The first skyscraper in history was constructed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1885.1)
Texas is the only other state with more railroad miles than Illinois (9,980).2)
Famous Illinoisans include Harrison Ford, Walt Disney, Robin Williams, Betty White, Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Betty.3)
On February 1, 1865, Illinois became the first state to approve the 13th Amendment.4)
In Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium is home to some 32,000 creatures.5)
The biggest bakery in the world is located in Illinois at the Nabisco Factory.6)
In the 1870s, Illinoisan Joseph Glidden of DeKalb created barbed wire.7)
The world's pumpkin capital is Morton, Illinois. The area claims to generate 82% of the canned pumpkin consumed worldwide.8)
More nuclear power facilities are located in Illinois than any other state in the union.9)
Popcorn is the official treat of Illinois. Popcorn topped in cheese and caramel is combined to create Chicago-style popcorn.10)
Zippers, red Solo cups, dishwashers and brownies are among the inventions made in Illinois.11)
South American wild parakeets have settled in Chicago, Illinois.12)
One of the rare rivers in the world that flows the other direction is the Chicago River. The river used to flow northward into Lake Michigan, but engineers changed its course such that it now flows southward into the Mississippi River basin. The reversal significantly reduced cholera and typhoid epidemics since Chicago relied on Lake Michigan for its drinking water.13)
The “s” is silent since “Illinois” is a French word.14)
Although there were no significant engagements fought in Illinois during the Civil War, more than 250,000 soldiers from the state served the Union.15)
The biggest pinball machine in the world and a tiny castle may be seen at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.16)
The moniker “Land of Lincoln” for Illinois comes from the 31 years that President Abraham Lincoln spent there.17)
Chicago is a famous training ground for military physicians learning how to treat gunshot wounds due to the city's high level of crime.18)
The violet is Illinois' official flower.19)
Chicago had a severe heatwave in 1995 that resulted in hundreds of fatalities. With nearly 700 fatalities over a 5-day period, it was one of Illinois' greatest weather-related tragedies.20)
5 million migratory birds travel through Chicago twice a year. To prevent the birds from being lost and dying at that period, the city's skyscrapers turn off their lights at night.21)
In Chicago, H.H. Holmes constructed a murder castle. There, he may have killed 200 people.22)
Illinois means “average speaker” in the name.23)
The first Ferris wheel was created in Chicago.24)
The biggest bottle of catsup in the world is located in Illinois.25)
Des Plaines, Illinois, was home to the original McDonald's.26)
In River Forest, Illinois, in 1930, the first twinkies were created.27)
Illinois has about 80% cropland.28)
On December 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union and was formally admitted as a state.29)
The biggest public library in the world is located in Chicago, Illinois.30)
The major industries of Illinois include manufacturing, agriculture, oil production, and coal mining.31)