It is known as the “Land of Lincoln” for obvious reasons.  Illinois was the 21st state admitted into the Union on December 3, 1818.  Even though Abraham Lincoln was not born there, he spent most of his life in Illinois and is buried there.  Admitted to the Union as a free state, it was not a totally anti-slavery state.  Illinois held some of the strictest laws called Black Codes, which put limits on the civil liberties of African Americans.

In 1860 the total population of Illinois was 1,711,951 people!  Its motto is: State sovereignty, national union.  This motto seems to be a direct reflection of Abraham Lincoln, the man who fought tooth and nail to keep the Union together.  What do you think?  Both Lincoln and Douglas witnessed and pushed the growth of Illinois.  Douglas helped with railroads and Lincoln helped move the capital to Springfield.

The other great thing about Illinois is their sports teams and food.  Get this, the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs, plus unbelievable steak, hot dogs, and deep dish pizza!  How can you lose?  It even makes me forget about fresh Alaskan salmon… well just for a bit anyway.