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The history of Illinois may be defined by several broad historical periods, namely, the pre-Columbian period, the era of European exploration and colonization, its development as part of the American frontier, its early statehood period, growth in the 19th and 20th centuries, and contemporary Illinois of today.
Nov 9, 2009 · Learn about the Native American, French, British and American influences on Illinois history, from pre-colonial times to statehood in 1818. Explore the role of Chicago, Prohibition, the Great Chicago Fire and more in shaping the state's culture and economy.
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5 days ago · Illinois was named for the Illinois Indians. The capital is Springfield, in the west-central part of the state. Admitted as the 21st member of the union on December 3, 1818, Illinois lies within both the so-called old industrial belt and the fertile agricultural heart of the country.
Native American tribes in Illinois were all Algonquian-speaking peoples: in the north were the Kickapoo, Sauk, and Fox; in the Lake Michigan area the Potawatomi, Ottawa, and Ojibwa (Chippewa); on the central prairies the Kaskaskia and Peoria; and in the south the Cahokia and Tamaroa.
On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the twenty-first state of the Union. Ostensibly a free state, slavery was “grandfathered” in to the constitution for existing colonial slaveholders, and all citizens were permitted to keep indentured servants.
Illinois was part of the United States' oldest territory, the Northwest Territory, and in 1818 it achieved statehood.
The only total solar eclipse ever to cast its shadow over the Prairie State passed directly along a 156.7-mile-wide portion of central Illinois, including Springfield, and perfectly clear skies made it a phenomenal moment in state history.
