Illinois ( The Land of Lincoln / The Prairie State ) Named for the Illinois Indians, this state is known as the "Land of Lincoln," because it's where the 16th president was raised. Illinois became the 21st state in 1818. Illinois is the most populous state in the Midwest. At the northern edge of the state on Lake Michigan lies Chicago, the nation's third largest city. More than half of the population lives in and around Chicago, the leading industrial and transportation center in the region. The rest of the population lives in the smaller cities and on the farms that dot the state's gently rolling plains. Chicago, with its central location and its many cultural attractions and sports events, is a major tourist attraction. Sandy beaches, wooded parks, and yacht harbors border most of Chicago's 50-kilometer shoreline along Lake Michigan. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Illinois include: Bill Murray, John Huston, Frances McDormand, Bob Fosse, The Flag of Illinois Entered the Union in 1818 as the 21st State; flag adopted in 1915, modified in 1970. The central design is from the State seal and shows national symbols plus dates of Statehood (1818) and the seal itself (1868).   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Chicago, 2,896,016; Rockford, 150,115; Aurora, 142,990; Naperville, 128,358; Peoria, 112,936; Springfield, 111,454; Joliet, 106,221; Elgin, 94,487; Waukegan, 87,901; Cicero town, 85,616   Business and Trade in Illinois Agriculture: Corn, soybeans, hogs, cattle, dairy products, wheat. Industries: Machinery, food processing, electric equipment, chemical products, printing and publishing, fabricated metal products, transportation equipment, petroleum, coal. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Cardinal Flower: Native Violet (viola) Tree: White Oak (quercus alba) Song(s): Illinois Motto: State Sovereignty, National Union Illinois Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Mark Twain NWR - Quincy • Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge - Meredosia • Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Ullin • Lincoln Home National Historic Site - Springfield • Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Marion

Capital: Springfield     Local Weather  Statehood: 1818-12-03  Population: 12,419,293 (223.4 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 57,914.38     Water 2,330.79     Land 55,583.58     Rank 24th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Illinois, there are 4,885,615 housing units, averaging to 87.9 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     Illinois Game & Fish   Posters and Artwork Chicago Illinois, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Underwood's Chicken House, Cocktail Lounge, Gilman, Illinois Art Print 17" x 11" • Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14" • Northwestern Depot, Chicago, Illinois Art Print 17" x 11" • Locomotives, Chicago, Illinois Art Print 17" x 11" • Skyline, Chicago, Illinois Pre-Matted Print 14" x 11"