List of Counties

List of Towns

Points of Interest

Capital: Springfield

Largest city: Chicago

Largest metro area: Chicagoland

Highest point: Charles Mound, 1,235 ft

Lowest point: Mississippi River, 279 ft

Admission to Union: December 3, 1818 (21st)

Illinois takes its name from the Illinois Confederation, a group of Algonquian speaking tribes native to the area. An Algonquin word, "Illinois" means "tribe of superior men."

In 2005, 48% of Illinois' electricity was generated using nuclear power

Sears' naming rights to the tower expired in 2003. and, effective June 2009, the building will be renamed "Willis Tower" for London insurer Willis Group, a move many Chicagoans are not very pleased about.

The Chicago River is a river that runs 156 miles and flows through Chicago. The river is notable for the 19th century civil engineering feats that directed its flow south, away from Lake Michigan, and towards the and into the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Mississippi River. This was done for reasons of sanitation.

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. This impressive museum features more than 800 fascinating exhibits,
ranging from the U-505 submarine to the ever-popular coal mine.

Confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Cairo. The meeting of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers is best viewed from historic Fort Defiance, a one-time Civil War post commanded byGeneral Ulysses S. Grant.

Cozy Dog Drive-In, Springfield. This Route 66 landmark is home of the one and only Cozy Dog, a tasty battered
and fried hot dog on a stick made from an original family recipe.

State of Illinois

Illinois state seal

About Illinois

Land of Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and ...

“Wild Bill” Hickok Memorial, Mechanic and Ottawa Sts, Troy Grove. The Memorial, located in a small park, marks the site of the birthplace of James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok. A plaque on the granite monument honors Hickok as “a scout and spy in the western states to preserve the Union in the Civil War,” praising “his services on the frontier as express messenger and upholder of law and order.” The monument was dedicated on August 29, 1930, and in 1999 a large carved-log bust of Hickok was added to the park.

US Route 66