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Illinois
More About Illinois State
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of the Iliniwek. Pére Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet paddled down the Mississippi, returned up the Illinois, and carried their canoes across the portage where Chicago now stands. Five years later, Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle established Fort Crévecoeur, near Peoria Lake. French interest then shifted to the area around Cahokia and Kaskaskia. Fort de Chartres was built in 1720, and trappers and traders soon followed. The district was designated Illinois, the first official use of the name.
French rule ended when the British seized Fort de Chartres in 1765, but the British stayed in Illinois only briefly. The region was important to the American cause and was won by George Rogers Clark in 1778-1779. For a while, Illinois was claimed as a county by Virginia, but it was ceded to the federal government; in 1787, it became part of the Northwest Territory. This territory was variously subdivided; Illinois, first part of Indiana Territory, became Illinois Territory in 1809, with Ninian Edwards as its first governor. Nine years later, it was admitted into the Union as the 21st state.
Through the early years of the 19th century, the Sauk (or Sac) and Fox tribes struggled to retain their lands. They were moved across the Mississippi by a treaty that touched off the Black Hawk War of 1832. The defeat of the Sauk and Fox, and a later treaty forcing the Potawatomie to cede their lands, virtually removed Native Americans from the state. Settlers then surged into the fertile country.
A young backwoods lawyer named Abraham Lincoln returned from the Black Hawk War and entered politics. As leader of the Sangamon County delegation in the state legislature, he successfully moved the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. Lincoln supported projects for waterway improvements, which resulted in canals and interstate railroads. The new transportation system helped build commercial centers and contributed to the state's eventual industrialization. The Civil War sparked broad industrialization and rapid growth that, together with vast agricultural riches, have carried the state through many economic crises.
Illinois stretches 385 miles from north to south. As a vacation area, it offers lakes and rivers with excellent fishing, beautiful parks and recreation areas, historical and archeological sites, landmark buildings, prairie lands, and canyons. The attractions in Chicago and the surrounding area are endless, as are the hundreds of festivals and events sponsored by cities and towns year-round throughout the state.
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Illinois
Statistics & Vital Data |  |
| Population: | 12419293 |
| Area: | 57,918 square miles |
| Timezone: | Central |
| Elevation: | 279-1,235 feet |
| High
point: | Charles Mound (Jo Daviess County) |
| Joined
Union: | December 3, 1818 (21st state) |
| State
Capital: | Springfield |
| State
Motto: | "State Sovereignty-National Union" |
| State
Flower: | Violet |
| State
Bird: | Cardinal |
| State
Tree: | White Oak |
| State
Fair: | Mid-August in Springfield |
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Illinois Events >> | | View
Illinois Attractions >> |
Illinois Parks, Recreation Areas, & Historical Landmarks:
State Parks - Water-related activities, hiking, riding, various other sports, picnicking, and visitor centers are available in many of Illinois' parks and recreational areas. Camping is permitted in more than 60 areas ($8-$15 per site per night) only by permit from the park ranger, obtainable for overnight or a maximum of 14 nights. Pets on leash only. State parks are open daily, weather permitting, except Jan 1 and Dec 25. For full information about state parks, tent camping, and other facilities, contact the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Land Management & Education, 600 N Grand Ave W, Springfield 62706; phone 217/782-6752.
View
list of all parks in Illinois >> | |
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Illinois
Weather and Climate:
Illinois weather can be extreme and unpredictable. Winters can bring heavy snows; summers are often hot, hazy, and humid. Summer thunderstorms are frequent and magnificent. Tornadoes have been recorded from spring through fall. | |
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Fishing/Hunting
Opportunities in Illinois:
Lakes, streams, and rivers provide fishing to suit every freshwater angler. The Illinois shoreline of Lake Michigan is 63 miles long. A nonresident season fishing license costs $26.50; a ten-day license costs $15; a 24-hour fishing license costs $7.50; and a resident season license costs $15. Licenses and further information may be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources, License Section, 524 S 2nd St, Springfield 62701-1787, phone 217/782-7305, or from department vendors throughout the state. Many areas of the state provide good hunting, with Canadian geese, ducks, quail, rabbits, and squirrels plentiful. Deer and turkey hunting is by permit only. A nonresident season hunting license costs $55.75, and a five-day license costs $32.75. Additional stamps are required for waterfowl ($12.50) and habitat game ($7.50). The Department of Natural Resources maintains shooting areas at numerous places throughout the state. For more information concerning fishing and hunting in Illinois, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 524 S 2nd St, Springfield 62701, phone 217/782-6302. Licenses may be obtained from department vendors throughout the state. | |
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| | Additional Illinois Visitor Information:
For specific information about Illinois attractions, activities, and travel counseling, contact the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, phone 800/2-CONNECT or 800/406-6418 (TTY).
Illinois tourist information centers (April-October) can be found in the following locations: off I-80 (eastbound) near Rapid City; off I-57 near Monee; off I-24 (westbound) near Metropolis; off I-57 near Whittington; off I-57 (northbound) near Anna; off I-64 (eastbound) near New Baden; off I-70 (eastbound) near Highland; off I-70 (westbound) near Marshall; off I-74 (westbound) near Oakwood; off I-80 (eastbound) near South Holland; and off I-90 (southbound) near South Beloit. |
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