December 3 in American History

December 3, 1818 — Illinois becomes the 21st state

Illinois joined the Union, a frontier prairie state that would grow to hold Chicago, the crossroads of the continent — and produce Abraham Lincoln's political career. From wilderness to the "Land of Lincoln" in a few decades, it's a compact story of American growth.

Common Questions About December 3

What happened on December 3 in American history?

In 1818: Illinois becomes the 21st state. Illinois joined the Union, a frontier prairie state that would grow to hold Chicago, the crossroads of the continent — and produce Abraham Lincoln's political career.

Why is December 3 significant?

Illinois joined the Union, a frontier prairie state that would grow to hold Chicago, the crossroads of the continent — and produce Abraham Lincoln's political career. From wilderness to the "Land of Lincoln" in a few decades, it's a compact story of American growth.

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