17 Interesting Facts About Illinois

Illinois is a US state located in the mid-western region of the country. Its capital is Springfield.

The state's population is 13 million. The total area is 57,914 square miles.

1.  Illinois is the top pumpkin producing state of USA. Morton, Illinois is dubbed the 'pumpkin capital of the world'.

2. Illinois is the birth place of the tallest man of the world - Robert Wadlow. He was 8 feet 11 inches tall.

3. Chicago is the commercial capital of Illinois. The former's O' Hare International Airport is one of the busiest in the world.

4. This was the 1st US state to officially abolish slavery.

5. Incidentally, Illinois had 2 other state capitals prior to Springfield. They are Vandalia and Kaskaskia.

6. Illinois is among the flattest states of USA. Its highest point Charles Mound is 1,235 feet above sea level.

7. Popcorn is Illinois's official snack.

8. Chicago is home to the world's biggest pinball machine.

9. The ice cream sundae originated in this state.

10. Illinois has a river which flows backwards - the Chicago River. This was achieved by canal engineering way back in 1922.

11. Established in 1886, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the US's oldest public zoos.

12. The headquarters of Boeing is located in Illinois.

13. Illinois is also known as the Prairie State or the Land of Lincoln.

14. Abraham Lincoln lived here for 31 years. Today, his home and tomb in Springfield are popular tourist attractions.

15. Illinois produces the maximum nuclear power among all US states.

16. The creator of 'Popeye' cartoon was a native of Illinois - namely Elzie Segar.

17. Around one-third of Illinois's population possesses a bachelor's degree or higher.