While Ronald Reagan is the only U.S. president born in Illinois, three other presidents also had significant ties to the state, having lived in or served in a political capacity there. Therefore, depending on the interpretation of "from Illinois," a total of four presidents can be associated with the state.
Presidents Connected to Illinois
The connection to Illinois can be understood in different ways, ranging from birthright to significant periods of residency or political service within the state.
Presidents Born in Illinois
Only one U.S. president was born in the state of Illinois:
- Ronald Reagan
- Born in Tampico, Illinois, on February 6, 1911.
- Reagan spent his early childhood in several northern Illinois towns before his family settled in Dixon.
- He later pursued a career in entertainment before entering politics.
- Learn more about Ronald Reagan's life.
Presidents with Significant Illinois Ties
In addition to Ronald Reagan, three other presidents lived in Illinois or served in a political capacity representing the state before their presidencies:
| President | Connection to Illinois |
|---|---|
| Abraham Lincoln | Lincoln moved to Illinois as a young man and established his political career there. He lived in New Salem and later Springfield, where he practiced law and served as a state legislator and U.S. Representative before becoming president. |
| Ulysses S. Grant | Prior to the Civil War, Grant resided in Galena, Illinois, attempting various business ventures. He returned to Galena after the war to a hero's welcome before embarking on his political career. |
| Barack Obama | Obama began his political career in Illinois, serving as a community organizer in Chicago, a state senator representing the 13th district, and later as a U.S. Senator for Illinois from 2005 to 2008 before being elected president. |
These individuals, through their birth, residence, or political service, established strong ties to the state of Illinois before reaching the highest office in the nation.
