Cities in Illinois - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Illinois Quick Facts
Often called the Land of Lincoln due to its association with Abraham Lincoln, Illinois is the state where he spent most of his life. Illinois became the 21st state to join the United States on December 3rd, 1818. Another official Illinois nickname is "The Prairie State" as much of Illinois was once covered in prairie grass. In the capital city of Springfield, you will find the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Chicago is the largest city by population with 2,699,347 residents and is also the largest city by land area. Illinois is the 25th largest state by land area and the 6th largest state by population with more than 12.5 million residents. The name Illinois comes from the Native American tribe that once lived on the land. The city of Chicago was home to the world's first skyscrapers. The Willis Tower (Sears Tower) was the tallest in the world, until it was overtaken by the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur in 1998. Famous people born in Illinois include Harrison Ford, John Cusack, Michelle Obama, Cindy Crawford, Melissa McCarthy, Common, Eddie Vedder and John Belushi.
The Long History of Illinois
In the 17th century, French explorers, including Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, floated down the Mississippi River and claimed the territory for France. Prior to that, various Native American tribes inhabited the land including the Miami, Shawnee, Potawatomi, Kickapoo and the Illiniwek. After the French and Indian War, Illinois came under British control. During the American Revolution, George Rogers Clark led the Illinois Campaign, capturing British forts in the region and securing the area for the United States. On February 12th, 1809 Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, but would move to Illinois in 1830, where he would stay for most of his life and become one of the nation's most revered presidents. In the mid-19th century, Illinois underwent significant industrial growth and became a transportation hub. The construction of railroads and the Illinois and Michigan Canal boosted trade and economic development. Chicago, with its strategic location on Lake Michigan, emerged as a major commercial center and a critical link between the East and the West. In 1871, a devastating fire broke out in Chicago and destroyed much of the city. But, the city rebuilt and experienced rapid growth in the following decades. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Illinois continued to grow economically and culturally. The state played a significant role in the civil rights movement and witnessed political milestones, such as Barack Obama's rise to become the 44th President of the United States.
The Geography of Illinois
Located in the Midwestern United States, Illinois is bordered by Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana. It is the 25th largest state by land area, with 57,914 square miles and 4.13% water. Illinois shares a shoreline with Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. In the northeastern part, you'll find soft sandy beaches, harbors and lots of tourists enjoying recreational activities. In central Illinois, you'll find vast prairies and fertile farmland. The region is part of the Corn Belt, known for its agricultural productivity, especially in the cultivation of corn and soybeans. Flowing through central Illinois, the Illinois River is a significant waterway that joins the Mississippi River near the state's southwestern border. In the southern part of the state, the Shawnee Hills region stands as an extension of the Ozark Plateau. The area is known for its rugged terrain and rolling green hills. Most will be surprised, but southern Illinois is home to the Shawnee Wine Trail, an area dotted with vineyards and wineries, where visitors can enjoy wine tasting and beautiful countryside views.
Illinois Relocation Guide
Illinois, the most populated Midwestern state, is the 25th largest state based on area, but thanks to its largest city, Chicago, it is 5th largest based on population. A map of Illinois cities will show you that Chicago is the nation's third largest city (by land mass) and its metropolitan area consists of over 9.5 million people. Chicago is the professional and cultural center of Illinois and the headquarters of many Fortune 500 companies as well as the home to world renowned restaurants, theatres, and other entertainment options. Outside of Chicago there are many other places worth visiting and a lot of great cities to call home. Springfield, Illinois is the state's capital and anchors the center of the state. There are various large universities in the state including two Big Ten schools, the University of Illinois and Northwestern University.
Housing within the state of Illinois varies significantly. For a few hundred thousand dollars a 3,000 square foot home can be purchased in the vast rural land of Illinois. But closer to the city, the same purchase price may not get more than a small studio apartment. Illinois weather varies significantly by the month. The summers are quite warm and can be very humid, while the winters can be long with period of time when the temperature does not get above zero. Most smaller cities in Illinois are quite safe, although like all major metropolitan areas like Chicago, does have some problems with crime.
The overall crime rate in Illinois is less than the national average by about 10%. The cost of living in Illinois is also less than the national average by about 2%. This makes Illinois a very appealing place to consider if you are relocating.
