Located in the Midwestern region of the country, Illinois is the sixth most populous state in the United States. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the “Land of Lincoln” and share some interesting facts too.
Name
It takes its name from the Illinois Native Americans who originally inhabited the region. In their native Miami-Illinois language, the verb irenwe-wa means “he speaks the regular way.” The word was adopted by other tribes and slowly changed over time, especially after French colonists borrowed the word and made additional spelling changes according to their own language and alphabet. Over time, it transformed into the spelling we recognize today.
The “Prairie State”
It’s been well documented that Illinois has been known as the “Prairie State” since at least 1842. Back then, the northern portion of the state was covered with tall grasses as far as the eye can see. Though times have changed and the land no longer reflects those types of images, you can still find beautiful tall grasses in parks and along scenic trails.
If you’re looking to find some scenic places reminiscent of those simpler times, then check out Allerton Park and Retreat Center located in Monticello, The Lincoln Prairie Trail that connects the towns of Pana and Taylorville, or Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie located in Wilmington.
Land of Lincoln
Illinois adopted the “Land of Lincoln” slogan in 1955 as a tribute to our nation’s 16th president. Though he wasn’t born in the state, he relocated to Macon County, Illinois in 1830 at the age of 21 and began his political ambitions. He served the Illinois State Legislature from 1834 to 1841 and later represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1847 to 1849. In 1861, Lincoln was elected President of the United States of America. The National Park Service has made Lincoln’s home in Springfield a National Historic Site. Springfield is also home to the Lincoln Tomb, which is a state historic site.
Home of Other Presidents
Aside from Abraham Lincoln, there are three other presidents with ties to the state of Illinois. Ronald Reagan was born in the small village of Tampico in 1911 and remained a resident of Illinois for much of his earlier life. Also, Ulysses S. Grant and Barack Obama have also called Illinois home at one time or another during their adult lives.
Dreaming of Deep-Dish
If you’re a foodie, then you’ve probably heard of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza. It’s the sort of meal that dreams are made of, especially if you love cheese. However, did you know that some Chicago residents actually consider deep-dish to be more of a tourist attraction? Some actually prefer styles including thin-crust and tavern-style pizza, which are just as popular and can be found throughout the city. Whichever you choose, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face and fill your belly.
In fact, if you tour enough of the city then you may find yourself looking for a new place to call home. You can search Chicago Apartments to find a place that fits your budget and style.
