Midwestern state in the N central United States. It is bordered by Lake Michigan and Indiana; Kentucky, across the Ohio R.; Missouri and Iowa, across the Mississippi R.; and Wisconsin.
Area, 56,400 sq mi (146,076 sq km). Pop. (2000) 12,419,293, an 8.6% increase since the 1990 census. Capital, Springfield.
Largest city, Chicago. Nicknames, Inland Empire; Prairie State. Motto, State Sovereignty National Union. State bird, cardinal. State flower, native violet. State tree, white oak.
Rich land, adequate rainfall (32-36 in./81-91 cm annually), and a long growing season make Illinois an important agricultural state. It consistently ranks among the top states in the production of corn and soybeans. Hogs and cattle are also principal sources of farm income. Other major crops include hay, wheat, and sorghum. Beneath the fertile topsoil lies mineral wealth, including fluorspar, bituminous coal, and oil; Illinois ranks high among the states in the production of coal, and its reserves are greater than any other state east of the Rocky Mts.
Its agricultural and mineral resources, along with its excellent lines of communication and transportation, made Illinois industrial; by 1880 income from industry was almost double that from agriculture. Leading Illinois manufactures include electrical and nonelectrical machinery, food products, fabricated and primary metal products, and chemicals; printed and published materials are also important.
Metropolitan Chicago, the country's leading rail center, is also a major industrial, as well as a commercial and financial, center. Suburbs of Chicago such as Schaumburg and Oak Brook have become important business centers. Scattered across the northern half of the state are cities with specialized industries Elgin , Peoria, Rock Island , Moline , and Rockford. Industrially important cities in central Illinois include Springfield and Decatur.
About Chicago
Chicago, Illinois boasts a bonanza of big, busiest and bests. The third largest city in the country, Chicago is energized by a strong economy. Chicago's skyline is spectacular. Five of the top ten tallest buildings in the U.S. are in Chicago. A major sports city, Chicago cheers the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls. Chicago is the "candy capital of the world." Brach & Sons, Fannie Mae Candies, Nabisco and Tootsie Roll call Chicago home. Also on the menu, Chicago claims the "world's best deep-dish pizza and hot dogs." Ask any Chicagoan; they'll add plenty of plaudits and praise for their city.
Chicago is crammed with attractions and adventures. Learn the lay of the land with a Chicago Trolley Tour. The two-hour narrated tour covers 13 miles through downtown and the Loop. Hop off at any stop and hop on the next trolley when you are ready to continue your tour. See Chicago from the top. The Sears Tower is currently the tallest building in the United States. High speed elevators whisk visitors up 110 floors to the Skydeck. Circle the deck for a view 50 miles in all directions on a clear day while the multimedia presentation highlights Chicago history, landmarks and memorable events.
See Chicago from the water. Step onboard the Odyssey for a two or three hour luxury dinner cruise and watch the skyline light up the night. Cruise by day with the Chicago Architecture Foundation and learn the history of the city's skyline. Back on solid ground, head over to the Navy Pier. Extending more than half a mile into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is stacked with must-sees. Amazing Chicago is a life-sized maze that's a mixture of entertainment and education. The Crystal Gardens are a botanical wonderland under glass. Play a round at the 18-hole miniature golf course or take an exciting spin on the 150-foot high Ferris wheel. The Museum of Science and Industry features interactive exhibits, a German submarine and special traveling exhibits. Explore life beneath the sea at The Shedd Aquarium and the solar system at Adler Planetarium. Journey back to Chicago's colorful 1920 gangland days with Untouchable Tours. There's so much exciting entertainment, you'll soon be crooning " Chicago is my kind of town ."
Illinois Real Estate
If you are considering buying a home in Illinois or looking for an investment property in Illinois , please use our services.
This is your direct connection to residential real estate. Whether you are looking for your next home, vacation home, ranch, business, office or raw land, we hope that we can be of assistance. Our intent is to provide a services that makes your relocation to cities and communities in Illinois as smooth as possible. Therefore, we are able to provide relocating families the ability to learn about cities and communities in Illinois and make their homebuying experience as easy as possible.
*Information from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition
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