Illinois State Symbols, Facts & Info
The United States of America accepted Illinois as the 21st state to enter the union. Below, you will find the official state symbols and interesting facts about Illinois.
State Name: Illinois
Abbreviation: IL
Capital of Illinois State: Springfield
Date of Statehood: December 3, 1818
Illinois State Population: 12,763,371 (US Census 2005 estimate)
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Primary Agriculture: Miles of neatly planted farm fields are a familiar sight in Illinois, even though the state's southern reaches include some of the Midwest's most rugged and rocky hills. This same geography of gently rolling prairie boasts some of the most productive and fertile soil on earth. Illinois is among the leading agricultural export centers of the nation and is a leading state in the production of corn, soybeans and hogs. Other important Illinois crops include alfalfa, peaches, apples and melons. Beef, dairy and poultry products also rank high.
Primary Industry: Illinois ranks third in the nation in the number of interstate highway miles. Approximately three percent of U.S. exports come from Illinois. Illinois mines 60 million tons of coal each year, six percent of U.S. production. Tourism is a big business. Each year visitors spend over $15 billion during their trips to and within Illinois, making it among the ten most traveled states in the country. Illinois also ranks among the leaders in production of the following products: construction machinery, farm equipment, radio and TV sets and other electric housewares, commercial printing, nuts and bolts, metal coating, polishes and sanitation goods, surgical appliances and supplies, sanitary food containers, metal stamping, printing trades machinery, electric coils and transformers, environmental controls, confectionary products, flavoring extracts and syrups, shortening and cooking oils, flour and other grain mill products and dog, cat and other pet food.
Illinois State Nickname: Land of Lincoln
Illinois State Motto: State sovereignty, national union.
Illinois State Flower:
Violet (Viola sororia)(Legislation of 1907)
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Illinois State Tree: White Oak (Legislation of 1973)
Illinois State Bird:
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)(Legislation of 1928)
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Illinois State Fish: Bluegill (Legislation of 1986)
Illinois State Insect: Monarch Butterfly (Legislation of 1975)
Illinois State Gemstone: Fluorite (Legislation of 1965)
Official State Seal:
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Official State Flag:
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State Commemorative Quarter:
From the 1999-2008 United States Mint 50 State Quarters® Program
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Illinois State Postage Stamp:
From the 2002 United States Postal Service Greetings from America series.
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Illinois State License Plate:
Photo under license from collector Jim Moini ©2011.
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