McLean County Times

Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins commemorated the anniversary of Illinois' recognition as a U.S. state in a Facebook post published on Saturday.

"Happy Illinois Statehood Day," the post read. "It is my honor and privilege to serve my fellow Illinoisans. Happy 204th Birthday Illinois!"

Illinois became the country's 21st state on December 3, 1818. After its induction, the state spent the next 30 years transitioning from a vast, empty frontier into an agricultural powerhouse. Public Act 100-0898, which went into effect on November 1, 2019, officially designates December 3 as a state holiday.

"December 3rd of each year is designated as Illinois Statehood Day, to be observed throughout the State as a day to commemorate December 3, 1818, as the day Illinois became the 21st State to join the Union," the act reads. "Each year, within 10 days before Illinois Statehood Day, the Governor shall issue a proclamation announcing the recognition of Statehood Day and designate the official events that shall be held in honor of Illinois obtaining statehood on December 3, 1818."

According to Western Illinois University, the state first petitioned for statehood in January 1818. The request was presented in the House of Representatives by Illinois Territory Delegate Nathanial Pope on January 16, 1818, before being referred to a committee.