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Normal, Illinois

Located in McLean County, Illinois, Normal was established in 1865. Named because it was founded as a 'normal school' (teacher training college). Twin city with Bloomington.

Founded 1865 | Population 55,000 | Peak 55,000 (2024) | County McLean County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Normal, Illinois

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1857Illinois State: Illinois State Normal University.

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1865Incorporated: Named for 'normal school.'.

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1890Higher Education: Educational institutions helped define Normal's character and economy.

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2010Modern Era: Normal continued to develop as part of the greater metropolitan area, with new infrastructure and community amenities.

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Latest News in Normal

Feb 20, 2026

They’ve Won $288 Million From The Lottery But The State Won’t Pay Them

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Complete Historical Timeline

1857 Culture

Illinois State

1865 Government

Incorporated

1890 Culture

Higher Education

2010 Culture

Modern Era

Did You Know?

Named because it was founded as a 'normal school' (teacher training college).

Twin city with Bloomington.

Illinois State University is the oldest public university in the state.

Normal is located in McLean County, Illinois.

Normal was founded in 1865.

Famous People from Normal, Illinois

McLean Stevenson

Clown, Spokesperson · Born Nov 14, 1927 · Died Feb 15, 1996 (age 68)

Jeff Fowler

Screenwriter, Animator · Born Jul 27, 1978 · Age 47

Colton Dunn

Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jun 30, 1977 · Age 48

Jesse Hibbs

Television Director, Film Director · Born Jan 11, 1906 · Died Feb 4, 1985 (age 79)

Andrew Bacevich

Historian, Political Scientist · Born Jul 5, 1947 · Age 78

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