Illinois
Illinois is full of beauty - from Chicago to its agricultural lands.
Brief timeline of the history of the state of Illinois:
Pre-1673: Various Native American tribes, including the Illiniwek, Miami, and Sauk, inhabit the region now known as Illinois.
1673: French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette navigate the Mississippi River and explore the Illinois River, marking the first recorded European exploration of the area.
1718: The French establish Fort de Chartres as a strategic outpost in present-day Illinois, solidifying their presence in the region.
1763: Under the Treaty of Paris, France cedes Illinois to Great Britain following the conclusion of the French and Indian War.
1783: The Treaty of Paris grants Illinois to the United States, ending British control and making it part of the Northwest Territory.
1809: Illinois Territory is established, separate from the Northwest Territory, with its capital in Kaskaskia.
1818: Illinois becomes the 21st state of the United States on December 3.
Early 19th century: Illinois experiences rapid population growth and becomes a center for agriculture, particularly the production of corn and wheat.
1832: The Black Hawk War takes place in Illinois, as Native American leader Black Hawk and his allies resist forced removal from their ancestral lands.
Mid-19th century: Illinois plays a significant role in the Underground Railroad, providing a network of safe houses and routes for escaped slaves seeking freedom.
Late 19th century: The industrial revolution transforms Illinois, with the growth of manufacturing, mining, and transportation industries. Chicago emerges as a major economic and cultural center.
1871: The Great Chicago Fire ravages the city, leading to the reconstruction and modernization of Chicago's infrastructure.
Early 20th century: Illinois becomes an important hub of the labor movement, with events such as the Haymarket Riot in Chicago influencing workers' rights movements across the country.
Mid-20th century: Illinois contributes significantly to World War II efforts, including manufacturing and providing troops. The state experiences urbanization and suburbanization.