What are some important events in Illinois history?

What are some important events in Illinois history?

Notable Events in Illinois History

• 1673. Marquette and Jolliet descend the Mississippi, return to Wisconsin via Illinois River and Lake Michigan.
• 1675. Marquette founds mission near Starved Rock.
• 1680. La Salle builds fort Crevecoeur near Peoria.
• 1682. La Salle erects Fort St.
• 1691-92.
• 1699.
• 1717.
• 1720.

What are 5 interesting facts about Illinois?

1 The Sears Tower in Chicago is the tallest building in America. 2 Illinois was the first state in the U.S. to ratify the Constitution’s 13th amendment which abolished slavery. 3 The first McDonald’s was built in Des Plaines, IL. 4 Illinois produces more nuclear energy than any other state in the country.

What are some historical events in Chicago?

1850 to 1899

• 1871: The Great Fire.
• 1872: Montgomery Ward publishes the first mail-order catalog.
• 1873: Chicago Public Library opens.
• 1876: John W.E. Thomas becomes the first African American elected to the Illinois General Assembly.
• 1877: Railroad strike.
• 1878: Telephone service begins in Chicago.

What is the oldest town in Illinois?

Kaskaskia
Kaskaskia, the oldest town in the state and the first capitol of Illinois | Library of Congress.

What did Illinois invent?

The first pair of pliers. Pinball machines, 90 percent of which are made here. Pac-man, introduced in 1980. Cracker Jack, invented in 1893 for the World’s Fair.

What is the weirdest law in Illinois?

The 24 weirdest laws in Illinois

• It is illegal to hang “obstructions” from the rear view mirror, including fuzzy dice, air fresheners, GPS units, etc.
• Kites may not be flown within the city limits of Chicago.
• In Evanston, it is unlawful to change clothes in a car with the curtains drawn, except in case of fire.

What was the history of Chicago to 1900?

Between 1870 and 1900, Chicago grew from a city of 299,000 to nearly 1.7 million and was the fastest-growing city in world history. Chicago’s flourishing economy attracted huge numbers of new immigrants from Eastern and Central Europe, especially Jews, Poles, and Italians, along with many smaller groups.

What was Illinois originally called?

illiniwek
Illinois isn’t the version of the name; rather, it is the French pronunciation of the original word. The word Illinois is derived from the Native American word “iliniwok” or “illiniwek,” which literally means “best people”; it was used to refer to the 10 to 12 tribes found around the river.

What is the most boring town in Illinois?

New Lenox
New Lenox was ranked as the most boring place in Illinois, according to the report.

The first state prison is built at Alton. Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) moves to Illinois from Indiana. James Hall (1793-1858) launches Illinois Monthly Magazine, the first literary periodical published west of Ohio. Black Hawk War ends with Sauk and Fox Indians leaving the Illinois lands they had ceded in 1804.

Why is Illinois important to American history?

A century ago, as the United States advanced from an agrarian to an industrial nation, one historian described Illinois as having a more significant history than any other state “west of the Alleghenies.”

What major events happened in 1812 in Illinois?

New Madrid, Missouri, earthquake, the largest in United States history, damages southern Illinois (recurs in 1812). Potawatomi Indians massacre fifty-two troops and civilians in destroying Fort Dearborn. Land offices are opened at Kaskaskia and Shawneetown.

Where can I find the Illinois State Capitol history book?

Westport, CT: 1995 by Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. 1999, Illinois State Historical Library, 1 Old State Capitol Plaza, Springfield, IL 62701-1507. For information on the use or reproduction of images or text, please see our policy.