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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

May 6, 2026
Wheel of Fortune Player Turns Heads After Solving Tough $65k Puzzle 
A Wheel of Fortune episode delivered a moment fans are still debating after one contestant celebrated a massive win — and sparke…
Feb 20, 2026
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.
May 2, 2016
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…
Apr 6, 2016
Mother Makes Shocking Discovery About Son who Disappeared 30 Years Ago
Chicago, Illinois – It was a quiet spring day in 2016 when Mary Thompson’s world turned upside down, all because of a rout…
Jan 13, 2016
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 7, 2016
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…

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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N
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R
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E
Elgin
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