Think you know everything about Illinois? Beyond its “Windy City” nickname and the fame of Portillo’s hot dogs, here are 20 intriguing facts about the Prairie State that might surprise you:
1. County Count
Illinois has 102 counties, many named after early American leaders.
2. Abolishing Slavery
On February 1, 1865, Illinois became the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.
3. Willis Tower
Chicago’s Willis Tower, standing at 1,451 feet, is the third tallest building in North America.
4. First Skyscraper
The world’s first modern skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1885.
5. Ice Cream Sundae
The term “ice cream sundae” is believed to have originated from Garwood’s Drugstore in Evanston, Illinois.
6. Underground Freight
In 1899, a Chicago project initially intended for a telephone system evolved into a narrow-gauge freight railroad.
7. Personal Plates
Illinois ranks third in the nation for the number of personalized license plates.
8. Unique Law
In Mount Pulaski, Illinois, it’s illegal for boys to throw snowballs at trees.
9. Tallest Man
Robert Pershing Wadlow, the world’s tallest man at 8’11”, was born in Alton, Illinois.
10. John Deere
The agricultural machinery company John Deere was founded in Moline, Illinois, in 1937.
11. Largest City
Chicago is the largest city in Illinois with a population of over 2.7 million, making it the third largest city in the U.S.
12. Walt Disney
Walt Disney was born in Chicago on December 5, 1901.
13. Popcorn Production
Illinois is a major popcorn producer, with 333 farms growing popcorn on 47,000 acres. Popcorn is also the state snack.
14. Green River
The Chicago River is dyed green every year for Saint Patrick’s Day.
15. Twinkies
Twinkies were invented on April 6, 1930, by James Alexander Dewar in Schiller Park, Illinois.
16. Pumpkin Capital
Morton, Illinois, known as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World,” processes over 85% of the world’s packaged pumpkin and hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival.
17. Square Dance
In 1990, the Square Dance was designated the official state dance of Illinois.
18. State Name Origin
The name Illinois comes from an Algonquin word, which has various translations including “warriors” and “tribe of superior men.”
19. Candy Capital
Chicago earned the nickname “Candy Capital of the World” due to the many candy companies established there since the early 1900s.
20. First McDonald’s:
The first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955.
These facts highlight Illinois’s rich history, cultural significance, and contributions to various industries, showing why it’s a state full of surprises and worth exploring further.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.