The state of Illinois is a special place and I am proud to represent such a fine state in the United States Senate.  From the urban expanse of the city of Chicago, to the farms and fields of central and southern Illinois, our state is as diverse as the nearly 13 million residents who call it home.  On this page you can find information about what makes Illinois such a unique state.   

Illinois History - Important Dates

1673 - Louis Jolliet and Father Marquette arrive in Illinois

1763 - England receives Illinois at the end of the French and Indian War

1818 - Illinois becomes the 21st state

1853 - First Illinois State Fair is held

1893 - Chicago World's Fair

1958 - Illinois tollway opens

1986 - Chicago Bears win Super Bowl XX

2005 - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum opens

Unique to Illinois

• Illinois and Michigan Canal National Park
• Shawnee National Forest
• Midwine National Tallgrass Praire
• Abraham Lincoln Home
• Brookfield Zoo
• Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Shedd Aquarium

For additional information on things to do in Illinois, please visit The State of Illinois Travel & Recreation Page.

 Illinois Facts and Figures

• Slogan - "Land of Lincoln"
• Motto - “State Sovereignty, National Union”
• Insect - Monarch Butterfly
• Bird - Cardinal
• Tree - White Oak
• Flower - Violet and Native Oak
• Fish - Bluegill
• Capital - Springfield
• Population - 12,830,632 (5th largest in US)
• Largest City - Chicago 2,695,598 (3rd largest in US)
• Highest Point - Charles Mound (1,235 ft)
• Lowest point - Mississippi River (279 ft)