Illinois Public Radio

Statewide: Illinois' deceitful path to statehood

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford

Published December 5, 2024 at 8:48 AM CST

Illinois celebrated its 206th birthday this week. When it became a state in 1818, it faced obstacles. Among them, the state lacked the population that was needed. But those determined to become part of the union found a way. "We cooked the books," said author Tara McClellan McAndrew.

We'll have a conversation about how Illinois gained statehood.

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