1673. French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet discovered the Illinois River and upper portions of the Mississippi River. They then descended the Mississippi to the mouth of the Arkansas River and returned to present-day Illinois via the Illinois River. 1675.
Full Answer
How did Chicago become a city in 1818?
After the American Revolution, Illinois became a territory of the United States, and achieved statehood in 1818. Located on Lake Michigan, and connected to the eastern ports via the Erie Canal, Chicago became a booming metropolis, and even the fire of 1871 could not stunt its growth.
Where did the war of 1812 take place in Illinois?
War of 1812 veterans begin receiving 160-acre land warrants in the Illinois Military Tract, a region between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Illinois becomes the twenty-first state, with Kaskaskia the capital and Shadrach Bond (1773-1832) the first governor.
What are some historical events that happened in Chicago?
Chicago theater-chain owner John Balaban (1894-1957) establishes WBKB, the first television station in Illinois. University of Chicago scientists, led by Nobel Prize winner (1938) Enrico Fermi (1901-1954), achieve the first self-sustaining nuclear reaction. Chicago Cubs win the National League pennant, lose the World Series to the Detroit Tigers.
What happened in the 1858 Illinois Senate debate?
In 1858, incumbent Democratic Senator Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln—for the most part unfamiliar at the time—engaged in a series of debates throughout Illinois for the state’s Senate seat.
When was Illinois first discovered?
The first Europeans to visit Illinois were the French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette in 1673, but the region was ceded to Britain after the French and Indian War. After the American Revolution, Illinois became a territory of the United States, and achieved statehood in 1818.
Which country was the first to discover what is now the state of Illinois?
The French were the first Europeans to arrive, settling near the Mississippi River in the 17th century, in the region they called Illinois Country, part of the sprawling colony of New France....IllinoisWebsitewww.illinois.gov51 more rows
Who was the first person to discover Illinois?
Near present-day Peoria, René-Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle, established the first French foothold, Fort Crèvecoeur, and built Fort Saint Louis near Ottawa. In the 1760s, after the French and Indian War, France ceded to Britain its claim to lands east of the Mississippi.
What is Illinois historically famous for?
Illinois is known as the "Land of Lincoln" because it is here that the 16th President spent his formative years. Chicago gained prominence as a lake and canal port after 1848, and as a rail hub soon afterward. By 1857, Chicago was the state's dominant metropolis. (see History of Chicago).
What did Illinois invent?
Here are five Illinois inventions and innovations that have made a big impact on people's everyday lives throughout the world.Brownies. A pile of chocolate brownies, descended from the original Palmer House Brownie. ... Zippers. Whitcomb L. ... Dishwashers. ... Red Solo Cups. ... Television Remote Control.
What was the first town in Illinois?
Kaskaskia, the oldest town in the state and the first capitol of Illinois | Library of Congress.
Who lived in Illinois first?
Native Americans Before the Europeans arrived in Illinois the land was inhabited by a number of Native American tribes including the Illini, a confederation of around 12 different tribes. Throughout the 1700s other tribes moved into the area including the Iroquois, the Chippewa, the Potawatomi, and the Miami.
How do you spell Illinois?
noun, plural Il·li·nois [il-uh-noi, -noiz].
Why is Illinois named Illinois?
WHY'S IT CALLED THAT? The name Illinois comes from the Native American tribe living on the land when the area was first explored by Europeans. Much of Illinois was once covered in prairie grass, earning the state its nickname.
What is the most interesting fact 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.
Who is the most famous person from Illinois?
5 famous people from IllinoisErnest Hemingway (1899-1961)Walt Disney (1901-1966)Betty White (1922-present)Jacqueline "Jackie" Joyner-Kersee (1962-present)Jennifer Hudson (1981-present)
What is the original name of Illinois?
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 did the French call Illinois?
Pays des IlinoisThe French name, Pays des Ilinois, means "Land of the Illinois [plural]" and is a reference to the Illinois Confederation, a group of related Algonquian native peoples.
Is Illinois French?
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 Illinois Origin of state Name?
The name Illinois comes from the Native American tribe living on the land when the area was first explored by Europeans. Much of Illinois was once covered in prairie grass, earning the state its nickname. Please be respectful of copyright.
Is Illinois in Canada?
Illinois is located in USA at the longitude of -87.63 and latitude of 41.88. Canada is located in North America at the longitude of -75.71 and latitude of 45.42 .
What is the history of Illinois?
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.". Throughout the twentieth century, Illinois has sustained that prominence—in subject areas ...
What was the first permanent settlement in Illinois?
1699. Priests of the Quebec Seminary of Foreign Missions found the Holy Family mission at Cahokia, the first permanent settlement in the Illinois country. 1703. Jesuit priest Gabriel Marest (1662-1714) moves the Immaculate Conception mission from present St. Louis to Kaskaskia.
What was the population of Illinois in 1819?
Illinois becomes the twenty-first state, with Kaskaskia the capital and Shadrach Bond (1773-1832) the first governor. Population of the state is 34,620 . 1819. Kickapoo Indians move west of the Mississippi, relinquishing most claims to central Illinois lands.
What are the subjects of Illinois?
Throughout the twentieth century, Illinois has sustained that prominence—in subject areas that encompass agriculture, architecture, the arts, business and labor, communications, education, government and politics, medicine and science, the military, recreation and sports, religion, social reform, and transportation.
What did the Paleo Indians do?
Paleo Indians roam the area, briefly occupying small camps in coniferous forests and subsisting on large game and wild plants.
Where did Marquette find his mission?
Marquette founds a mission at the Great Village of the Illinois, near present Utica. French traders René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle (1643-1687) and Henry de Tonty (1650-1704) build Fort Crèvecoeur on the Illinois River, near present Peoria. . Iroquois Indians destroy the Great Village of the Illinois.
Where was the first coal mine in Illinois?
The first coal mine in Illinois is opened in Jackson County. New Madrid, Missouri, earthquake, the largest in United States history, damages southern Illinois (recurs in 1812). 1812. Potawatomi Indians massacre fifty-two troops and civilians in destroying Fort Dearborn.
