Let’s learn ten fun facts about Illinois!
Illinois is an interesting state filled with history. Named after the Native American tribe that inhabited the land when the area was being explored by Europeans, Illinois used to be covered in prairie grass. That’s where Illinois gets its nickname, “The Prairie State.”
Follow along for even more fun facts about Illinois…
1. Illinois was the First State to Ratify the 13th Amendment
On February 1, 1865, Illinois became the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Senator Lyman Trumbull of Illinois co-authored the amendment, which abolished slavery nationwide.
2. The State Slogan is “Land of Lincoln”
Though he was born in Kentucky, President Abraham Lincoln lived in Illinois for 31 years. In fact, he was elected President while residing in the state. This is why the official state slogan of Illinois is “Land of Lincoln.” Today, visitors can see Lincoln’s home and tomb, both of which are located in Illinois’ capital city, Springfield.
3. Morton, Illinois, is the Pumpkin Capital of the World
Would you be surprised to learn that Illinois is a leading worldwide pumpkin producer? Nearly 40% of all pumpkins grown in the United States come from Illinois. Eighty-five percent of canned/packaged pumpkins sold worldwide come from the small town of Morton. Every year, the town holds a pumpkin festival filled with pumpkin-centric activities that attracts an estimated 75,000 visitors.
4. The Great Chicago Fire is the Most Famous Fire in American History
The Great Chicago Fire began on October 8, 1871 and ended the morning of October 10. Around one third of the entire city was destroyed, including over 17,000 buildings. This left over 100,000 people without homes or shelter.
Before the fire, buildings were densely constructed and made mostly of wood. After the fire, the local government issued new fire standards, and new buildings were constructed to prevent another devasting fire.
5. The Chicago Public Library is the World’s Largest Public Library
On January 1, 1873, the Chicago Public Library (CPL) opened its doors. Founded in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, CPL now has 81 branches and a collection of over 2 million books.
6. The State’s Official Snack Food is Popcorn
Ever heard of Chicago-style popcorn? Mixing cheese-covered and caramel-covered popcorn together creates this delicious treat!
7. The World’s Tallest Man in Recorded History was from Illinois
Robert Pershing Wadlow, also known as the Alton Giant or Giant of Illinois, was born on February 22, 1918 in Alton, Illinois. Robert grew at an exceptional rate because of an enlarged pituitary gland. He was taller than his father by age eight and was 8 feet 4 inches by the time he graduated high school.
Wadlow had to have both his clothes and his size 37 shoes custom-made because of his large size. Prior to his death from an infection at the age of 22, Wadlow’s height reached 8 feet 11.1 inches, a record still held today. In 1986, a life-sized statue of Wadlow was constructed near the Alton Museum of History and Art.
8. Illinois is the Fifth Most Populous State in the Country
Even though Illinois is in the top-five state in the nation regarding population, it’s only the 25th largest in area. The state is roughly eighty-seven percent urban and thirteen percent rural, which explains a lot! Off all the cities in the state, Chicago has the highest population, with around 2.6 million people.
9. Four US Presidents Have Lived in Illinois
We have already mentioned that Abraham Lincoln called Illinois home, but would you be surprised to learn that other US Presidents have lived there as well? Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama also lived in this great state.
10. The Griffith Museum of Science and Industry is the Largest Science Center in the Western Hemisphere
There, you can find scientific marvels like the world’s largest pinball machine, and a miniature 9-square-foot castle. Built in the 1930s, the castle features about 1,500 miniatures, including a painting of Mickey and Minnie Mouse donated by Walt Disney, and three statues of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis that are over 4,000 years old!
More Illinois Fun Facts
Violet: State Flower
White Oak: State Tree
Northern Cardinal: State Bird
State Motto: “State Sovereignty, National Union.”
