Illinois became the 21st state in 1818 and is the 6th largest state by population with almost 13 million residents. It is also the 24th largest state by land and water area with a total area of 57,914 square miles. Illinois is home to Chicago, which is the nation's third largest city with a population of approximately 2.8 million people.
The name Illinois came from the French word "Illiniwek," sometimes shortened to Illini, meaning "men" or "people."
Included below are more facts and symbols, a state map, the state song and views of the Illinois State Quarter.
Illinois State Capital - Springfield
State Nickname - The Prairie State
State Slogan - "Land of Lincoln"
State Motto - "State Sovereignty, National Union"
State Flower - Purple Violet
State Tree - White Oak
State Bird - Cardinal
State Fish - Bluegill
State Animal - White-tailed Deer
State Insect - Monarch Butterfly
State Reptile - Painted Turtle
State Amphibian - Eastern Tiger Salamander
State Dance - Square Dance
State Mineral - Fluorite
State Snack Food - Popcorn
Official State Web Site - www.illinois.gov
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Illinois
The words were written by C.H. Chamberlain.
The music was composed by Archibald Johnston.
By thy rivers gently flowing, Illinois, Illinois,
O'er thy prairies verdant growing, Illinois, Illinois,
Comes an echo on the breeze.
Rustling through the leafy trees, and its mellow tones are these, Illinois, Illinois,
And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.
From a wilderness of prairies, Illinois, Illinois,
Straight thy way and never varies, Illinois, Illinois,
Till upon the inland sea,
Stands thy great commercial tree, turning all the world to thee, Illinois, Illinois,
Turning all the world to thee, Illinois.
When you heard your country calling, Illinois, Illinois,
Where the shot and shell were falling, Illinois, Illinois,
When the Southern host withdrew,
Pitting Gray against the Blue, There were none more brave than you, Illinois, Illinois,
There were none more brave than you, Illinois.
Not without thy wondrous story, Illinois, Illinois,
Can be writ the nation's glory, Illinois, Illinois,
On the record of thy years,
Abraham Lincoln's name appears, Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois, Illinois,
Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois.
United States Mint 50 State Quarters© Program coin:
(United States Mint Images)
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