This Week in Illinois History

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All Episodes

This Week in Illinois History: Birth of Wyatt Earp, the Peoria Bummer (March 19, 1848)

Brave. Courageous. Bold. All words used to describe legendary Western lawman Wyatt Earp. But novels, films and TV shows often overlook his reckless youth in Illinois, where he earned a reputation as a thief, swindler and pimp.

. 2min 6sec

This Week in Illinois History: Chicago Mayor killed by assassin (March 6, 1933)

A popular Chicago Mayor and champion to the city's overlooked immigrant communities is struck down by an assassin’s bullet, a bullet that was meant for someone else.

. 1min 36sec

This Week in Illinois History: Carl Sandburg named state Poet Laureate (February 28, 1962)

Carl Sandburg, author, journalist, folk singer, and poet of the people, appointed Poet Laureate of Illinois.

. 1min 49sec

This Week in Illinois History: Birth of Alton’s Gentle Giant (February 22, 1918)

. 1min 36sec

This Week in Illinois History: Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto (February 18, 1930)

No longer considered a planet, but always number nine in our hearts. This week in Illinois history, we celebrate the discovery of Pluto by Streator native Clyde Tombaugh.

. 1min 35sec