Sangamon Sun

Presidents Day serves as a time to honor the leaders who have shaped the United States. Among these, several presidents with ties to Illinois have made significant contributions to the nation's history.

Abraham Lincoln, originally from Kentucky, moved to Illinois at 21 and began his political career in the Illinois General Assembly. His opposition to slavery was evident during debates against Stephen A. Douglas and later propelled him to national prominence. As president, Lincoln's notable achievements include the Homestead Act, Emancipation Proclamation, and Thirteenth Amendment.

Ulysses S. Grant, another Illinoisan president, played a key role in leading Union forces during the Civil War before becoming president in 1869. He worked on civil rights advancements such as the Fifteenth Amendment and Reconstruction efforts.

Ronald Reagan, born in Tampico, Illinois, became known for his fiscal conservatism and law enforcement focus as California's governor before his presidency. His economic policies during his terms were dubbed "Reaganomics," which included tax cuts and deregulation.

Barack Obama, originally from Hawaii but politically active in Chicago, served as an Illinois State Senator before becoming a U.S. Senator and eventually the first African American President of the United States.

Illinois' impact on presidential history is marked by leaders who have made enduring contributions from Lincoln's era to Obama's presidency.

"Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties." - Abraham Lincoln