Indigenous Roots and Early Exploration

Illinois, located in the midwestern region of the United States, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The region was originally home to numerous indigenous tribes, including the Illiniwek, who gave the state its name. In the late 1600s and early 1700s, French explorers and fur traders arrived in the area, and by 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the United States.

19th Century Growth and the Civil War

Throughout the 19th century, Illinois grew and prospered, becoming a major center for agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. The state was a key player in the westward expansion of the United States, with the Illinois and Michigan Canal connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, and the growth of the railroad system connecting the state to the rest of the country. Abraham Lincoln lived and worked in Springfield, Illinois for much of his life, and won the nomination for president at the Republican National Convention in Chicago in 1860. During the Civil War, Illinois was a strong supporter of the Union cause, and over 250,000 Illinois men served in the Union army.

Progressive Reform and Social Change

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Illinois became a hub of progressive reform, with efforts to improve working conditions, protect the environment, and promote social justice. The state was also at the forefront of the women's suffrage movement, and was the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. During this time, Chicago was a hub for prohibition-era gangsters and bootleggers such as Al Capone.

20th Century Development

During the 20th century, Illinois continued to grow and evolve, with the rise of new industries, such as automobiles and consumer goods, and the growth of its cities, including Chicago, the third largest city in the United States.

The Wigwam building that hosted the Republican National Convention of 1860

Discussion Questions

1. Which Native American tribes lived in Illinois before European explorers arrived?
2. How did canals and railroads help Illinois grow in the 1800s?
3. What role did Illinois play in the Civil War?
4. Why is Illinois important in the history of women’s rights in the U.S.?

Glossary

• Indigenous: Native to a particular place; the original people living in an area.
• Canal: A man-made waterway used for transportation.
• Union: The northern states during the Civil War that opposed slavery.
• Prohibition: A time in U.S. history (1920–1933) when making or selling alcohol was illegal.
• Ratify: To formally approve a law or amendment.