Illinois History Includes Inventions That Changed Everyday Life

Of course, Illinois is know for things like deep-dish pizza and Chicago style hot dogs, but did you know that our state's history is filled with some important inventions?

I Bet You Didn't Know These Inventions Were Created In Illinois

Illinois is known for lots of things like food, sports teams, actors, actresses, comedians, musicians, and other famous stuff. Did you know that Illinois is also famous for inventions. Many first times happened in the Land of Lincoln. Are you ready for a little history lesson?

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According to Only In Your State Illinois...

Between the first skyscraper, household appliances, and modern medicine, the Prairie State is truly a trailblazer in these ways.

 

William Howell

Here are some of the things that were invented in Illinois...

• 1860s Modern Dentistry (Greene Vardiman Black - Jacksonville)

• 1865 First state to ratify 13th amendment (abolished slavery)

• 1869 First vacuum (The Whirlwind)

• 1885 First skyscraper (9 floors - Home Life Insurance Building)

• 1885 First mechanical dishwasher (Josephine Cochran - Shelbyville)

• 1887 Softball (winter alternative to baseball)

• 1893 First Ferris Wheel (World's Fair in Chicago)

• 1893 First successful open heart surgery (Dr. Daniel Hale Williams)

• 1893 First Zipper (Whitcomb L. Judson)

• 1930 Hostess Twinkie (James Dewar - Continental Baking Company)

• 1955 First McDonald's franchise (Des Plaines)

• 1973 First cell phone (Marty Cooper - Motorola - Schaumburg)

• 1993 NCSA Mosaic (University of Illinois)

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It's really cool to see all these amazing things that we use on a regular basis that were invented in Illinois. I don't think our state always gets the credit it deserves. I'm sure there are many more. When you have some extra time, hop on the internet and find out more about the Land of Lincoln.