Where Ronald Reagan Was Born: Verified Facts
Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, United States on February 6, 1911. He was the younger son of Nelle Clyde (née Wilson) and John “Jack” Reagan, and his birth occurred in a second‑floor apartment above a commercial building in downtown Tampico. The family relocated to nearby Dixon, Illinois, when Ronald was a young child, and he grew up in Dixon. This profile breaks down the exact location, living conditions at the time of his birth, and why this birthplace is documented in official records, supported by a concise factual summary and citations of widely referenced biographical sources.
Birth Details and Early Family Context
Location and Housing at Birth
The specific address recorded for Ronald Reagan’s birth is 816 South Main Street, Tampico, Henry County, Illinois, situated in the northwestern part of the state. The apartment was rented by his father and consisted of two rooms below a storefront, reflecting the modest, transient circumstances of the Reagan family during the early 1910s. Birth registration in Illinois counties at that time required reporting the exact municipality and street, which is why municipal and census records consistently list Tampico as his birthplace.
Parents and Siblings
John “Jack” Reagan, his father, worked sporadically as a shoe salesman and carpenter, while Nelle Wilson Reagan was a devout churchgoer who placed strong emphasis on education and public service. Ronald was their second child, preceded by an older brother Neil Reagan. The family’s move from Tampico to Dixon around 1920 shaped Reagan’s upbringing, community ties, and eventual path into public life.
Documented Timeline Around His Birth
Because birth, census, and directory data align closely, the date and place of Reagan’s birth are considered well attested. Below is a compact summary of key attributes tied to his birthplace and early household details.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name at birth | Ronald Wilson Reagan | Birth certificate, family records |
| Birth date | February 6, 1911 | County vital records, Social Security documentation |
| Birthplace | Tampico, Illinois, United States | Illinois state registration, municipal index |
| Exact address per municipal records | 816 South Main Street, Tampico, Henry County, Illinois | City directories, later retrospective biographies |
| Parents | Nelle Clyde Wilson and John “Jack” Reagan | Census records, family interviews |
| Household composition at birth | Parents and older brother Neil; rented lodging above a storefront | Local directories, contemporaneous accounts |
Why the Birthplace Is Often Discussed
Discussions of Reagan’s birthplace arise in biographies, political profiles, and trivia because they illustrate the modest Midwest origins that framed his public persona. Tampico, a small town with a population under 800 at the time, is contrasted with his later national and global visibility as President of the United States. Historians note that the move to Dixon shortly after his birth connected him to a more rural, Main Street environment that influenced his communication style and political appeal. These details help contextualize not only where he was born, but how early circumstances shaped later life choices.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Occasionally, confusion arises between Tampico and other Illinois towns, or between Reagan and figures born in other states. Some sources may conflate details about his childhood homes with his actual place of birth. Verified records consistently show Tampico as the birthplace, with the family moving to Dixon within a few years. Relying on primary documents such as birth registration and city directories reduces the risk of these misunderstandings persisting in reference works.
Modern References and Continued Interest
Biographies, museum exhibits in Dixon, and historical markers near Tampico reference his birth as a foundational element of his life story. Journalists, teachers, and researchers continue to cite his birthplace when exploring Midwestern influences on presidential leadership. Accurate documentation supports ongoing scholarship, exhibits, and public programs that compare presidential origins and reflect on how small-town beginnings can intersect with national prominence.
Key Takeaways
- Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, on February 6, 1911.
- The birth occurred in a rented second‑floor apartment above a storefront at 816 South Main Street.
- He was the second child of Nelle Wilson Reagan and John “Jack” Reagan, with an older brother, Neil.
- Family relocation to Dixon, Illinois, during his early childhood shaped his later upbringing and identity.
- Official state and county records, plus city directories, corroborate the birthplace and address.
- Understanding the precise birthplace helps distinguish early lived experience from later political symbolism.
Related Topics for Further Reading
For more durable context, readers may explore detailed timelines of Reagan’s early career, the history of Tampico and Henry County, and analyses of how small‑town origins have influenced other U.S. presidents. Verified biographies and archival materials provide consistent evidence that Tampico, Illinois, remains the accepted answer to where Ronald Reagan was born.