War and Military
The 19th Century
Early Statehood
Military Land Patent of William Kelly, Adams County, 1818 / Typed Transcription
- In 1804, the United States purchased a triangle of land between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers from Native Americans. With the outbreak of the War of 1812, Congress set aside about 2,000,000 acres of land to be distributed as land bounties to soldiers. In 1816, an additional 1,500,000 acres were added. This patent promises William Kelly a quarter section of land that was located 8 miles east of what is now Quincy in Adams County.
- Citation: Turnbaugh, Dr. Roy C. Jr. and Robert E. Bailey. Windows to the Past: A Selection of Illinois County Records from 1818 to 1880. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1985. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Militia Poll Book, Fayette County, 1822 / Typed Transcription
- The Constitution of 1818 established a state militia; it stipulated that company battalion and regimental officers were to be elected by the militia. Voting was done in public; this document shows the captain, lieutenant, and ensign election of the 2nd Company of the 15th Regiment of Illinois Militia. This system continued into the early days of the Civil War.
- Citation: Turnbaugh, Dr. Roy C. Jr. and Robert E. Bailey. Windows to the Past: A Selection of Illinois County Records from 1818 to 1880. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1985. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The Mexican-American War
Resolution Concerning a Flag for the Chicago Invincibles, 12 May 1846 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The Civil War
Painting of the Main Avenue in the Rock Island Military Prison / Additional Information
- After Confederate troops destroyed the Harper's Ferry Arsenal in 1861, Congress decided to build a new arsenal in the west at Rock Island. Construction began in July of 1863. It was designed to hold up to 13,000 Confederate prisoners. After the war, the prison was completely destroyed.
- Photograph used by permission of the United States Army, Rock Island Arsenal Museum, Rock Island, Illinois.
Soldiers’ Muster Roll, Bureau County, 1861 / Typed Transcription
- The United States garrison at Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor surrendered on 12 April 1861. On 15 April, President Lincoln called for 75,000 three-month volunteers to save the Union. This page, from a Bureau County soldiers’ muster roll, listed those who volunteered.
- Citation: Turnbaugh, Dr. Roy C. Jr. and Robert E. Bailey. Windows to the Past: A Selection of Illinois County Records from 1818 to 1880. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1985. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Proclamation Regarding Day of Thanksgiving, 4 August 1863 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Soldier’s Death Notice, Bureau County, 1865 / Typed Transcription
- During the Civil War, Illinois alone had losses of 34,834 dead. Of this number, 22,786 died of disease. Typhoid was the leading cause of death by disease. It was spread by contamination from the excrement of patients or carriers. The military hospital in Nashville, Tennessee was especially unhealthy, since it was located near an open sewer. John Colvin was 39 years old when he died. He enlisted on 11 February 1865; 46 days later he was dead.
- Citation: Turnbaugh, Dr. Roy C. Jr. and Robert E. Bailey. Windows to the Past: A Selection of Illinois County Records from 1818 to 1880. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1985. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication Concerning the Confederate Dead, 17 December 1866 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Soldier’s Naturalization Petition, Schuyler County, 1866 / Typed Transcription
- To encourage enlistments and reward immigrants for serving in the Union forces, Congress reduced the naturalization requirements for aliens who were Civil War veterans. The residence requirement was shortened to one year, the declaration of intent was waived and an honorable discharge was proof of good moral character. This document is also included on the Immigration and Naturalization page.
- Citation: Turnbaugh, Dr. Roy C. Jr. and Robert E. Bailey. Windows to the Past: A Selection of Illinois County Records from 1818 to 1880. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1985. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The Civil War: Illinois Commandery
- The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States was founded in Pennsylvania in 1865 by a group of three honor guard officers who had accompanied Lincoln's body during the trip back to Springfield, Illinois. They took this action in response to rumors of a wider conspiracy regarding the overthrow of the United States government. Fears of this conspiracy dissipated, but the Order grew, having over 8,000 former Union soldiers and their descendents as members when it was at its height at the end of the 19th century. The state of Illinois had its own branch, or "Commandery."
"The Campaign Against Vicksburg," William E. Strong, read on 7 April 1880
- William Strong was a Brevet Brigadier-General in the 17th Army Corps from Chicago. He took part in the campaign against Vicksburg. These two selections give readers a feel for what this important battle was like.
- Citation: Military Essays and Recollections: Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. II. Chicago: A.C. McClurg and Company, 1894. Reprint, Wilmington: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1992.
"Personal Recollections of Vicksburg," William L. B. Jenney, read on 3 October 1883
- William Jenney served as an engineer in the Civil War. In these recollections, he writes about Sherman's lack of mercy, the Union's ingenious use of dummy boats, and camaraderie between Union and Confederate soldiers. A native of Massachusetts, he came to Chicago in 1867. His firm, Jenney, Schermerhorn and Bogart, worked with landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to develop Riverside, Illinois, the nation's first planned "railroad suburb." He played an influential role in developing the steel-framed skyscraper, and his architectural office was a training ground for Daniel Burnham and Louis H. Sullivan. He memorialized his fellow Vicksburg veterans in a monument to Illinois soldiers at the Vicksburg National Military Park.
- Citation: Military Essays and Recollections: Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. III. Chicago: The Dial Press, 1899. Reprint, Wilmington: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1992.
"Those Who Fought Without Guns," Arthur Edwards, read on 2 June 1886
- This piece pays tribute to the work of physicians on the Civil War battlefield. Its author, Arthur Edwards, was a chaplain with the First Michigan Infantry, and moved to Chicago after the war.
- Citation: Military Essays and Recollections: Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. I. Chicago: A.C. McClurg and Company, 1891. Reprint, Wilmington: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1992.
"Episodes in an Illinois Regiment," Lucien B. Crooker, read on 10 November 1887
- Lucien Crooker, a private in the 12th Illinois US Infantry, included this letter written by a fellow soldier in his reminiscences of the regiment's experiences in the Civil War. It gives a good picture of the battlefield experience.
- Citation: Military Essays and Recollections: Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. I. Chicago: A.C. McClurg and Company, 1891. Reprint, Wilmington: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1992.
"A Colored Brigade in the Campaign and Battle of Nashville," Henry V. Freeman, read on 8 March 1888
- Henry Freeman wrote this account of his experience as an officer of the Twelfth Regiment, United States Colored Troops. He was a member of the 74th Illinois before being promoted. Freeman, like all officers of the African-American regiments, was white.
- Citation: Military Essays and Recollections: Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. II. Chicago: A.C. McClurg and Company, 1894. Reprint, Wilmington: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1992.
"The Negro as a Soldier," William Eliot Furness, read on 12 November 1891
- William Eliot Furness wrote and read this piece, which pays tribute to African-Americans who fought for the Union, at the 1891 meeting of the Illinois Commandery meeting. Furness lived in Chicago after his service in the Civil War and became an active member of the Chicago Literary Society.
- Citation: Military Essays and Recollections: Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. II. Chicago: A.C. McClurg and Company, 1894. Reprint, Wilmington: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1992.
"Reminiscences of a Surgeon," Horace Wardner, read on 12 April 1894
- Before the Civil War, Dr. Horace Warner taught anatomy at the Chicago Medical College. He was commissioned surgeon of the 12th Illinois Infantry. These selections are some of his memories from his work during the war. After the way, Dr. Warner founded St. Mary's Infirmary at Cairo, was superintendent of the Southern Illinois Hospital for the Insane at Anna, Illinois, and established a sanitarium in La Porte, Indiana.
- Citation: Military Essays and Recollections: Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. III. Chicago: The Dial Press, 1899. Reprint, Wilmington: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1992.
"Some Battle Recollections of Stone's River," Henry V. Freeman, read on 10 January 1895
- Henry Freeman, a member of the 74th Illinois and later officer of the Twelfth Regiment, United States Colored Troops, recounted this memory of the compassion of Union soldiers toward their Confederate brothers.
- Citation: Military Essays and Recollections: Papers Read Before the Commandery of the State of Illinois, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Vol. III. Chicago: The Dial Press, 1899. Reprint, Wilmington: Broadfoot Publishing Company, 1992.
Communication from the Commander of G.A.R. Post No. 5 Notifying the City Clerk of the Post's Intention to Undertake the Relief of Indigent Veterans, 8 July 1895 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
The Late 19th Century
Petition of the Ellsworth Zouaves for Compensation for Services Rendered During the Labor Riots, 6 December 1877 / Typed Transcription
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Short Mention of a Call for Volunteers in Edward West's Memoirs, 1895, Black Hawk War
- In this brief segment of Edward West's memoir he talks about the Black Hawk War and those men who volunteered from his home to fight.
- Citation: West, Edward William. "Memoirs: Record of the Events in the Life and Times of Edward William West, Belleville, Illinois, A. D. 1895." In "Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society," vol. 22, no. 2. July, 1929.
The 20th Century
The Early 20th Century
World War I
Singing Patriotic Songs in Schools, 1917
- In the months leading up to the United States' entry into World War I, patriotism ran high. Governor Lowden promoted patriotism by designating a week in which students in Illinois public and private schools were to sing particular patriotic songs. He made this proclamation on 9 February 1917. This document is cross-listed on the Education page.
- Citation: Marguerite Edith Jenison. War Documents and Addresses. Illinois in the World War: Vol. 6. Springfield: Illinois State Historical Library, 1923.
"Heading into Trouble with the Draft," 30 May 1917
- In May 1917, the United States passed the Selective Service Act, requiring young men ages twenty-one to thirty (later expanded to eighteen to forty-five) to register for the draft. There was relatively little resistance to the draft, but some anti-draft sentiment did exist. The author of this article, which appeared in the Chicago Tribune on 30 May 1917, urged men to comply with the law, and the government to act swiftly to suppress resistance.
- Citation: Chicago Tribune, 30 May 1917.
"Our 'Conscientious' Objectors," 30 June 1917
- Conscientious objectors were sometimes accused of harboring German sympathies. The author of this article, which appeared in the Chicago Tribune on 30 June 1917, railed against conscientious objectors who refused to fight on foreign soil.
- Citation: Chicago Tribune, 30 June 1917.
"Students to Try Teacher Called Anti-American," 26 November 1917
- German culture and those of German descent were objects of hatred during World War I. This article, published in the Chicago Tribune on 26 November 1917, tells the story of a German teacher (likely of German descent herself) in Winnetka, who was accused by students of being anti-American. She had allegedly remained her in seat while the Star-Spangled Banner was played at a school assembly. This document is cross-listed on the Education page.
- Citation: Chicago Tribune, 26 November 1917.
"Full Suffrage Here Seen as Blow to Foe," 8 February 1918
- Before and during World War I, American women struggled to win the right to vote. Women's contribution to the war helped win public opinion in favor of women's suffrage. In addition, the "war for democracy" highlighted the disenfranchisement of half of the American population. This article describes a speech on this subject, made at a meeting of the National Women's Party in Chicago. It appeared in the Chicago Tribune on 8 February 1918. This document is cross-listed on the Women and Gender page.
- Citation: Chicago Tribune, 8 February 1918.
"Investigation Waits on Inquest Monday," 6 April 1918
- On 4 April 1918, German immigrant Robert Prager was hanged by a mob in Collinsville, Illinois. The mob believed him disloyal to the American government. This article, published in the New York Times on 6 April 1918, describes Prager's actual political beliefs. This document is cross-listed on the Immigration and Naturalization and Crime and Punishment pages.
- Citation: New York Times, 6 April 1918.
"Loyalty Meeting at Teutopolis" 11 April 1918
- A newspaper clipping from the Effingham Republican regarding a flag-raising service.
- Citation: Effingham Republican, 11 April 1918.
"Patriotic Teutopolis" 18 April 1918
- A newspaper clipping from the Effingham Republican regarding a flag-raising service.
- Citation: Effingham Republican, 18 April 1918.
"A.P.L. Valuable Aid in Draft Roundup," 24 September 1918
- The American Protective League (A.P.L.) was a private, all-volunteer organization utilized by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate possible spies and draft dodgers during World War I. Private citizens involved in the surveillance and enforcement of laws upon other citizens and immigrants sometimes used this power to win advantage in labor, political, economic, and personal disputes. This article, published in the Chicago Tribune on 24 September 1918, describes the APL's work in rounding up "slackers" as part of a government-wide drive.
- Citation: Chicago Tribune, 24 September 1918.
"Anti-Draft Film to the Censor Again," 27 September 1918
- To promote patriotism, the federal government, as well as local and state governments, participated in censorship. This article, published in the Chicago Tribune on 27 September 1918, describes the film "War Brides," which was criticized for its anti-draft and pro-German themes. Before it could be shown in Chicago, city and federal officials had to approve its content. The film was changed to be anti-German, but this article notes that was still anti-draft. Nazimova was a famous silent film actress of the time.
- Citation: Chicago Tribune, 27 September 1918.
"Arrests Foil I.W.W. Slacker Plot in Mills," 12 October 1918
- Congress and President Wilson passed the Sedition Act in 1918, which criminalized written or spoken statements which could be construed as condemning the government or advocating interference with the war effort. This article, published in the Chicago Tribune on 12 October 1918, describes the arrest of two men accused of leading the International Workers of the World (an anarchist labor organization) in a plot to spread opposition of the war and support for German among the steel workers of Joliet. This document is cross-listed on the Labor and Industry and Immigration and Naturalization pages.
- Citation: Chicago Tribune, 12 October 1918.
"Debs' Sentence Confirmed by Supreme Court," 11 March 1919
- In 1917, Congress and President Wilson passed the Espionage Act, prohibiting spying, interfering with the draft, and making "false statements" that might impede military success. Eugene V. Debs, leader of the Socialist Party and five-time candidate for President in the early 20th century, was convicted under the Espionage Act for statements he made in June 1918, which allegedly obstructed recruitment and enlistment in the armed forces. Debs remained imprisoned until 1921, when he was pardoned by President Harding. This document is cross listed on the Industry and Labor page.
- Citation: Chicago Tribune, 11 March 1919.
World War I: Dr. Gerry B. Dudley
Photograph, Capt. Dudley in Uniform, n.d.
- Captain Gerry B. Dudley was a respected doctor in his hometown of Charleston, Ill., who was called to the Great War in 1917. He served in the 165th Infantry in France until February 1919.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
Photograph, Dudley Family at Train Station, n.d.
- Dr. Dudley is wearing his Army uniform in this photograph at a train station, likely as the family is saying their goodbyes. On the back, these words are written: "Home For Gerry Jane because she is almost [indecipherable] in IL." (Gerry Jane was one of Dr. Dudley's daughters.)
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
Photograph, Men near Barracks, n.d.
- This photograph shows Capt. Dudley and some of his fellow soldiers at their barracks. On the back of the photo, these words are written: "Dudley, Kuhn, Jones D.D., Hollis (Mississippi), Rawles, Jacobs (sitting); The second window from door with bath towel hanging out is first above my cot. Dark space under doors our reading room. E. sided barrack room."
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
- This photograph shows a less permanent form of housing during World War I, the tent.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
Photograph, World War I Building, n.d.
- This building is unidentified but is likely a hospital, as the photograph was included in Capt. Dudley's mementos of the Great War.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
Hospital Photographs One & Two, n.d.
- These two photographs graphically reveal of the horror of World War One. Note that some of the men have their limbs elevated or immobilized to help them heal properly.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
Letter, Capt. Dudley to Albert Cunningham, 18 November 1917
- Capt. Dudley wrote this letter to Mr. Cunningham while preparing to ship out to France. In it, he explains that he gave his wife power of attorney to take care of his business while gone, exhibiting Dudley's faith in his wife. This trusting of a female in business is significant, especially in consideration that woman had not even been granted the right to vote in national elections. From Dudley's comments, it seems Mr. Cunningham may have objected to dealing with Mrs. Dudley.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
U. S. Army Field Message Book of Capt. Dudley, 1918 / Typed Transcription
- This book was used by the Army to standardize field messages soldiers sent and keep carbon copies of them. A sample is included as an example for soldiers. These two messages reveal how Capt. Dudley needed proper medical facilities and sometimes dealt with conflicting orders. They also note that stretcher bearers have reported to Capt. Dudley.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
Telegram From Charleston, IL, 15 February 1919
- This dire news from home prompted Capt. Dudley to apply for discharge from the Army.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
Appeal for Discharge, 23 February 1919
- Capt. Dudley applied to be discharged from the army upon receiving word that his family back in Charleston, Illinois, had all suffered from the Spanish influenza and were not well enough to manage without him.
- Credit: All resources from collections of Coles County Historical Society. All information included on this site is intended solely for educational and research purposes. Questions regarding publication rights can be directed to the Coles County Historical Society at coleshistory@consolidated.net.
The Great Depression
Behind the Headlines, WPA Poster, 1939
- Citation: "Behind the Headlines," Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
World War II
Letter from Vannevar Bush to Enrico Fermi, 19 August 1941
- This letter was sent from Vannevar Bush, Director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development for the U.S. Office for Emergency Management to Enrico Fermi, at that time working for Columbia University in New York City. In this letter, Bush asks Fermi to accept a volunteer appointment as Chairman of the Consultants on Theoretical Aspects Susection of the Uranium Section. Fermi's acceptance officially involves him in what comes to be known as the Manhattan Project. This project eventually brings him to Illinois. This document is located on the Enrico Fermi Collection page, maintained by The University of Chicago Library. Scroll down to "Letter from Vannevar Bush to Enrico Fermi."
Victory Garden Diagram, March 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication Concerning the Dependents of a Naval Enlistee, 18 June 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication from Hannah A. Woods of the Illinois Association of Colored Women, 6 August 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication from the Chicago Civilian Morale Committee, 4 September 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
This is a V-Home Placard, 30 September 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Office of Price Administration Press Release Concerning Rubber Conservation, 11 October 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
War Food Communique No. 1, Meat Rationing, October 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Converted Squash Court Under West Stands of Stagg Field
- This photograph shows the location of the first nuclear chain reaction. This experiment was performed by Enrico Fermi and his team at the University of Chicago on 2 December 1942. Fermi used a squash court under Stagg Field, the university's football stadium. These historic experiments took place while the staff and students unknowingly went about their usual business. This document is located on the Enrico Fermi Image Gallery page, maintained by The University of Chicago Library. Scroll down to "Converted Squash Court Under West Stands of Stagg Field."
Sketch #1 of Chicago Pile 1 Experiment
- This sketch shows a close up of the set up of the first nuclear chain reaction. This document is located on the Enrico Fermi Image Gallery page, maintained by The University of Chicago Library. Scroll down to "Sketch of Chicago Pile 1 Experiment."
Sketch #2 of Chicago Pile 1 Experiment
- This sketch also shows the set up of the first nuclear chain reaction. This document is located on the Enrico Fermi Image Gallery page, maintained by The University of Chicago Library. Scroll down to "Sketch of Chicago Pile 1 Experiment."
Photo of One Layer of Nuclear Pile, November 1942
- This is the only photograph taken during the construction of the first nuclear reactor. This document is located on the Enrico Fermi Image Gallery page, maintained by The University of Chicago Library. Scroll down to "Photo of One Layer of Nuclear Pile."
Scale Model of Nuclear Pile Experimental Setup
- This photograph shows a scale model which is quite helpful in understanding how the first nuclear reactor was set up in a squash court at the University of Chicago. This document is located on the Enrico Fermi Image Gallery page, maintained by The University of Chicago Library. Scroll down to "Scale Model of Nuclear Pile Experimental Setup."
Evite Accidentes, WPA Poster, 1942
- This poster, by Miguel A. Rodridguez, shows a mangled man lying on the sidewalk next to an automobile that has crashed into a lamp post. It translates as: "Avoid Accidents: Do Not Remain in the Street During an Alarm."
- Citation: “Evite Accidentes: No Se Quede en la Calle Durante una Alarma / 6 MAR,” Illinois: WPA, 1942, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
Mechanic's Suit Description and Illustration, 1942
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Defense News from Illinois State Council of Defense, City Children and Farm Work, 22 February 1943
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Women of Illinois Can Help Win the War, Save All Fats and Greases, 1943
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
You Too Are On the Firing Line, Waste Elimination, 1943
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
1,000 LB. Horse, Diagram of Byproducts, 1945
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Communication from Mrs. Wm. D. Battey Concerning Day-Care
- Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Cold War Period
Letter from Arthur Compton to Enrico Fermi, 2 December 1953
- This letter was sent from Arthur Compton, who worked with Enrico Fermi on the first nuclear chain reaction, in remembrance of the eleventh anniversary of the successful experiment. In it, he reflects on the importance of the experiment to the past and the future. Compton believes their work "has had a favorable effect on stabilizing the world in favor of freedom." This document is located on the Enrico Fermi Collection page, maintained by The University of Chicago Library. Scroll down to "Letter from Arthur Compton to Enrico Fermi."
The Vietnam War
- The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago spurred anti-war protests which Mayor Richard Daley attempted to control with Chicago police and the National Guard. The situation degenerated into violence. This article, published in the New York Times on 30 August 1968, describes the action inside and outside the convention hall. Click on the link and choose the first related article for the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The slide show "Scenes of the Protest" also illuminates the experience of this event. This document is cross-listed on the Crime and Punishment page.
