On this day in 1818, Illinois became the twenty-first state in the Union. Over the next thirty years, the state experienced a transition from an American frontier to a settled and rapidly developing agricultural state. Technology changed and with it brought new agricultural advancements which expanded markets. It also fostered changes in government, legal, and educational institutions.
Check out some of Illinois’ early statehood days, including the ‘Story of Illinois’ at the Illinois State Museum’s website: https://story.illinoisstatemuseum.org/time-period/early-statehood-1818-1848.
Happy Statehood Day, Illinois!