Sangamon Sun

Illinois native Ronald Wilson Reagan, born in the village of Tampico in Whiteside County in 1911, is remembered for his significant contributions as the 40th President of the United States. Reagan, a Republican, served as Governor of California before his presidency. He was also a renowned actor and spokesman for General Electric.

Reagan's early life was marked by poverty and frequent moves. He attended high school in Dixon and graduated from Eureka College with a degree in economics and sociology. During his time at college, he excelled in sports and drama, even serving as the class president in his senior year.

After college, Reagan pursued a career in acting and appeared in 53 films over two decades. However, his life took a turn when he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1937. He served as a Captain and was involved in the production of over 400 training films during his military career.

Reagan's personal life was also noteworthy. He married actress Jane Wyman in 1940, but the marriage ended in divorce. He then married actress Nancy Davis in 1952, with whom he had two children. Nancy Reagan played a crucial role in influencing Reagan's political leanings towards conservatism.

Reagan's political career gained momentum when he served as co-chairman of the California Republicans for Barry Goldwater campaign in 1964. This led to his election as Governor of California in 1966, where he served two four-year terms before setting his sights on the White House.

In 1980, Reagan ran for President of the United States, facing off against incumbent President Jimmy Carter. Reagan's victory was fueled by the country's challenges, including record inflation, rising unemployment, and the Iranian hostage crisis. He won by a landslide, receiving 489 electoral votes to Carter's 49.

Reagan's presidency was marked by significant events such as the release of U.S. hostages in Iran shortly after his inauguration. However, his life was nearly cut short by an assassination attempt in 1981. Despite being shot, Reagan survived and continued to lead the country.

Reagan's presidency saw a resurgence in the U.S. economy, thanks to his tax cuts known as "Reaganomics." He also made notable appointments, such as Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Reagan's efforts in diplomacy led to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the unification of Germany, and the end of the Cold War.

After leaving office, Reagan returned to California with his wife Nancy. However, his later years were marred by a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in 1994. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 93, while Nancy Reagan lived until 2016.

Today, Ronald Reagan's memory and legacy live on in Illinois. The Ronald Reagan Trail winds through 13 towns that shaped his childhood and young adult years. The Ronald Reagan Museum and Peace Garden, located at Eureka College, houses thousands of items from Reagan's life. Additionally, his birthplace of Tampico and adopted hometown of Dixon have preserved his childhood home and offer sites and festivals dedicated to his memory.

Ronald Reagan, a true American icon, will always be remembered for his significant contributions to the nation as a President, actor, and advocate for conservative values.