Illinois History Day

May 1, 2025 is Illinois History Day! Illinois was discovered in 1673 by explorer Louis Jolliet and Jesuit Father Jacques Marquette when they floated down the great Mississippi, returning up the Illinois River and crossed the portage to Lake Michigan where Chicago now stands.

Cahokia, Illinois' first permanent European settlement, was established in 1699 along the Mississippi River across from what is now St. Louis. The French and Indian War, or Seven Years' War, came to an end in 1763 with a victory for Britain, which gains control over the Illinois country. With the end of the American Revolution in 1783, Illinois became territory of the United States − technically part of the state of Virginia. Illinois would later join the Union on Dec. 3, 1818 – becoming the 21^st state.

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Artist of the Month: Curtis Mayfield

Did you know one of the most influential soul musicians is from Illinois?

Curtis Mayfield was born in raised in Chicago, living in the Cabrini-Green housing development while attending school alongside his four siblings, mother and grandmother.

He received his first guitar at 10 years old, where he taught himself how to play while admiring blues signers such as Muddy Waters. At 16, he joined the music group “The Roosters” with his friend, Jerry Butler, and brothers, Arthur and Richard Brooks, where they sang and composed music.

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Arbor Day in Illinois

On April 25, communities throughout Illinois celebrate an American tradition dating back to 1887: Arbor Day.

Arbor Day is a holiday that encourages people to plant trees. Planting a tree represents the belief that the tree will provide our community with cleaner air, a habitat for wildlife, and natural beauty. Illinois’ first Arbor Day was held in 1887, but not until 1949 did the state legislature legally declare the last Friday in April as “Arbor and Bird Day.” The purpose of the legislation was to plant trees, shrubs and vines about homes, along the highways and on public grounds to show the value of trees and birds and the necessity of their protection, thus contributing to the comforts and attractions of the state of Illinois.

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Celebrating 50 years of Southern Illinois University’s Great Cardboard Boat Regatta

Each spring, thousands of spectators gather around Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Campus Lake to watch hundreds of participants compete in the annual Great Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Starting as a class project in 1974, the regatta, a cardboard boat race, has grown into a university-wide tradition that has attracted people from across the state, country and globe. By 1976, the race was open to anyone, including students from other universities and kids.

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