Illinois
Welcome to Illinois State, the Land of Lincoln and the Prairie State. A state noted for possessing all the traits of the American nation, Illinois is one of the most populous states in the country. The state is a hub for agriculture, transportation, industry, manufacturing and services. The capital city is Springfield but the largest city is the wondrous Chicago.
Admitted to the Union in 1818 as the 21st state, Illinois is one of the most interesting states in the country today, attracting millions of tourists on an annual basis. It also has some of the highest standards of living in the country.
State Nickname
The state of Illinois has been nicknamed The Prairie State and this can be attributed to the presence of the sprawling grassland that is found in many states in North America. In the third week of every September, there is the Illinois Prairie Week.
Climate Summary
As a result of its geographical location, the state of Illinois has a climate that is often described as mid-continental even though the climatic condition in the state varies from time to time. The summers are hot and humid while the winters are cold.
State Tax Situation
In the state of Illinois, the income tax is a product of the net income and a predetermined rate. However, for sales tax, there are two rates and property tax happens to be the largest single tax in the state generating substantial income for the districts.
Government Summary
The state of Illinois has three arms of government, and these are the executive, judiciary and the legislature. This is a pattern that is observed in all other states in the country. The Governor of the state is the head of the executive arm of the government.
State Seal
Like in many of the other states in the country, the Great Seal of the State of Illinois stands as the official emblem of the state. It was adopted in 1819 and features an eagle standing on a rock carrying a shield.
Motto And Description
All the states in the United States have a motto and it is State Sovereignty - National Union. Like other mottoes, this one also reflects the collective interest, character, values and beliefs of the citizens of the state. It is also adopted as an element of the State Seal.
State Flag
A beautiful flag, the flag of the state of Illinois has a white background and the word ‘ILLINOIS’ is lettered underneath the state seal which also features on the flag. The flag was designed by Sharon Tyndale and was adopted in 1969.
State Bird
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is the state bird of Illinois and it was selected by the schoolchildren in the state and was made official in1929. These birds breed 2-3 times every season. The female constructs the nest and takes care of the young while the male brings the food.
State Flower
The state flower of Illinois is the native purple violet (Violaceae). The flower is easily grown, and there are various types and scientists have identified up to eight species. Many of these produce two kinds of flowers.
State Animal
The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the state animal for Illinois. Like the state’s bird, the white-tailed deer was chosen by the schoolchildren in 1980. An athletic animal known for its incredible speed, the white-tailed deer is known for displaying its white underside when in danger.
State Song
As is the tradition in the United States, the state of Illinois has its own official song titled ‘Illinois’. The song was composed by C.H Chamberlain while the music was done by Archibald Johnson.
State Colors
Unlike many of the other states in the United States of America, the state of Illinois has not designated any particular color (or colors) to stand as its official color (or colors).