Illinois: The Flat State with a Big Personality

Illinois is a state located in the heart of the Midwest, known for its seemingly never-ending fields of corn and soybeans, which proudly proclaim that they are the main food source for all the cows in the country. The state is bordered by Lake Michigan on one side and a multitude of other states on the others, making it an important player in the game of “Which state has the most neighbors?”

History

Illinois was founded in 1818 when some guys in Washington thought it would be funny to name a state after the French version of the Native American word for “warriors.” This was, of course, before they had invented Google Translate. In its early days, Illinois was known for its booming agriculture industry and its friendly farmers who were always happy to share their crops with visitors passing through the state. (Just kidding. They’re actually really territorial about their corn.)

Geography

One of the most notable features of Illinois is its lack of mountains. Seriously, there are none. If you’re looking to go skiing or hiking, you’re better off heading to Colorado or Vermont. However, the state does have a few rivers and lakes, including the mighty Mississippi and the aforementioned Lake Michigan, where you can catch a glimpse of Chicago’s skyline from afar. Speaking of Chicago…

Chicago

Chicago is Illinois’s biggest city and the third-largest city in the country. It’s known for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs loaded with neon green relish, and a Bean-shaped sculpture that attracts more tourists than some small countries. Chicago is also home to a rich history of gangsters and corrupt politicians, which has given the city a slightly…dire reputation. But don’t worry, as long as you avoid any alleys and don’t make eye contact with anyone wearing a fedora, you should be okay.

Famous Illinoisans

Illinois has produced many notable people over the years, including Abraham Lincoln, who is arguably the most famous person to ever come out of Illinois. Sadly, he’s been dead for over 150 years and we can’t ask him about what it was like to live in a world without Netflix. Other famous Illinoisans include Oprah Winfrey, who is rumored to own an entire island made out of Harpo Studios merchandise, and Kanye West, who has made a name for himself by saying outrageous things and designing sneakers that cost more than a semester of college tuition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Illinois may not have the glitz and glam of New York or the celebrity-filled beaches of California, but it’s still a pretty cool state. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by and say hello to the friendly farmers (just don’t touch their corn), try some deep-dish pizza, and pose for a selfie with the Bean. It’s a trip you won’t forget (unless you do, in which case you can always come back and try again).