Tampico in Whiteside County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Tampico – Birthplace of President Reagan
His father, John “Jack” Reagan, of Irish-Catholic ancestry, was a clerk in the H. C. Pitney Store at 122/124 South Main Street and gave Ronald the nickname “Dutch.” His mother, Nelle Wilson Reagan, was of Scots-English background. Ronald had one brother, Neil “Moon” Reagan.
The small town atmosphere of Tampico played an important role in Reagan's formative years. As a child he played on a cannon in this park. The grandchildren of Tampico’s founder, J. W. Glassburn, were his friends and introduced him to horseback riding. In the nearby Hennepin feeder canal, he became an excellent swimmer, a skill he would later use as a lifeguard on the Rock River.
Both of Reagan’s parents were known for their acting ability in productions at Burden’s Opera House, 102 Main Street. His mother’s Christian influence and local churches had a large bearing on his life and values.
Ronald Reagan became a sports announcer, a well-known movie star, served as governor of California from 1967–1975, and then as president of the United States from 1981–1989. He died in 2004 and is buried at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.
Tampico is also the birthplace of Admiral Joseph M. “Bull” Reeves, knows as the “Father of Carrier Aviation.” The town’s Shaheen family became noted for government and legal services.
Erected 2010 by Tampico Historical Society • Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Military. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #40 Ronald Reagan, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 6, 1911.
Location. 41° 37.783′ N, 89° 47.172′ W. Marker is in Tampico, Illinois, in Whiteside County. Marker is on South Main Street (Illinois Route 172) north of Glassburn Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Ronald Reagan Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 128 S Main St, Tampico IL 61283, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 126 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Tampico Soldiers Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); 124 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 122 Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 119 Main Street (about 300 feet away); 117 Main Street (about 400 feet away); 115 Main Street (about 400 feet away); 113 Main Street (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampico.
Katrina Cravy via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0), 1991
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on August 11, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4. submitted on August 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 5, 6. submitted on August 12, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.