The state of Illinois is located in the United States’ Midwestern region. It is bordered by Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Indiana. With 57,914 square miles, Illinois is the 25th largest state. It is the fifth most populous state, with approximately 12,882,135 residents, and the 12th most densely populated state. Illinois was inhabited by various American Indian cultures for thousands of years before European settlement. In 1673, French explorers navigated the Illinois River, and in 1680, a fort was built on the site of what is now Peoria. Despite the fact that French, British, and American settlers were aware of the region of Illinois, a portion of the territory was reserved for Indians and was left alone. It wasn’t until 1783, five years after Virginia had claimed the land, that it was transferred and became part of the Northwest Territory. Later, the area was divided into states, and Illinois became the 21st state after being admitted to the Union in 1818.
Springfield is the state capital of Illinois. Chicago is its largest city.
The first aquarium, which opened in Chicago in 1893, is located there.
Illinois residents are referred to as Illinoisans.
The Prairie State is the nickname given to the state of Illinois.
The violet is the state flower of Illinois.
The eastern tiger salamander is the state amphibian.
The square dance is the state dance of Illinois.
The cardinal is the state bird.
The bluegill is the state fish.
Illinois’ state motto is State Sovereignty, National Union.
Land of Lincoln is the state slogan. This slogan is owned by the state of Illinois.
‘Illinois’ is the state song of Illinois.
One theory holds that the word Illinois is derived from the word Illini. This word represented the union of several Indian tribes, including the Tamoroa, Peoria, Moingwena, Michigamea, Kaskaskia, and Cahokia.
According to one theory, the name Illinois was derived from a Native American word that means “tribe of superior men.”
Lake Michigan (which Illinois shares) and Rend Lake are two of the state’s major lakes.
The Wabash River, Ohio River, Illinois River, and Mississippi River are among Illinois’ major rivers.
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and cattle are the state’s major industries.
Sorghum, rye, barley, oats, wheat, corn, and soybeans are among the crops grown in Illinois.
In 1913, Lucy Derwent won a design contest for the Illinois state flag. It was redesigned again in 1970, this time by Mrs. Sanford Hutchinson.
In 1885, the world’s first skyscraper was built in Chicago, Illinois.
The painted turtle is the state reptile of Illinois.
The Goldrush apple is the state fruit of Illinois.
President Ulysses S. Grant had a home in Illinois, which is still standing in Galena.
The football team known as the ‘Chicago Bears’ was originally known as the Staley Bears.
In 1865, Illinois became the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery.
Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois, and became the 40th President of the United States. He grew up in Dixon, Illinois.
The weather in Illinois is among the most diverse in the country. They are subjected to extreme heat and cold, as well as catastrophic and deadly tornadoes and major winter storms and blizzards.
