On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the nation’s 21st state. As we come to our state’s 200th birthday, we asked senators to talk about people or places in their districts that represent the best of Illinois’ rich past and how that is shown in local history, tourism, culture or community impact. 

Senator Cristina Castro of Elgin visited the Hoosier Grove Barn in the Village of Streamwood. Originally built in 1871, the family who built the house had moved out of Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire and became first-time farmers.

On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the nation’s 21st state. As we come to our state’s 200th birthday, we asked senators to talk about people or places in their districts that represent the best of Illinois’ rich past and how that is shown in local history, tourism, culture or community impact. 

Senator John Mulroe visited the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House in the Village of Norwood Park.

On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the nation’s 21st state. As we come to our state’s 200th birthday, we asked senators to talk about people or places in their districts that represent the best of Illinois’ rich past and how that is shown in local history, tourism, culture or community impact.

Senator Mattie Hunter chose to highlight Wendell Phillips Academy in the Bronzeville community, named for abolitionist and philanthropist Wendell Phillips. 

On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the nation’s 21^st state. As we come to our state’s 200^th birthday, we asked senators to talk about people or places in their districts that represent the best of Illinois’ rich past and how that is shown in local history, tourism, culture or community impact.

Marillac House on the west side of Chicago has provided social services for all ages for more than 100 years. They celebrated their centennial in 2014. Senator Patricia Van Pelt of the 5^th District appreciates Marillac’s development of programs over the years to meet the needs of the community, and visited the facility to look at their history as well as their future.

On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the nation’s 21st state. As we come to our state’s 200th birthday, we asked senators to talk about people or places in their districts that represent the best of Illinois’ rich past and how that is shown in local history, tourism, culture or community impact.

The Pullman community in Chicago is the home of the Historic Pullman District National Monument, where thousands of sleeper rail cars were produced in the mid-to-late 19th century through the first half of the 20th century.