Illinois - Land of Lincoln

Chicago Skyline

Illinois

Illinois, located in the heart of the Midwest, is a state rich in history, culture, and economic importance. Known as the “Land of Lincoln,” it was home to Abraham Lincoln before he became the 16th President of the United States. Illinois became the 21st state in 1818 and has played a central role in shaping the nation's politics, industry, and transportation networks ever since.

The state stretches from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, offering a diverse landscape that includes fertile prairies, bustling urban centers, and scenic forests. Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city, is a major hub for finance, art, and architecture, known for its iconic skyline, deep-dish pizza, and blues music legacy.

Beyond its urban influence, Illinois is a major agricultural producer, particularly in corn and soybeans, thanks to its rich Midwestern soil. The state also has deep cultural roots tied to Native American heritage, early French explorers, and a wave of 19th- and 20th-century immigrants who shaped its communities.

Illinois Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Midwest
  1. Chicago, Illinois is the third-largest city in the U.S. and home to one of the world's busiest airports—O'Hare International.
  2. Illinois is considered the birthplace of the modern skyscraper, with the Home Insurance Building completed in Chicago in 1885.
  3. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President, spent most of his political career in Illinois, earning it the nickname "Land of Lincoln."
  4. The first McDonald's restaurant was opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955 as a franchise by Ray Kroc.
  5. The Chicago River is one of the only rivers in the world that flows backward, thanks to a civil engineering project completed in 1900.
  6. The world’s first nuclear chain reaction occurred at the University of Chicago in 1942 under the leadership of physicist Enrico Fermi.
  7. Route 66, one of America's most famous highways, begins in Chicago.
  8. The Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1973.
  9. Illinois has more units of government (nearly 7,000) than any other state in the U.S.
  10. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed much of the city, but its rebuilding sparked an architectural renaissance.
Population 12,582,032 (2020 Census)
Area 57,914 sq mi
Statehood Date December 3, 1818
Capital City Springfield
Largest City Chicago
Abbreviation IL
Nickname The Prairie State; Land of Lincoln
Geography Plains, prairies, rivers, and Lake Michigan shoreline
Bordering States Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana
Economy Manufacturing, agriculture (corn, soybeans), finance, and transportation
State Tree White Oak
State Bird Cardinal

Our Content
Illinois Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Illinois Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Illinois maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Illinois map.

Illinois History

History of Illinois

Illinois became a U.S. state in 1818, growing rapidly due to its central location and transportation networks like the Illinois and Michigan Canal. It played a key role in westward expansion and was home to Abraham Lincoln before he became president.
Abraham Lincoln

Famous People from Illinois

Illinois is known for Abraham Lincoln, who began his political career there and led the nation through the Civil War as the 16th U.S. president. Another notable figure is Ulysses S. Grant, a Civil War general and the 18th president, who spent part of his early career in Illinois.

 
Comprehension

Illinois Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Illinois Symbols

Fun Illinois Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Illinois-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Illinois' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Illinois and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Illinois or Not Illinois, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.