ILLINOIS TIMELINE By cwj Period: Jan 1, 1600 to Dec 31, 2012 Illinois Timeline Jan 1, 1699 The oldest town in Illinois, Cahokia, is founded The oldest town in Illinois, Cahokia, is founded Jan 1, 1787 Illinois became part of the Northwest Territory Jan 1, 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition begins near Wood River Jan 1, 1818 Illinois becomes the 21st State, Kaskaskia chosen as capital Jan 1, 1824 Illinois voters defeat constitutional convention call to permit slavery Jan 1, 1837 Chicago incorporated as a city. Jan 1, 1860 Abraham Lincoln elected U.S. president Jan 1, 1871 Chicago fire destroys 18,000 downtown buildings, losses estimated at $200,000,000. Jan 1, 1893 World Fair held in Chicago. Jan 1, 1907 Chicago Cubs win World Series. Jan 1, 1908 Chicago Cubs win World Series. Jan 1, 1918 Influenza epidemic in Illinois kills 32,000 people. Jan 1, 1919 8 Chicago white Sox players convicted for gambling on the World Series. Jan 1, 1921 Football team, the Staleys, moved from Decatur to Chicago, won National Championship. Jan 1, 1929 St. Valentine's Day massacre in Chicago Alphonse Caponse's gunmen. Jan 1, 1934 Chicago Blackhawks win Stanley Cup. Jan 1, 1958 Fire at Our Lady of Angels School killed 92 children, 3 nuns. Jan 1, 1974 Sears Tower, world's tallest building, completed in Chicago. Jan 1, 1986 Chicago Bears win Super Bowl. Jan 1, 1998 Chicago bulls win NBA Championship. Jan 1, 2005 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Health Museum opened. Jan 1, 2008 Barack Obama elected U.S. president. Jan 1, 2010 Chicago Blackhawks win Stanley cup. Jan 1, 2012 Former governer, Rod Blagojevich, began 14-year prison sentence after being convicted of 18 counts of federal corruption.
