Mounds, a place rich with history. This State Historic Site and UNESCO World Heritage Centre is the remains of a prehistoric city that stood from 800 to 1400 AD, offering a window into the ancient Mississippian culture that thrived here. It's a unique opportunity to explore the historical foundations of Illinois in one of America's most significant historic sites.

A temple with lights on behind trees and a river

Historic Sites in Illinois

Historic Sites

Presidential History

Presidential History

Illinois History Museums

History Museums

Historical Reenactments

Historical Reenactments in Illinois
A weathered bronze statue of a World War I-era "doughboy" solider adop a granite plinth

Illinois' National Heritage Areas

National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress to preserve and promote regions with exceptional historical and cultural relevance. Illinois is home to three, including the nation's first, and one of its most recent.

Illinois' National Heritage Areas combine natural beauty and deep cultural and historical significance, giving you a unique glimpse into what makes our state special.

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