History of Illinois

Northwest Territory

Mar 5, 1787

In 1787, Settlers moved west and Illinois became part of the Northwest Territory.

History of Illinois

Period: Mar 5, 1787 to Mar 5, 2011

Illinois was admitted to the Statehood

Dec 3, 1818

In 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the United States. We adopted our first constitution, and the capitol was temporarily housed in Kaskaskia.

Capitol moved to Vandalia

Mar 9, 1820

Vandalia WebsiteIn 1820, the Capitol moved to Vandalia. Vandalia is 90 miles northeast of Kaskaskia.

Free State

Mar 9, 1824

During the early 1820s some settlers wanted to make slavery legal in Illinois, but there was a fierce battle, and eventually the public rejected that idea. Governor Edward Coles was extremely important in keeping Illinois a free state.

Black Hawk War

Mar 9, 1832

Black Hawk WarThe last great Native American uprising in Illinois occuring in 1832.

Capitol moved to Springfield

Mar 9, 1839

The lawmakers in Illinois wanted to move to a more central location in Illinois, in order to quickly access all areas of the state. The Capitol was moved to Springfield.

2nd Constitution Adopted

Mar 9, 1848

This new Constitution gave more power to the people. Under this new constitution, they could elect officials that were formerly appointed.

3rd Constitution Adopted

Mar 9, 1870

Our third Constitution was adopted by the people of Illinois.

Industrial Growth and Boom

Mar 9, 1870

John Deere invented the prairie plow, which boosted Illinois' agriculture business. The improved transportation system and discovery of coal helped make Illinois a great industrial area.

Final Constitution Adopted

Mar 9, 1970

By 1970, the Illinois Constitution was very outdated. Many government officers argued that it was impossible to govern under the new constitution. In 1970, the constitution went into force on July 1, 1971. This new constitution modernized the government, improved the tax system of the United States, and gave individuals more rights.