Few People Know Illinois Was The First State To Ratify The 13th Amendment In America

There are plenty of fun facts about Illinois history, especially when it comes to events that Illinois was first at. While some are lighthearted (did you know the brownie was invented in Chicago?), others are more uncomfortable — yet have a serious, significant place in our nation's history. In fact, Illinois played a critical role in helping bring an end to the darkest era of United States history.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared “all persons held as slaves within any State, or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free” in his Emancipation Proclamation. However, the policy did not go far enough in fully ending slavery nationwide and only applied to specific areas.

In 1860, just five years before the 13th Amendement would end slavery, the U.S. government conducted a census that counted approximately 4 million slaves. It's estimated that there were about 4.4 million African-Americans in the U.S. at that time, and the overwhelming majority were held in captivity and considered property.

This striking photo shows a market where people forced into slavery were sold and traded as commodities rather than people. Just one year later, the 13th Amendment would be ratified, effectively ending the inhumane practices of slavery and involuntary servitude.

U.S. Sen. Lyman Trumbull of Illinois proposed the 13th Amendment, which would abolish slavery and involuntary servitude (except in cases where it was used for punishment of a crime). It passed in the Senate in 1864, but languished in the House until January 31 of 1865.

Congress then passed the amendment back to the states to ratify.

The very next day, on Feb. 1, 1865, Illinois became the first state in the country to ratify the 13th Amendment. In his duty as President of the Senate, Lincoln wrote "Approved" across the document.

The amendment's passage erupted in a huge celebration. By the end of the year, the required majority of states had adopted the amendment, and slavery became illegal nationwide.

Did you know about Illinois' role in ending slavery in the U.S.? Of course, fun facts about Illinois history don't stop there. Take a weekend trip to explore the historic state capitol of Springfield, and take some time to learn about one of the most important civil rights speeches in American history, delivered right here in Illinois.