Illinois 250: What the state has uniquely contributed to the nation — and the world

This Fourth of July the United States marks its 250th anniversary — or semiquincentennial — of existence.

Some might be conflicted when it comes to celebrating our divided country this year. And, it turns out, some Chicagoans in 1876 felt the same way.

“Since the (Civil) War, the average Chicagoan has taken comparatively little interest in ‘the day we celebrate,’” the Tribune observed on July 5, 1876. “Nothing of (the Fourth of July) remains to-day, so far as Chicago is concerned, save a large number of headaches, the smoldering ruins of a few small-sized conflagrations, an occasional thumbless hand, and a general feeling of used-upness.

“A hundred years hence, (people) may search the files of the Tribune of the century previous to ascertain how the then half-million population of Chicago celebrated the first Centennial of the nation’s existence for the purpose of instituting a kind of Plutarchian comparison between the days that were and the days that are. … and they will do just as Chicago did yesterday.”

That’s why the Tribune is taking a look back at what the Chicago area and the state of Illinois have uniquely contributed to the nation — and the world — from scientific inventions and pioneering businesses to food, culture, sports and transportation modernizations.

Celebrating the state’s fabulous firsts

Our series starts with fabulous firsts — ideas that took root here in Illinois before they captured the world’s attention.

Our state is home to giants of industry and innovation. Entrepreneurs have launched first-of-their-kind ventures here. We have welcomed diversity, better representation, empowerment and demonstration on behalf of people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, those with disabilities and women.

Our residents have perfected techniques to help save lives of people, animals and the environment. Some Chicagoans have been honored for their work with awards — including the Nobel Prize — or lifetime achievement honors. Others have been declared saintly for their devotion to the sick and poor. Then there are people or events we might prefer to forget for they have brought death or destruction. But combined with the good, these are the things that make up the fabric of the place we live. Read more here.

Art, culture, food and music made here — and then shared with the world

Some things are so good they just have to be shared. And in true Midwestern fashion, that’s what our state has done.

Here’s a look back at what the Chicago area and the state of Illinois have uniquely contributed to the nation on its semiquincentennial, the focus turns to the finer things in life — the arts, culture, food and music.

What follows are the creations that were founded, gifted to or perfected here, and then were embraced by the rest of the country and beyond. Despite their popularity on a bigger stage, these notions continue to hold onto their local origins. Read more here.

The political land of Lincoln, but also Addams, Daley, Washington, Jackson, Obama and more

The Prairie State’s political arena has always been the place for civil debate — and violent confrontation — for rights.

Illinois is where presidents have been born, gained experience to lead the nation — and even forced to resign, thanks in part to efforts by the Tribune. It’s where some of the nation’s best leaders have rallied on behalf of immigrants, laborers, women and people of color. Yes, it’s the land of Lincoln, but also (Jane) Addams, (Frances) Willard, (Richard J. and Richard M.) Daley, (Harold) Washington, (Eugene) Debs, (Jesse) Jackson and (Barack) Obama.

What follows are dozens of examples of how those whose names are familiar (or aren’t) and legendary (or infamous) for their actions while representing the state have been embraced (or renounced) by the rest of the country and beyond. Read more here.

Sports teams and individuals that have achieved greatness — or infamy

Our sports list goes beyond Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Ernie Banks and Red Grange — legends we’ll give their due later in the series.

The state’s sports history runs deep, which means this list can’t cover every accomplishment. But we highlight achievements that have left an imprint on the world. Read more here.

From ‘The Jungle’ to Shel Silverstein, how the state has helped shape the printed word

In America’s 250 years, Chicago has come alive on the page in rugged novels and mail-order catalogs, elegant poems, wax-engraved maps and brightly colored postcards. Oz, glittery and dreamlike, was conceived here. And one of the area’s authors wrote “Fahrenheit 451,” a tale of what society would be like without books.

Chicago is the home of Ernest Hemingway and of Hugh Hefner, names that won’t appear below but are a part of our continuing series. As is journalist Ida B. Wells, Johnson Publishing (Ebony and Jet) and Maurine Dallas Watkins, who wrote the book that inspired the musical that bears our city’s name.

Chicago is the story. It always has been. Our list of the most influential things ever written in, or about, Chicago. Read more here.

What we’ve invented, innovated, created and manufactured

Illinois builds things.

We invent and innovate, too — everything from the Pullman car to plastic party cups. Read more here.