Largest Nuclear Targets In Illinois Over The Years

Back in the 1990s a map of every state and possible targets for attacks were made public. Today you can see everyone of these maps online. This is what we see for Illinois. The site goes on to state,

At the bottom of this page is the 1990 FEMA nuclear target map for Illinois. It was just a conceptual map about the nuclear threat. Even an all-out nuclear war - did not by any means mean that every site would be hit. For some states VERY FEW and POSSIBLY / PROBABLY NONE of the sites will be hit but others may have some very significant targets. Because circumstances have changed since 1990 some of the targets in many of the maps should be removed and possibly there are others that should be added.

You can see that map here.

The Changes Through The Years

Obviously throughout the years things change. While some things have stayed the same since 1990, 2024 will see some changes. At the time of writing this the Census reports that Illinois has a population of 12,859,995. In 1990 that number was 11,430,602.

This list also has The Zion Nuclear Generating Station as a target, this location was closed in 1998.

 Zion Nuclear Power Station was the third dual-reactor nuclear power plant in the Commonwealth Edison network and served Chicago and the northern quarter of Illinois. The plant was built in 1973, and the first unit started producing power in December 1973. The second unit came online in September 1974

You can learn more here.

Other Likely Illinois Targets

Again this is an extreme situation and should not be something we stress over our entire life. This is for informational purposes only.

Alton, Illinois

This city is on the Mississippi River in Madison County, Illinois, United States. It is also only 18 miles north of St. Louis, Missouri. Being this close to a major city, and being large itself gets it put onto this list.

Peoria, Illinois

Sitting just over an hour away from Lasalle nuclear power plant, this large city sitting on the Illinois River is seen as a target in the state of Illinois. If not Peoria the surrounding area is a target. (closer to Lasalle)

Springfield, Illinois

The state capital of Illinois and the land of lincoln would make for a large target for enemies of the USA. Even in the 90's, this spot was seen as a "high target value."

Chicago, Illinois

This spot is ranked number 4 out of the most likely areas to be attacked in America as a whole. With a ranking that high it's safe to say this is most likely the highest target in Illinois. 24/7Wallst reports,

With four nuclear power plants within 50 miles of the city – the nearest not 20 miles away – Chicago is another possible civilian target. If these power plants are hit in addition to the city in a nuclear attack, it could exacerbate conditions in Chicago. Any attack on O’Hare International Airport, the world’s fourth largest, would severely cripple travel in North America.

It is reported that Illinois is prepared for a threat at this level. Newswttw reports,

In Illinois, officials are bolstering resources dedicated to nuclear threats, including adding more content on the topic on the website of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. In July, the agency plans to address the topic of radiation safety and preparedness during a monthlong campaign.

Again this is an extreme example, and we should not live in fear 24/7. Stay safe, but live your life!