Download This Sample
This sample is exclusively for KidsKonnect members!
To download this worksheet, click the button below to signup for free (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start the download!
Sign Me Up
Table of Contents
Illinois is a state located in the Midwestern Region of the United States of America. Its bordering states are Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. See the fact file below for more information on Illinois or alternatively download our comprehensive worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Capital
Springfield
Became a State
December 3,1818 (21st)
Location
midwestern United States
Area
57,914 sq. miles (25th)
Population
12,830,632 (h5th)
Major Cities
Chicago, Rockford, Springfield
Products
corn, soybeans, wheat, hogs, cattle, dairy products, timber, coal, petroleum
Climate
humid, continental – hot humid summers – cool, cold winters
Yearly Precipitation
averages 48 inches
Professional Sports Teams
Chicago Cubs (National Baseball League)
Chicago White Sox (American Baseball League)
Chicago Bears (National Football League)
Chicago Bulls (National Basketball Association)
Chicago Blackhawks (National Hockey League)
Chicago Machine (professional Lacrosse)
Chicago Sky (Women’s National Basketball Association)
Major Waterways
Lake Michigan, Illinois River, Fox River,Ohio River,DesPlaines River, Chicago River and Mississippi River
Most Famous Citizens
Jane Addams (social worker)
Louis Armstrong (musician)
Ulysses S. Grant (18th President of the United States)
Abraham Lincoln (16th President of the United States)
Frank Lloyd Wright (architect)
Ronald Reagan (40th President of the United States)
Michael Jordan (basketball)
Barack Obama (44th & 45th President of the United States)
Michelle Obama (First Lady)
Hillary Clinton (First Lady & Secretary of State)
State Symbols
Bird – Cardinal
Animal – White-tailed Deer
Flower – Violet
Tree – White Oak
Insect – Monarch
Illinois Facts
- In 1673, Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet French explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in the land, now known as Illinois. The native Iroquois Indians destroyed the Great Village founded by Marquette two years after. Today, they are called the Haudenosaunee people which can be classified into the tribes of Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Tuscarora, and Seneca. At the end of the century, the Cahokia town was founded.
- The term “Illinois” came from the Illiniwek people which means “ordinary speaker.” On December 3, 1818, it became the 21st state of America.
- Places of Ottawa, Freeport, Jonesboro, Charleston, Galesburg, Alton, and Quincy housed the series of Lincoln-Douglas debate regarding the abolition of slavery.
- By 1865, Illinois became the first state to abolish slavery after the ratification of the 13th Amendment of the Constitution.
- After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, only the Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station survived. Almost 18,000 buildings were burned down because of the simple fire at the barn of the O’Learys.
- In 1885, one of the tallest skyscraper in North America was built in Chicago, the Sears Tower also known as the Willis Tower came close to the Twin Towers of New York City.
- Before his presidency, Abraham Lincoln served at the legislature of Illinois while practicing law in Springfield. Presidents Grant and Obama also lived in Illinois but only Ronald Reagan was born there.
- On October 1, 1892, the University of Chicago was opened catering 594 students.
- During the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition, a New York City journalist tagged Chicago as the “Windy City” because of boastful politicians. Today, Illinois is also known as the Prairie State and the Land of Lincoln since 1955.
- Annually, the Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated by dyeing the Chicago River green. The Chicago Public Library housed 2 million books making it the world’s largest public library.
- Illinois has 102 counties. Prior to Springfield, Kaskaskia and Vandalia became its state capitals. It is the home of the Chicago Bears Football Team ,Chicago Blackhawk Hockey Team, Chicago Bulls Basketball Team, Chicago Cubs and White Sox Baseball Team, and Chicago Fire Soccer Team.
- In Southern Illinois, Metropolis, Superman’s home exists. The town of Metropolis has a Super Museum, Metropolis Planet weekly newspaper, and an annual Superman celebration.
- Illinois is the largest producer of pumpkin and second largest producer of corn in the United States.
- The stars in the Chicago flag represents Fort Dearborn, The Chicago Fire, the World’s Columbian Exposition, and the Century of Progress Exposition.
- It is the land of 12,875,255 residents (est. 2012) occupying the total area of 57, 909 sq miles.
- Illinois’ major waterways are Lake Michigan,Illinois River, Fox River, Ohio River, Des Plaines River, Chicago and Mississippi River.
- Some of its famous citizens are Presidents Grant, Lincoln, Reagan, and Obama, musician Louis Armstrong, first lady Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, and basketball superstar Michael Jordan.
Illinois Worksheets
This bundle contains 11 ready-to-use Illinois Worksheets that are perfect for students who want to learn more about Illinois. Did you know? The term “Illinois” came from the Illiniwek people which means “ordinary speaker.” On December 3, 1818, it became the 21st state of America. Learn more about this interesting American state through these worksheets.
Download includes the following worksheets
- Illinois Facts
- Mapping Illinois
- Famous Citizens
- The Lincoln State
- State Symbols
- The Lincoln-Douglas Debate
- Chicago Flag
- Sports Teams
- The Great Chicago Fire
- Metropolis and Superman
- Amazing Places
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Illinois famous for?
Illinois is a state with a long and varied history, from its part in the abolition of slavery to its role in the Underground Railroad. The state is also home to many firsts, including the first McDonald’s restaurant, Route 66, and the world’s largest catsup bottle.
Is Illinois a French word?
“Illinois” comes from the Native American word “iliniwok,” which literally translates to “best people.” It was used to describe the 10-12 tribes living near the river.
Why is housing in Illinois so cheap?
The reason Illinois home prices grew more slowly than the rest of the country is that fewer people are living there.
Link/cite this page
If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.
Link will appear as Illinois Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, August 30, 2017
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.