Introduction

Named for the Illinois Indians, this state is known as the "Land of Lincoln", and its capital is Springfield. At the northern edge of the state on Lake Michigan is Chicago, the nation's third largest city. The state flower is the native violet.

Each of the cities has a wonderful botanic garden amid their skyscrapers and monuments. Today, Illinois stands high in manufacturing, coal mining, agriculture, and oil production. The state's manufactures include food and agricultural products, transportation equipment, chemicals, industrial machinery and computer equipment. The sprawling Chicago district is a great iron and steel producer, meat packer, grain exchange and railroad center. Chicago is also famous as a Great Lakes port. Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn and hogs. Other agricultural commodities include cattle, wheat, oats, sorghum and hay. Central Illinois is noted for shrines and memorials associated with the life of Abraham Lincoln.

City List