Illinois: The Prairie State

Illinois: The Prairie State — page 1
4 ILLINOIS Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois has more than 300 miles of hiking and riding trails INTRODUCTION Near the center of the United States lies Illinois a state renowned for its farms and factories as well as the glittering city of Chicago Located in the northeast corner of the state Chicago is the third largest city in the country and a national leader in finance and technology Walking along its busy streets it is difficult to imagine the prairies that covered the land just a few hundred years ago Back then prairies stretched as far as the eye could see earning Illinois its official nickname the Prairie State Additionally however Illinois is often referred to as the Land of Lincoln the state slogan The early pioneers who settled in Illinois built a successful farm-based economy While agriculture remains important in the state Illinois is now home to a wide range of industries From commerce and trade to digital technology and health care Illinois is forging ahead with the pioneer spirit of its founders Residents of Illinois have enjoyed the Ferne Clyffe natural area for many years Illinois is French for Illiniwek the name of the Native Americans who lived in the state before Europeans arrived Kaskaskia and Vandalia were capitals of Illinois before Springfield was chosen Illinois motto is State Sovereignty National Union