Illinois America 250

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Illinois America 250 This page is for sharing education, news, and resources.

The Illinois America 250 Commission was established by the Illinois General Assembly to commemorate 250 years since the signing of America's Declaration of Independence.

Passport Location of the Week: Elijah P. Lovejoy MonumentLocated in Alton, the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument honors the abo...
10/12/2026

Passport Location of the Week: Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument

Located in Alton, the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument honors the abolitionist, newspaper editor and advocate for freedom of the press who was killed in 1837 while defending his printing press.

The monument stands as a reminder of Lovejoy’s lasting legacy and the role Illinois played in the fight for free expression and abolition.

Add this historic stop to your Illinois America 250 journey!

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Partner Spotlight: Illinois History Day History comes to life through Illinois History Day! Each year, students across t...
10/09/2026

Partner Spotlight: Illinois History Day

History comes to life through Illinois History Day! Each year, students across the state explore the people, places and events that have shaped Illinois and our nation through original research and creative projects.

By encouraging the next generation to discover, preserve and share the stories of the past, Illinois History Day helps keep our history alive for the future.

Illinois State Museum America250 Enjoy Illinois Choose Chicago

Did you know Illinois is the nation’s leading pumpkin-producing state? Thanks to Illinois’ rich soil and ideal growing c...
10/08/2026

Did you know Illinois is the nation’s leading pumpkin-producing state?

Thanks to Illinois’ rich soil and ideal growing conditions, pumpkins are a major part of the state’s agricultural story. The Morton area is especially well known for pumpkin production and processing. 🎃

From the farm field to the fall table, it’s another way Illinois has made its mark!

Enjoy Illinois Choose Chicago America250

Passport Location of the Week: Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum All aboard for a trip through Illinois railroa...
10/05/2026

Passport Location of the Week: Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum

All aboard for a trip through Illinois railroad history! Located in Elizabeth, the Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum is housed in a historic 1877–78 depot and showcases the important role railroads played in northwestern Illinois.

Explore thousands of railroad artifacts, working model railroad layouts and a full-size Milwaukee Road caboose while discovering how rail travel helped connect communities across the region.

Add this historic stop to your Illinois America 250 journey! 🚂

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Partner Spotlight: Illinois Civics Hub Illinois Civics Hub helps educators and communities strengthen civic learning and...
10/02/2026

Partner Spotlight: Illinois Civics Hub

Illinois Civics Hub helps educators and communities strengthen civic learning and prepare the next generation to be informed and engaged participants in our democracy.

As Illinois celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to spotlight partners helping Illinoisans connect with civics, history and their communities.

America250 Enjoy Illinois

Illinois Fact of the Week: Meet the bluegill, Illinois’ official state fish! Chosen by Illinois schoolchildren in 1986, ...
10/01/2026

Illinois Fact of the Week: Meet the bluegill, Illinois’ official state fish!

Chosen by Illinois schoolchildren in 1986, the bluegill can be found in lakes, ponds and streams throughout the state. It’s a small fish with a big place in Illinois!

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Passport Location of the Week: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Step back in time at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Sit...
09/28/2026

Passport Location of the Week: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Step back in time at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, home to the remains of the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. Located near Collinsville, this UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the history and achievements of the Indigenous people who built and lived in this remarkable ancient city.

Explore the mounds, walk the grounds and discover an important chapter of Illinois history.

America250 Enjoy Illinois Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site

Partner of the Week: Illinois Department of Human Rights The Illinois Department of Human Rights works to protect the ri...
09/25/2026

Partner of the Week: Illinois Department of Human Rights

The Illinois Department of Human Rights works to protect the rights of people across our state and promote equality, fairness and respect for all.

As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history, we’re proud to recognize the organizations helping build a stronger and more inclusive Illinois.

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Did you know Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield was the only house he ever owned? Lincoln and his family lived there ...
09/24/2026

Did you know Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield was the only house he ever owned?

Lincoln and his family lived there for 17 years, from 1844 until they left for Washington, D.C. in 1861. Today, the home is preserved as the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

Visit Springfield America250

Passport Location of the Week: Black Hawk State Historic SiteDiscover history and nature at Black Hawk State Historic Si...
09/21/2026

Passport Location of the Week: Black Hawk State Historic Site

Discover history and nature at Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island, Illinois. Once home to the Sauk Nation, the site offers visitors the opportunity to explore Indigenous history, and enjoy scenic trails along the Rock River.

Add Black Hawk State Historic Site to your Illinois America 250 journey and experience an important part of Illinois history.

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