IHLC Illinois and U.S. History Graphics Collection, circa 1892-1990 | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

This collection contains photographs, prints, postcards, portraits, sketches, and negatives that depict significant individuals, locations, and events in the history of Illinois and the United States.

This collection primarily contains copies of photographs and portraits of prominent historical figures, photographs of important buildings and institutions in towns across Illinois and other states, and other images found in publications or on postcards. It is organized into two series: Illinois History and United States History. Of particular note are graphics depicting the Chicago Century of Progress World’s Fair, presidential portraits, American Indians of the Midwest, and a series of paintings depicting historical scenes like the building of the Illinois Central Railroad and America’s first steel skeleton skyscraper in Chicago. The collection also contains some material relating to the broader North American continent.

These items were collected by the Illinois History and Lincoln Collections and its predecessor, the Illinois Historical Survey.