Illinois: A State Apart – Episode #1 – Nathaniel Pope (1818)
“If her commerce is to be confined to that great artery of communication, the Mississippi, which washes her entire border, and to its chief tributary on the south, the Ohio, there is a possibility that her commercial relations with the south may become so closely connected…. In the event of an attempted dismemberment of the Union, Illinois will cast her lot with the southern states… On the other hand, to fix the northern boundary of Illinois upon such a parallel of latitude… the adoption of such a line Illinois may become at some future time the keystone to the perpetuity of the Union.”
Nathaniel Pope, 1818
Episode #1 – Nathaniel Pope(1818)
On this edition of the Forgottonia Project, we begin a series exploring the history of downstate tension & secession movements that have occurred throughout IL history (see below for more information about this series). On our first episode, we’re diving headfirst into the early 19th century to explore a decision that’s hotter than a Chicago deep-dish pizza fresh out of the oven (insert laughter here)! We’re talking about none other than Nathaniel Pope and the wild choice to include the Windy City in the state of Illinois back in 1818–when Chicago was mostly backwaters with a population of just 300.
Our episode begins with a dramatic reenactment of Nathaniel Pope in 1818 performed by CHS drama club students Sam Thum (narrator) and Cooper Leonard (Pope). CHS History club student Amber Cannon serves as co-host with Mr. Brewer.
Part 1 – Nathaniel Pope, Chicago, & the Rise of Speculators
Part 2 – Western Illinois Land Grants Create Tension Between Early Settlers & Speculators
Discussion Questions
1) Why did Nathaniel Pope (from the southern part of the state) want to move the Illinois border to include 13 northern counties? Was he the only person who saw the potential benefits of this future global city?
2) Was tension brewing in those early days between northern and downstate Illinois?
3) What were speculators and how did they come into tension with early settlers in Illinois? How did both groups have different understandings of civic duties? Are wealthy & working class Americans still at odds with their approach to democracy?
4) Why is it important to remember that it was a delegation of downstate officials–led by Nathaniel Pope–who initiated efforts to include Chicago in Illinois?
5) How do you think our state’s history would be different if Chicago was never included?
This Series
This series of the Forgottonia Project explores the history of downstate tension & secession movements that have occurred throughout IL history. “Nowhere is intrastate conflict more evident than between metropolitan Chicago and rural downstate.”
This tension–fueled by economic, cultural, & political differences–has shaped the state’s history in significant ways. The name “Forgottonia” is a reference to one tongue-in-cheek secessionist movement from Illinois, but it was far from the only instance of conflict in our state’s history.
This series will examine the origins of this tension, the impact it has had on our state, and more importantly — we’ll explore efforts to help bridge our divides.”
Essential Questions
What are the origins of the tension between Chicago and downstate Illinois?
What can we do to bridge our rural-urban divide and find a common identity for the future of our state?
Special Thanks!
CHS History Club Member – Amber Cannon, co-host
CHS Drama Club Performers – Sam Thum (Narrator), Cooper Leonard (Nathaniel Pope)
CHS Art Club Sponsor Mrs. Jessica Brewer for designing our cover art & Forgottonia Project logo
The Forgottonia Project 