10 Surprising Firsts That Illinois Can Proudly Claim

Illinois firsts are all around us. Just take one long, inquisitive look at the Chicago skyline or our beautiful, booming farmland down south, and you will immediately realize how much innovation has come out of the Land of Lincoln.

The Prairie State was first to do many things, many of which you might not realize. We had the first-ever woman law student at Northwestern University in the 1870s, we built the first skyscraper in Chicago in 1885, and much more. Read on for 10 surprising "firsts" that Illinois can proudly claim.

1. We Were First To Ratify the 13th Amendment

In 1865, the state of Illinois was the first to ratify the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. After getting word that the House of Representatives approved the amendment, the state governor of the time, Richard J. Oglesby, announced it would be ratified under the grounds that it was just and humane.

2. We Built the First Skyscraper in the World

The world's first skyscraper was unveiled in Chicago in 1885. Designed by Chicago architect William LeBaron Jenney, the Home Life Insurance Building was nine stories high and was the first structure whose entire weight was supported on an iron frame. While it no longer stands today, it's a rich part of our (and the world's!) history.

3. The First McDonald's Franchise Opened in Illinois

While the first-ever McDonald's restaurant opened in California in 1940, the first franchise of the iconic American chain opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955.

4. We Invented the First Ferris Wheel

The first Ferris wheel was invented in Chicago, Illinois, in the 1800s by engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. The ride could hold more than 2,000 riders at a time, and was first debuted at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893. While the original wheel is no longer standing, you can ride its newer 264-foot-tall version at Navy Pier.

5. The First Vacuum Cleaner Was Made in Illinois

Vacuums as we know them today would not be possible without the invention of the original "sweeping machine" in 1869. The machine, also known as the Whirlwind, was developed in a Chicago basement by inventor Ives W. McGaffey and was made of wood, canvas, and manually powered by a crank.

6. We Performed the First Successful Open-Heart Surgery

In 1893, Chicago surgeon Daniel Hale Williams performed the first successful open-heart surgery on a young man who had come to the emergency room with a punctured chest. Apart from this surgery, Dr. Williams was also the first African-American cardiologist in America, and he founded the country's first black-owned hospital.

7. The Cell Phone Was Invented Here

Society wouldn't be where it is today without the cell phone, and we have Motorola engineer Marty Cooper to thank for them. Cooper invented the first designs for a mobile phone in Schaumburg, Illinois, in 1973. He is now considered the "Father of the cell phone."

8. We Made the First Mechanical Dishwasher

In 1885, Josephine Cochran invented the first commercially successful dishwashing machine in Shelbyville, Illinois. This mechanical machine had the ingenious design of individual compartments for the dishes so that they wouldn't clash or break. While it was not the first machine ever made, it was most impactful toward the development of the modern luxury we all know and love today.

9. Illinois Is the Birthplace of Modern Dentistry

One of the founders of modern dentistry, Greene Vardiman Black, was born in Illinois. He practiced in various parts of the state—like Winchester and Jacksonville—and even continued teaching and practicing dental medicine after returning from his service in the Civil War in the early 1860s. Sure, we might not enjoy cleanings, but they have kept us healthier ever since.

10. We Started the Game of Softball

Softball was invented as a winter alternative to baseball in 1887. At first, it was called indoor baseball, and it was invented on Thanksgiving Day by George Hancock on Chicago's South Side. Eventually, it went on to become a popular women's sport.

Which of these Illinois firsts did you know about? Some other honorable mentions include the invention of the Hostess Twinkie, the zipper, and the first graphical web browser. But if you're looking for more, consider planning a trip to the Prairie State to explore its rich history. Only In Your State's itinerary planner can help you plan the perfect time—whether you're a local or first-time visitor.