Illinois is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. As of 2020, the population of Illinois is estimated to be around 12.6 million people, making it the sixth most populous state in the country. The capital of Illinois is Springfield, and its 2020 population is estimated to be around 116,250 people. The most populous city in Illinois is Chicago, with an estimated population of 2.7 million people in 2020.
Chicago is located in northeastern Illinois, on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. It is the third largest city in the United States, behind New York City and Los Angeles. The city is known for its architecture, museums, sports teams, and diverse cultural offerings. It is also a major transportation hub, with two major airports and extensive rail and highway connections.
Illinois has a rich history, with Native American tribes living in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers and settlers. The state played a key role in the Civil War, with President Abraham Lincoln, who is considered one of the greatest presidents in US history, hailing from Illinois. Today, Illinois is known for its contributions to agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene.
Illinois has a rich history that dates back to the pre-Columbian era, with Native American tribes such as the Cahokia, Potawatomi, and Illiniwek living in the region. The first European to explore Illinois was French explorer Jacques Marquette, who led an expedition down the Mississippi River in 1673.
In 1717, the French established Fort de Chartres in what is now Randolph County, making Illinois a center of the fur trade. The region was ceded to the British after the French and Indian War in 1763, and it became part of the United States after the American Revolution.
Illinois became a state in 1818, with Kaskaskia serving as the first capital. Abraham Lincoln, who would later become the 16th President of the United States, moved to Illinois in 1830 and worked as a lawyer and politician in the state.
During the Civil War, Illinois played a key role in the Union effort, providing over 250,000 troops and serving as a major source of supplies for the Union army. Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated in 1865, is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in US history and is often closely associated with Illinois.
In the 20th century, Illinois became a center of industry and transportation, with Chicago emerging as a major hub for railroads, shipping, and manufacturing. The state is also known for its contributions to music, literature, and other arts, with writers like Ernest Hemingway, Carl Sandburg, and Gwendolyn Brooks hailing from Illinois.
Today, Illinois remains a major center of industry and transportation, with Chicago serving as a global city and home to a diverse population from around the world. The state is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Shawnee National Forest and the Great Lakes region.