History of Illinois, USA

1811 - First coal mine in Illinois opened in Jackson County; parts of southern Illinois damaged by New Madrid earthquake

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1817 - Veterans of War of 1812 received 160-acre land warrants in Illinois Military Tract between Illinois and Mississippi Rivers

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1818 - Illinois became 21st U. S. state, Kaskaskia chosen as capital

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1865 - Illinois first state to ratify Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery; Lincoln assassinated in Washington, D.C., buried in Springfield

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1867 - Pullman Palace Car Company founded. The company charter was approved by the Illinois Legislature on February 22, 1867.
The founding of the Pullman Palace Car Company in 1867 marked a significant development in the history of transportation in the United States. The company was established with the aim of manufacturing luxurious railway cars, particularly sleeping cars, which were in high demand as rail travel expanded across the country. The Pullman Company was the brainchild of George Pullman, a visionary entrepreneur who recognized the need for comfortable and well-appointed accommodations for travelers.

The company's charter, approved by the Illinois Legislature on February 22, 1867, granted it the authority to manufacture and operate sleeping cars, dining cars, and other railway vehicles. Pullman's innovative designs and commitment to luxury revolutionized rail travel, setting new standards for comfort and convenience. The Pullman Palace Car Company became synonymous with luxury rail travel, and its cars were widely used by railroads across the United States, contributing to the growth and... Read MORE...

1872 - Illinois grants freedom of occupational choice to both men and women.
But when Myra Colby Bradwell, who studied as her husband’s law apprentice to pass the Illinois bar, tries to practice as a lawyer, the US supreme court rules in 1873 that the state doesn’t have to grant a law license to a married woman.
https://www.theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history

1893 - Eugene Debs forms the American Railway Union
The American Railway Union was the largest labor union of its time, and one of the first industrial unions in the United States. It was founded on June 20, 1893, by railway workers gathered in Laredo, Illinois, and under the leadership of Eugene V. Debs.

In 1893, Eugene V. Debs, a prominent labor leader and socialist, founded the American Railway Union (ARU). The ARU was created to unite all railway workers, regardless of their specific roles or affiliations with different companies. This move was significant because it sought to bring together workers from across the fragmented railway industry into a single, powerful organization. By doing so, Debs aimed to increase workers' bargaining power and improve their working conditions, wages, and overall rights in an industry that was crucial to the American economy.

The formation of the ARU marked a pivotal moment in the labor movement. It demonstrated the potential strength of industrial unionism, where workers from various crafts ... Read MORE...

1895 - Illinois
IIIinois, il'lin-oi' or illin-ois', a north-central state of the American Union, lying in the valley of the Mississippi and the Great Lakes, and bounded N. by Wisconsin, E. by Lake Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky, S.E. and S. by Kentucky, S. and S.W. by Missouri, and W. by Missouri and Iowa. Lake Michigan washes its northeastern border; the Wabash separates it in part from Indiana: from Kentucky it is divided by the Ohio; and along its whole western limit flows the Mississippi, separating it from Iowa and Missouri. Area, 56,650 square miles, 9 which all but about 12 per cent. has been converted into farms. Two-thirds of the farm-land is tilled ground, and 16 percent woodland...

The population in 1800 was 2458; in 1810, 12,282; in 1820, 55,162; in 1830, 157,445; in 1840, 476,183; in 1850, 851,470; in 1860, 1,711,951; in 1865, 2,141,510; in 1870, 2,539,891; in 1880, 3,077,871; in 1890, 3,826,351.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1917 - May 26 – A tornado strikes Mattoon, Illinois, causing devastation and killing 101 people.
On May 26, 1917, a devastating tornado struck the town of Mattoon, Illinois, leaving a trail of destruction and causing significant loss of life. This deadly twister, part of a larger tornado outbreak that affected parts of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, tore through the town with immense force. The tornado's path of destruction was extensive, as it ripped through buildings, uprooted trees, and left many homes in ruins.

The impact on the community was profound, with 101 people losing their lives and many more injured. The aftermath of the tornado saw the town grappling with the enormous task of rebuilding and providing aid to the affected residents.
May 26, 1917

1918 - Influenza epidemic in Illinois killed 32,000

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1925 - March 18 - The great Tri-State Tornado occurred, the most deadly tornado in U.S. history.
The tornado claimed 695 lives (including 234 at Murphysboro IL and 148 at West Frankfort IL), and caused seventeen million dollars property damage. It cut a swath of destruction 219 miles long and as much as a mile wide from east central Missouri to southern Indiana between 1 PM and 4 PM. The tornado leveled a school in West Frankfort IL, and picked up sixteen students setting them down unharmed 150 yards away. Seven other tornadoes claimed an additional 97 lives that day.
WeatherForYou.com

1954 - Raymond Kroc opened first McDonald's fast-food restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois
In 1954, Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesman, visited a small but successful hamburger restaurant owned by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California. Impressed by their efficient assembly line-like system for preparing food, Kroc saw the potential to create a nationwide franchise. Convincing the brothers to let him lead the franchise expansion, Kroc opened the first McDonald's fast-food restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, on April 15, 1955. This restaurant was a pivotal step in transforming McDonald's into a global fast-food empire.

Kroc's vision and business acumen drove the rapid growth of McDonald's, emphasizing consistency, speed, and low prices. The Des Plaines location featured the iconic Golden Arches and introduced the world to a new era of dining, revolutionizing the fast-food industry.
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1974 - Sears Tower, world's tallest building, completed in Chicago; state lottery approved by General Assembly
In 1974, the Sears Tower in Chicago, Illinois, was completed, marking a significant milestone in architectural history. Standing at 1,450 feet (442 meters) with 110 stories, it became the world's tallest building, surpassing the World Trade Center towers in New York City. Designed by architect Bruce Graham and structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the Sears Tower was an engineering marvel of its time. Its innovative "bundled tube" design not only provided exceptional structural stability but also set a precedent for future skyscraper construction. The building symbolized Chicago's economic and cultural prowess and remained the tallest building in the world until 1998 when it was surpassed by the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Additionally, 1974 was notable for Illinois as the state legislature approved the establishment of a state lottery. The Illinois General Assembly passed the legislation to create the lottery with the intention of... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Illinois:
1. Chicago:
Millennium Park: Stroll through this iconic park and take a selfie at the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean."

Art Institute of Chicago: Explore one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, featuring an incredible collection of art from around the world.

Navy Pier: Enjoy family-friendly attractions, including the Ferris wheel, boat tours, and a variety of restaurants.

Willis Tower Skydeck: Experience breathtaking views of the city from the glass-floored observation deck on the 103rd floor.

Chicago Riverwalk: Take a leisurely walk along the river, dine at waterfront restaurants, or enjoy a boat tour to learn about the city's architecture.

Museum Campus: Visit the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, all located in close proximity to each other.

Chicago's Neighborhoods: Explore diverse neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, and Pilsen, each offering unique cultural experiences.

2.... Read MORE...