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Illinois to Celebrate Bicentennial Signing of State Constitution

Images
Placque outside building housing the Liberty Bell of the West on Kaskaskia Island.

The Illinois Constitution was first signed 200 years ago this Sunday, August 26th.

Stuart Lane, executive director of the governor's office of the Illinois Bicentennial says there will be a lot to see.
"From Kaskaskia to Du Quoin to Springfield to Dixon, Ronald Regan's home, to Wrigley Field, to Highland Park, and East St. Louis, there will be events commemorations and celebrations."

Lane says a new monument will be erected in Chester.

"In partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution and the folks in Chester, the Liberty Bell of the West Chapter will erect a monument to memorialize the history of Randolph County. You know, that is where the state began, 200 years ago."

Chester is just across the Mississippi River from Kaskaskia, where the oldest liberty bell in the country is kept, dating back to 1741.
 
"Illinois' first state constitution was signed in Kaskaskia, Illinois."
 
Kaskaskia was also the first Illinois capitol.

The event will take place on Sunday between 1 and 2pm at the Randolph County Courthouse and Museum.

 

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