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Ronald Reagan's Illinois Roots
 As the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan worked to restore the nation's prosperity throughout his eight-year term. But the heart of this former small-town boy still remains in Illinois, his home state..
Click to continue Reagan biography
 Reagan Birthplace
111 S Main St, Tampico, Illinois
Hours:
December-January, open by appointment only
February-March, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4
April-November, Mon.-Fri. 9-4, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4
December-January, open by appointment only
Contact:
Lloyd and Amy McElhiney, 815-438-2130
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com
 Reagan Boyhood Home
816 S Hennepin Ave, Dixon, Illinois
Hours:
February-March, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4
April-November, Mon.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4
December-January, open by appointment only
Contact:
815-288-5176
 Ronald Reagan Exhibit
Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois
Eureka College Campus, Donald B. Cerf Center
Hours:
Mon.- Fri. 8-10, Sat. 10-6, Sun. noon-10
Contact:
Brian Sajko, Exhibit Curator, 309-467-6345
www.eureka.edu
 Ronald Reagan Trail
This trail connects eleven Illinois communities from Dixon to Eureka linking the historical landmarks that played a vital role in Reagan’s life. The Illinois General Assembly designated the route on May 21, 1999.
Visit The Ronald Reagan Trail
For more tourism information on these Reagan sites, call 800-2CONNECT to speak with an Illinois travel counselor.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.
Biography of Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan
February 6, 1911 - June 5, 2004
As the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan worked to restore the nation's prosperity throughout his eight-year term. But the heart of this former small-town boy still remains in Illinois, his home state.
Born in a small apartment above a bakery in Tampico, Ill. on February 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan spent his formative years in Illinois. In Tampico, he entered school and was often spotted splashing in the Hennepin Canal before moving to nearby Dixon, Ill.
It was here that young "Dutch" learned to love football and is credited with saving 77 lives while working as a lifeguard at Lowell Park on the Rock River. Reagan attended Dixon High School where he played varsity football and served as student body president, officer of the Dramatics Society and art director of the "Dixonian."
In 1928, Reagan began classes at Eureka College, a small liberal arts institution just south of Dixon. Athletic and driven to succeed, Reagan lettered in football, track and swimming, served as student body president and was extremely active in theatre. Today, Eureka College houses a Ronald Reagan Exhibit containing more than 2,000 items from his days in college, his movies and political career.
After graduating in 1932, Reagan spent several years in radio broadcasting before moving to California to embark on a 30-year acting career that eventually led him to politics. In 1966, Reagan was elected Governor of California and served two terms. On January 20, 1981, Ronald Reagan became the 40th President of the United States and remained in office until 1989.
As one of Illinois' most prominent sons, Ronald Reagan has left his mark on the state. On May 21, 1999, the Illinois General Assembly officially designated a historical trail in his honor. Celebrating his legacy, the Ronald Reagan Trail includes such historic landmarks as his birthplace and his boyhood home. The trail connects 11 Illinois communities that played a role in Ronald Reagan's life.
Born:
February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois
Parents:
John Edward Reagan, Nelle Wilson Reagan
Married
Jane Wyman - June 25, 1940 divorced in 1948
Nancy Davis - March 1, 1952 to June 5, 2004
Children
Maureen Elizabeth Reagan, 1941 – 2001
Michael Edward Reagan (adopted), born in 1945
Patricia Ann Reagan, born in 1952
Ronald Prescott Reagan, born in 1958
University
Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois
Occupations
Chicago Cubs Radio Announcer, Actor and Public Official
Political Party
Republican
Government Positions
Governor of California, 1966-1974
President of the United States of America, 1981-1989
Nicknames
“Dutch” and “The Great Communicator”
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