Lake County Gazette

Illinois native Ronald Wilson Reagan, born in the small village of Tampico in 1911, is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in American history. Reagan, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 93, is best known for his two terms as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989.

Before entering politics, Reagan had a diverse career, starting as a professional actor and television host and later becoming a spokesman for General Electric. His early life was marked by poverty and constant moving, but he eventually settled in Dixon, Illinois, where he attended high school before graduating from Eureka College in 1932.

Reagan's journey into politics began after a successful screen test in Hollywood, where he appeared in 53 films over the next two decades. However, his true passion for public service led him to enlist in the United States Army Reserve in 1937. During World War II, Reagan served as an AAF public relations officer and produced over 400 training films.

In his personal life, Reagan was married twice. His first marriage to actress Jane Wyman ended in divorce in 1948, and he later married actress Nancy Davis in 1952. Together, they had two children, Ron and Patti, and their love and devotion to each other lasted over 52 years.

Reagan's political ideology evolved over time. While he initially held Democratic views and admired President Franklin D. Roosevelt, his experiences in the film industry and his wife's conservative beliefs influenced him to shift towards the right. He actively supported Republican candidates, such as Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, before embarking on his own political career.

Reagan's rise to prominence began with his nationally televised address supporting Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign in 1964. This speech catapulted him onto the national political stage, leading to his election as Governor of California in 1966. After serving two terms, Reagan set his sights on the White House and ran for president in 1976. Although he narrowly lost the Republican nomination to Gerald Ford, Reagan's popularity only grew.

In 1980, Reagan secured the Republican nomination and faced off against Democratic incumbent Jimmy Carter. With the country facing economic challenges and the Iranian hostage crisis, Reagan's message of hope and conservative values resonated with voters. He won the election in a landslide, receiving 489 electoral votes to Carter's 49.

Despite his early successes, Reagan's presidency was not without challenges. Two months after his inauguration, he survived an assassination attempt by John Hinckley, Jr. Reagan's resilience and determination to serve the American people prevailed, and he went on to serve two terms as president. His administration oversaw a resurgence in the U.S. economy, spearheaded by his economic policies known as "Reaganomics." He also appointed the first woman, Sandra Day O'Connor, to the Supreme Court and played a crucial role in ending the Cold War.

After leaving office, Reagan returned to his beloved California with Nancy by his side. In 1994, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a battle he fought until his passing in 2004. Nancy Reagan, an active First Lady, dedicated herself to combating drug and alcohol abuse among young people through her "Just Say No" campaign.

Today, Reagan's memory and legacy are honored in his home state of Illinois. The Ronald Reagan Trail winds through 13 towns that played a significant role in his life, including Tampico, Dixon, and Eureka. The Ronald Reagan Museum and Peace Garden at Eureka College houses a vast collection of memorabilia from Reagan's student days and his political career.

In Tampico and Dixon, visitors can explore Reagan's birthplace and boyhood home, which have been meticulously restored to their original condition. These sites, along with Reagan-themed festivals and attractions, allow visitors to immerse themselves in the life and legacy of this remarkable Illinois native.

Ronald Reagan's impact on American history is undeniable. From his humble beginnings in Illinois to his transformative presidency, he left an indelible mark on the nation and continues to inspire generations. As Illinois' native son, Reagan will always be remembered as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the American people.