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Decatur, Illinois

Located in Macon County, Illinois, Decatur was established in 1829. The Chicago Bears started as the Decatur Staleys in 1919. Lincoln was first nominated for president at the 1860 Republican convention here.
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Founded 1829 | Population 69,000 | Peak 69,000 (2024) | County Macon County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Decatur, Illinois

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1829 Founded: Named for Stephen Decatur.
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1860 Lincoln Convention: Lincoln nominated for president here.
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1922 Staley's: A.E. Staley company; birthplace of Chicago Bears.
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2010 Modern Era: Decatur continued to develop as part of the region, with new infrastructure and community amenities.
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Latest News in Decatur

Jan 1, 1970
They’ve Won $288 Million From The Lottery But The State Won’t Pay Them
Winning the lottery has been the dream for many, and in Illinois, lottery winners are hitting the jackpot.
Jan 1, 1970
Heres what These New Purple Parking Spots Mean
In the bustling streets of American cities back in May 2016, a splash of purple began popping up in parking lots, catching the eye…
Jan 1, 1970
Illinois Legislature Would Force Welfare Recipients Take Drug Tests Meet
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In early 2016, Illinois lawmakers pushed forward a controversial bill that would have required welfare recip…
Jan 1, 1970
Man Defends Home Break Using Lethal Force Faces Consequences
Chicago, Illinois – On a chilly January evening in 2016, a homeowner took matters into his own hands when intruders targeted his…
Jan 1, 1970
Womans Unexpected Run Gas Station Goes Viral
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On a chilly December evening in 2015, what started as a simple errand turned into a moment that spread across…
Jan 1, 1970
Trump Poised Strong Performance March 15 Primaries
Washington, D.C., October 24, 2015 — As the 2016 Republican primary race heated up, Donald Trump looked set to make a big splash…

Complete Historical Timeline

1829 Culture
Founded
1860 Politics
Lincoln Convention
1922 Sports
Staley's
2010 Culture
Modern Era

Did You Know?

1
The Chicago Bears started as the Decatur Staleys in 1919.
2
Lincoln was first nominated for president at the 1860 Republican convention here.
3
ADM (Archer Daniels Midland) has major operations in Decatur.
4
Decatur is located in Macon County, Illinois.
5
Decatur was founded in 1829.

Famous People from Decatur, Illinois

AK
Alison Krauss
Singer, Fiddler · Born Jul 23, 1971 · Age 54
SA
Stephen E. Ambrose
Writer, Historian · Born Jan 10, 1936 · Died Oct 13, 2002 (age 66)
IF
Ivan Fuqua
Athletics Competitor · Born Aug 9, 1909 · Died Jan 14, 1994 (age 84)
NM
Nan Martin
Actor, Stage Actor · Born Jul 15, 1927 · Died Mar 4, 2010 (age 82)
HF
Helen Ferguson
Actor, Stage Actor · Born Jul 23, 1900 · Died Mar 14, 1977 (age 76)

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E
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