Illinois Bicentennial

While Abraham Lincoln is Illinois' most famous resident who served as President, he wasn't actually born in Illinois. But the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois on February 6, 1911.

Adlai Stevenson II was born on February 5, 1900 and served as Governor of Illinois from 1949 - 1953. President Kennedy appointed Stevenson as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in 1961.

Betty Friedan was a leading figure in the women's movement in the United States. She is the author of The Feminine Mystique, which is credited with sparking the second wave of American feminism in the 20th century.

On February 3, 1809, the 10th United States Congress passed legislation establishing the Illinois Territory.

George Halas, also known as 'Papa Bear' was born on February 2, 1895 in Chicago. Halas was a player, coach and founder of the Chicago Bears. He passed away on October 31, 1983, in Niles, Illinois.