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The Fighting Illini State
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Early Day Explorers
Illinois was first explored by the French armada. Some of the native indians that were located in Illinois, were the Illinois tribe(Illini), Chippewa, and Shawnee. There were still varieties of tribes living in the area as well. French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jollie were the first to reach Illinois. -
Northwest Ordinance
Northwest Ordinance places Illinois in the Northwest Territory. The Northwest Ordinance opened up vast western lands, spreading westward expansion. -
Fort Dearborn Massacare
The fort had been ambushed by a group of about 500 Potawatomi Indians. They captured children and women there who tried fleeing the scene. Approximately 52 soldiers and civilians were massacared by the Indians. They burned the fort down the next day. -
The Fighting Illini State
Illinois officially becomes the 21st state of the United States of America. -
Education
The General Assembly grants a charter for the Jacksonville Female Academy. It was the first institution in the state for woman's education. -
The Trail of Tears
Cherokee Indians are ordered off their homelands. They pass through Illinois on the way to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears. It was a march that plagued the Indians with disease and brutal weather conditions. Many Indians died due to these conditions. -
The Great Chicago Fire
The Great Chicago Fire was a massive fire that destroyed everything in its path. It killed hundreds and obliterated 4 square miles of land. Many people were left homeless as well. Considered to be one of the largest US disasters of the 19 century. It was said that the fire was caused by a cow kicking over a lantern in a barn. -
The Attempted Abduction of Abraham Lincoln
Two men by the name's of Terrence Mullins and Jack Hughes found it necessary to try and steal the corpse of Abraham Lincoln. They were under alot of pressure because they were losing money. The men were caught red handed and were convicted of attempted larceny and conspiracy. -
Provident Hospital
African American surgeon Daniel Hale Williams organizes Provident Hospital. It was the first black hospital in the United States. Performed the first open heart surgery in 1893. -
Cyclone of Carroll County Illinois
The cyclone of Carroll County caused major chaos. Hundreds of people were left homeless. Total property loss was estimated close to 1 million dollars in this particular county. Homes were swept away in an instant. Many animals were killed as well. Surprisingly ,very few people were killed by the cyclone. Many ended up being seriously injured. -
Cherry Coal Mine Disaster
One of the worst coal mining disasters in American history. 259 total miners lost their lives in the fire. About 225 managed to escape the blaze. Many others were buried in cave ins. They said the deaths were caused by black damp, which is poisoness gas. It practically suffocated the lives out of the miners. -
Influenza
Influenza epidemic causes 32,000 deaths in the state. One fifth of the world's population was affected by this virus. Within months the virus had killed more people than any other illness in recorded history. -
Memorial Day Tragedy
Chicago police open fire on strikers at Republic Steel. It resulted in 10 tragic deaths and left others severly injured. A tree branch was thrown at the police. The strike was getting to out of hand and the police had no other choice. -
Sear's Tower
The world's tallest building had finally been completed in downtown Chicago. It is now called the Willis Tower. It stands at 1,040 feet and 110 stories high. Willis Tower is also the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. -
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls had the best record in NBA history. The Bulls posted a 72-10 year. Leading the Bulls was Michael Jordan, who set NBA records with his 8th scoring titile and was unanimously picked as the league MVP. The Bulls also won the championship that year.
