Illinois combines prairie, river country, farms, and the global city of Chicago in one nationally influential state.
15 Essential Facts About Illinois
1. Illinois became the 21st state on December 3, 1818.
Illinois became the 21st state on December 3, 1818.
2. Springfield is the capital and Chicago is the largest city.
Springfield is the capital and Chicago is the largest city.
3. Chicago sits on Lake Michigan.
Chicago sits on Lake Michigan.
4. The Prairie State nickname reflects its grassland roots.
The Prairie State nickname reflects its grassland roots.
5. Abraham Lincoln built his political career in Illinois.
Abraham Lincoln built his political career in Illinois.
6. The Illinois River connects the Great Lakes region to the Mississippi system.
The Illinois River connects the Great Lakes region to the Mississippi system.
7. Cahokia Mounds preserves a major pre-Columbian city site.
Cahokia Mounds preserves a major pre-Columbian city site.
8. Route 66 begins in Chicago.
Route 66 begins in Chicago.
9. The state has a large agricultural economy, especially corn and soybeans.
The state has a large agricultural economy, especially corn and soybeans.
10. The Chicago River was famously reversed by engineering.
The Chicago River was famously reversed by engineering.
11. The state motto is State Sovereignty, National Union.
The state motto is State Sovereignty, National Union.
12. The Great Chicago Fire reshaped the city in 1871.
The Great Chicago Fire reshaped the city in 1871.
13. Illinois is a major rail, road, and aviation hub.
Illinois is a major rail, road, and aviation hub.
14. Starved Rock preserves sandstone canyons along the Illinois River.
Starved Rock preserves sandstone canyons along the Illinois River.
15. Illinois connects Midwestern farmland with one of the world’s great cities.
Illinois connects Midwestern farmland with one of the world’s great cities.