State Pride

History

State Pride
Fun Facts
History

The Story of This Abandoned Place Near Galena, Illinois Is Truly Fascinating

If you love exploring old, abandoned places in Illinois, you will love all the history at Winston Tunnel State Natural Area

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 3
An abandoned rail tunnel is surrounded by lush green vegetation and blocked by a metal grate.
State Pride

Here Are The 7 Most Famous Olympians From Illinois, From Bobsledders to Basketball Legends

by Daisy Dow
on Jun 3
A basketball game featuring USA and China players during the 2008 Olympics, with a player preparing to shoot.
State Pride

Most People Didn’t Know That Zippers Were Invented Right Here In Illinois

by Megan Todaro
on Jan 23
Close-up of a metallic zipper, showcasing the slider and teeth against a black background.
State Pride

A Slice Of Illinois History Can Be Found In These Historic Pioneer Homes

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jan 22
A historic brick house surrounded by greenery, with a white picket fence and informational signs nearby.
State Pride

10 Unique Trivia Facts About Illinois You Might Not Have Heard Before

by Linze Rice
on Jan 16
Cooling towers release steam against a clear blue sky, with hay bales in the foreground and power lines in the background.

Latest History

State Pride
History

A Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible Above Illinois This Spring

by Linze Rice
on Jan 12
An annular solar eclipse, showing a bright ring of sunlight around the dark silhouette of the moon.
State Pride
History

Take A Stroll Through Illinois’ Past At This Historic Farm Outside Chicago

by Linze Rice
on Nov 28
A red barn-style building surrounded by greenery and a pathway, with people walking in the area.
State Pride
History

UFOs Were Sighted In Illinois 19 Years Ago And It’s One Of The Most Credible UFO Sightings In History

by Linze Rice
on Oct 5
Three bright lights in a dark night sky above a silhouette of trees.
State Pride
History

The Fascinating Archaeological Discovery That Put This Small Illinois College On The Map

A mammoth tusk over 10,000 years old was discovered at Principia College in Illinois.

by Linze Rice
on Aug 1
Aerial view of a river winding through lush greenery, with buildings and a park along the shore.
State Pride
History

A Cluster Of Tornadoes Touched Down In The Chicago Area, Including O’Hare International Airport

Eleven tornadoes touched down in the Chicago suburbs on July 12, 2023, causing significant damage and historical significance.

by Linze Rice
on Jul 24
A tornado touches down in a field, with a rainbow visible in the background against a stormy sky.
State Pride
History

The Oldest Building In Illinois Was Used By Lewis And Clark, Dismantled, Displayed At World’s Fairs, And Reconstructed In Its Original Site

The Old Cahokia Courthouse, built between 1737-1740, is the oldest building in Illinois and has a rich history as a private home, courthouse, and political center.

by Linze Rice
on Jul 3
Historic wooden cabin with a steep roof, surrounded by trees and a grassy area, under a partly cloudy sky.
State Pride
History

Incredible 1950s Footage Gives A Glimpse Into The Past At Chicago’s Former Theme Park

Riverview Park in Chicago, a historic amusement park, is brought to life through archival footage showcasing its attractions and significance.

by Linze Rice
on Jun 12
A colorful entrance gate to Riverview Park, with a crowd of people waiting outside on a sunny day.
State Pride
History

10 Surprising Firsts That Illinois Can Proudly Claim

Between the first skyscraper, household appliances, and modern medicine, the Prairie State is truly a trailblazer in these ways.

by Laura Meli
on Oct 7
view of the original McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois with vintage cars parked in front
State Pride
History

Some People Don’t Know That Chicago Was The First To Do These 11 Things

Chicago is the birthplace of many significant inventions, including the vacuum cleaner, skyscraper, and Ferris Wheel.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Jul 9
A close-up of a rich chocolate brownie drizzled with glossy chocolate sauce.
State Pride
History

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

Illinois played a crucial role in the abolition of slavery in the United States, being the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment.

by Linze Rice
on May 9
Historic Old State Capitol building with a red dome, surrounded by a fence and event tents on a sunny day.
State Pride
History

The Terrifying, Deadly Plane Crash In Illinois That Will Never Be Forgotten

The deadliest plane crash in American history occurred at O'Hare International Airport in 1979, killing all 271 people on board and two on the ground.

by Linze Rice
on Apr 19
A jet aircraft takes off near an airport, with another plane visible on the tarmac and smoke in the background.
State Pride
History

This Overnight Ghost Hunt In Illinois Is The Creepiest Thing You’ll Ever Do

by Linze Rice
on Mar 30
An old blue truck parked in front of a vintage brick building at sunset, surrounded by fields.
State Pride
History

Back In The Day, This Quiet Illinois Town Was A Mafia Mecca

Stickney, Illinois, a small village near Chicago, has a rich mafia history involving Al Capone and his brother Ralph, who ran illegal trades there during the Prohibition Era.

by Linze Rice
on Mar 23
A landscape featuring water towers, industrial structures, and train tracks under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
State Pride
History

Once Abandoned And Left To Decay, The Edgewater Medical Center In Illinois Has Been Restored To Its Former Glory

The former Edgewater Hospital in Chicago has been transformed into modern apartments called Anderson Point.

by Linze Rice
on Mar 21
A large, multi-story building with a beige facade, scaffolding, and clear blue skies in the background.
State Pride
History

We Bet You Didn’t Know This Small Town In Illinois Was Home To The Sole U.S. Presidential Birthplace In The State

Ronald Reagan's birthplace in Tampico, Illinois, is the only U.S. presidential birthplace in the state and is now a museum.

by Trent Jonas
on Dec 23
A row of brick buildings featuring a bank, a restaurant, and a funeral home, with a parked truck in front.
State Pride
History

It’s Impossible To Forget These 3 Horrific Winter Storms That Have Gone Down In Illinois History

Highlights some of the most memorable and severe winter storms in Illinois history.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Nov 15
A bus partially buried in snow on a deserted road during a heavy snowstorm. Visibility is low.
State Pride
History

The Oldest Covered Bridge In Illinois Has Been Around Since 1863

The Red Covered Bridge in Princeton, Illinois, is the oldest and longest covered bridge in the state, offering scenic views and historic significance.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Oct 20
A red covered bridge with a truck entering, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
State Pride
History

A Visit To The 4 Most Historic Illinois Towns Is Like Going Back In Time

Explore four historic towns in Illinois, each offering unique architectural and historical landmarks.

by Carolyn Harmon
on Sep 24
A bronze statue of a figure holding a stick stands in front of a brick building under a clear blue sky.
State Pride
History

The One Small Town In Illinois With More Historic Buildings Than Any Other

by Kim Magaraci
on Sep 13
Historic brick buildings line a street, featuring shops and cafes under a clear blue sky.
State Pride
History

The Massive Earthwork In Illinois That Still Baffles Archaeologists To This Day

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Aug 31
A grassy hill with a wooden slide, people at the top, and blooming pink trees in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
State Pride
History

Once The Tallest Building In America, Illinois’ Sears Tower Was A True Feat Of Engineering

Willis Tower in Chicago, formerly known as Sears Tower, was once the tallest building in the world and offers breathtaking views from its Skydeck and The Ledge.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jun 9
Aerial view of a cityscape with skyscrapers and a river, showcasing a mix of buildings and streets below.
State Pride
History

A Church Was Built And Left To Decay In The Middle Of Illinois’ Largest City

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church ruins in Chicago offer a glimpse into the past with its restored facade and bell tower.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Feb 14
Historic brick church with tall windows and a steeple, surrounded by trees and street signs.
State Pride
History

There’s Only One Train Station Like This In All Of Illinois And It’s Magnificent

Chicago Union Station, an iconic and historic train station in Illinois, is renowned for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and bustling activity.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jan 26
Historic United States Station building with a classic facade, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and busy streets.
State Pride
History

The History Behind Illinois’ Alley Of Death Is Absolutely Heartbreaking

The Alley of Death in Chicago, also known as Couch Place, is infamous for a tragic theatre fire in 1903 that resulted in over 600 deaths.

by Elizabeth Crozier
on Jan 2
alt
State Pride
History

Illinois’ Stolp Island Has More Than 40 Historic Buildings Of Architectural Significance

Stolp Island in Aurora, Illinois, is a historically significant area with 41 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Sep 19
A charming downtown street lined with shops, parked cars, and colorful flower beds under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.