Illinois Celebrates Its Historical Contributions as America Approaches 250th Anniversary

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the nation gears up to commemorate its 250th anniversary, ABC7 Chicago is delving into the significant role Illinois has played in shaping America.

From the vibrant South Side of Chicago to its storied neighborhoods, Illinois has long stood as a cultural crossroads. The introduction of the Illinois America 250 Passport is reigniting interest in visiting the pivotal sites that contributed to the nation’s development. Jasmine Minor guides us through some of these notable locations.

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Our journey begins at Pullman National Historical Park, a place where innovation met social change. The luxury railcars constructed here revolutionized travel, but it was the workforce that left a lasting mark on American history.

“By the early 20th century, Pullman cars could take you from Florida to Vancouver,” Michael Shymanski explained. “What’s crucial is the high standard of service that was established.”

The Pullman Strike reverberated across the country, igniting discussions on labor rights that persist to this day. Even now, an 89-year-old former Pullman worker fondly recalls his days on the job.

“At first, it was,” Alphonso Quiroz said. “It was hard. A little difficult because I didn’t have no experience working at cars. And as I worked with old timers, they would help me. They would tell me what kind of drill, press, wrench and things like that they used and how to measure different articles that fit in the car framework.”

Then we move into Pilsen, where the National Museum of Mexican Art exemplifies history through railroads as well. Especially with the Traqueros – a slang Spanish word for Mexican railroad workers.

“There was often many deaths, many injuries, because of this arduous job. And obviously the pay was very low,” Ismael Cuevas said.

Each exhibit reflects a community that helped build Chicago’s workforce, culture, and identity.

“But we besides that, the fortitude of our people still built communities, still built culture, religion, that is all part of the American dream,” Cuevas said. “And that we see that here in this exhibit.”

Next stop, the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. This is where the focus shifts to people finding their footing in a new land.

“She came from money,” Liesl Olsen said. “She was, part of a whole new generation of college educated women who had ambitions and wanted to do something with their degree.”

Jane Addams created a blueprint for community care, proving that supporting immigrants strengthens the nation as a whole.

“There were so many initiatives that kind of valued, people in their full humanity, right?” Olsen said. “Not just as laborers. She was obviously a major voice in the, fight for women’s suffrage. She was one of, the co-founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She had allies across the city she was working across.

And last stop for the first part of our series is the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. From Jean Baptiste Point du Sable to modern civil rights movements, the history in this museum underscores resilience.

These are just a few of the stops featured in the passport, designed by the Illinois America 250 Commission to get people to explore the landmarks that shaped our nation. So, check it out when you get some free time- because the story of the country isn’t just something you read about, it’s something you can walk through right here in Illinois.