Happy Illinois Day!

Today is National Illinois Day for 2024. . .

Happy National Illinois Day ! ! ! 

Which State is IL:
The Beginning Years: Native American Communities have inhabited Illinois to dates over 5,000 years. By the year 700 AD, indigenous groups had formed permanent communities, which included substantial earthen mounds used for burial practices and ceremonial purposes. Many of these mounds are still present today. Cahokia Mounds Recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a State Historic Site, Cahokia Mounds represents the remnants of a prehistoric urban center that thrived between 800 and 1400 AD. This site provides valuable insights into the ancient Mississippian civilization.

illinois map jpeg courtesy of Openverse

More History: The state derives its name from the Illiniwek, a confederation of twelve smaller tribes. This preserved region in Springfield encompasses the residence and historic district where Abraham Lincoln resided from 1844 to 1861. Illinois is often referred to as the “Land of Lincoln” due to Lincoln’s significant presence in the state. The Apple River Fort State Historic Site serves as a memorial to a battle that occurred during the Black Hawk War. Illinois was admitted as the 21st state to the Union on December 3, 1818. Following 1848, Chicago emerged as a key port for both lake and canal transportation, and soon after became a major rail hub. By 1857, Chicago had established itself as the leading city in the state.

Video: Courtesy of @Soofjen on YouTube – Sufjan Stevens – Casimir Pulaski Day (Modern)

Climate of Illinois: Illinois has a climate is known for its continental climate that is characterized by four distinct seasons, and accompanied by a broad spectrum of temperatures and precipitation levels throughout the state. Illinois experiences winters characterized by cold temperatures, with average highs ranging from the 30’s to 40’s and lows between the teens and 20’s. The spring and fall seasons exhibit moderate conditions, with average highs between 57°F and 67°F and lows ranging from 36°F to 48°F. Summer features warm weather, with average highs in the 80’s and lows in the 60’s. Illinois has a precipitation amount that varies significantly, with amounts ranging from 35 inches in the northern regions to 48 inches in the southern areas, and snowfall in the north and by he city of Chicago receiving over 38 inches of snow, whereas the southern parts of the state experience less than 14 inches. Illinois has an average of 198 sunny days, with approximately 54% of days being sunny.

More About Illinois: Throughout the years, Illinois has earned the titles of being renowned for its deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and the iconic Willis (formerly Sears) Tower. The state is also notable for being the home of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, who spent a significant portion of his life in Illinois, particularly in cities such as Springfield, Lincoln, Bloomington, and Pontiac. As a vital economic center in the Midwest and across the nation, Illinois boasts robust industries in finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. Additionally, it is the birthplace of Ronald Reagan, the 40^th President, who was born in Tampico. Notable individuals hailing from Illinois include Harrison Ford, Hillary Clinton, Robin Williams, Mr. T, Mandy Patinkin, Jim Belushi, Cindy Crawford, Gary Coleman, Jane Lynch, Sean Hayes, and Walt Disney. Illinois has the third largest city it the United States: Chicago, or the Windy City, having a population of 2,664,000 in 2023.

The Great Location of Illinois: The state of Illinois spans 390 miles long north to south, 210 miles wide and an average elevation of 600 feet. It is bordered by Wisconsin to the north, Lake Michigan and Indiana to the east, Kentucky to the south, and Missouri and Iowa to the west.

Greetings from Illinois – Large Letter Postcard courtesy of Openverse

Illinois’s Statehood Facts:

The History:

Illinois Officially Adopted as a U.S. State, State Song, Admission Date & Illinois Flag
State Name Info ♪ State Song ♫	Admission	Capital	Flag Image
21st State. Illinois Territory (partial) “Casimir Pulaski Day” by Sufjan Stevens (Modern), “Illinois” Archibald Johnston (Original)	12/3/1818	Springfield

See: Officially Adopted as a U.S. States, State Songs, Admission Dates & Flags at:

National States & Capitals Day – 2024

Some Great Illinois Sites:  Here is a list of some some great places to visit while in Illinois:

• The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
• Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601
• The Magnificent Mile, North Michigan Avenue starting at E. Chicago Avenue on the north to E. Randolph Street on the south, Chicago, IL 60611 and parts of 60610/60654
• (Griffin) Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Dusable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
• Skydeck Chicago – Willis (Sears) Tower, 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
• Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
• Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
• 360 Chicago Observation Deck, 875 N Michigan Ave 94th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
• Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
• Cloud Gate (The Bean) & Augmented Chicago, Millenium Park, 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
• Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., parking at: Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive (2400 N. Cannon Drive), Chicago, IL 60614
• Chicago Riverwalk, Walkway mostly south of the Chicago River, starting at the Lakefront Trail to the south and east, running all the way to W. Lake Street on the west, Chicago, IL 60601

Memorable Illinois Events:  Here is a list of some events that happened in Illinois:

• 1673: French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet arrive in Illinois and claim the land for France.
  
• 1763: The British take over the land after winning the French and Indian War.
  
• 1783: Illinois becomes part of the United States after the Revolutionary War.
  
• 1787: The Northwest Territory is established. It includes many states along with Illinois.
  
• 1809: The Illinois Territory is separated from the Northwest Territory.
  
• 1818: Illinois becomes the 21^st state.
  
• 1832: The Black Hawk War occurs and the Native Americans are forced to return to Iowa.
  
• 1839: The capital city is moved to from Vandalia to Springfield.
  
• 1844: Mormon leader Joseph Smith is killed. The Mormons leave Illinois for Utah.
  
• 1861: Illinois congressman Abraham Lincoln becomes president of the United States. The Civil War begins.
  
• 1871: A large portion of Chicago is destroyed by fire.
  
• 1889: Hull House is opened by Jane Addams to help recently arrived immigrants.
• 1943: Deep dish pizza invented by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo
  
• 1955: McDonald’s Corporation is founded in Des Plaines, Illinois.
  
• 1973: The Sears Tower (Willis Tower today) is completed. It was designed by Bruce Graham and Fazlur Rahman Khan, and was the world’s tallest building for almost 25 years until 1998.

Photo by Antonio Gabola on Unsplash

Illinois Photo Ensemble:

Happy National Illinois Day! – 2022

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National Illinois Day