Explore Illinois’ Rich History: Celebrating 250 Years of American Heritage

As the United States gears up to commemorate its 250th anniversary, ABC7 Chicago is delving into Illinois’ significant contributions to the nation’s history. The state, with its rich cultural crossroads from Chicago’s South Side to its historical neighborhoods, has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.

To mark this milestone, the introduction of the Illinois America 250 Passport aims to encourage exploration of these influential sites. Reporter Jasmine Minor highlights some key locations that tell tales of innovation and struggle.

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One such destination is the Pullman National Historical Park, an emblem of industrial progress and social conflict. This site was home to the production of luxury railcars that revolutionized travel across North America. However, it was the laborers behind these railcars who drove change in society.

Michael Shymanski commented on the significance, noting, “By the early 20th century, you could travel on Pullman cars from Florida to Vancouver, establishing a very high standard.” The Pullman Strike, originating here, resonated across the nation, sparking discussions on labor rights and equity that persist to this day.

Alphonso Quiroz, an 89-year-old former Pullman worker, recalls the challenges of his early days on the job, “Initially, it was hard. I had no experience working on cars. Yet, with the guidance of seasoned workers, I learned about the tools and techniques necessary for the job, from drills to wrenches, and how to accurately measure components for the car framework.”

“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.