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Ronald Wilson Reagan is born in Tampico, Ill., to Nelle Wilson Reagan and John Edward Reagan. The Reagans already had one previous son, Neil.
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Reagan begins work as a lifeguard at Lowell Park, near Dixon. He was credited with saving 77 lives during the seven summers he worked there.
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Reagan graduates from Dixon High School, where he was student body president and participated in football, basketball, track, and school plays.
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1932
Reagan graduates Eureka (Illinois) College, where he majored in economics and sociology. During his sophomore year, Reagan becomes interested in drama. Reagan also serves as student body president. -
1937
Reagan enlists in the Army Reserve as a private but is soon promoted to 2nd lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps of the Cavalry. An agent for Warner Brothers "discovers" Reagan in Los Angeles and offers him a seven-year contract. -
Reagan marries actress Jane Wyman, whom he met while making the movie Brother Rat. And has a daughter Maureen a year later on Jan. 4, 1941.
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Reagan plays Notre Dame football legend George Gipp in his most acclaimed film, Knute Rockne, All American, The role earns Reagan the nickname "the Gipper."
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Regan and Jane decied to adopt baby Micheal.
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Mr. Reagan began campaigning for many democratic politicians, including Presidents Truman and Nixon.
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After working for a decade with the democrats, Mr. Reagan officially switched parties to republican.
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Reagan ran for governor of California and he won by a landslide. He served two terms.
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Reagan announces his candidacy for president. After winning the party's nomination, he chooses George Bush as his running mate. The platform calls for "a new consensus with all those across the land who share a community of values embodied in these words: family, work, neighborhood, peace, and freedom."
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After serving two terms as governor, Mr. Reagan ran for president. He won and became the 40th US president.
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While leaving a hotel in Washington, President Reagan was shot and wounded. Three others were also shot, but they all survived.
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Reagan submits his fiscal 1984 budget to Congress. The recession, tax cuts and increased defense outlays are blamed for a projected $189 billion budget gap. Reagan vows to "stay the course," rejecting advice to raise taxes or cut defense.
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After attacks on US soldiers, President Reagan ordered airstrikes in Libya. He worked hard to protect the American people.
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Reagan's presidency ended when George Bush was elected president. He retired to California where he worked on many charity projects as well as campaigned for the Republican Party.
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Reagan discloses in a letter that he has Alzheimer's disease. "I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life," he writes. "I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead."
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Ronald Reagan dies in California at the age of 93.
