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Illinois: More Than Just Deep Dish and Disco
Ah, Illinois. The Land of Lincoln, the Prairie State, the place where dreams are made of... or at least turned into delicious deep dish pizzas. But there's more to Illinois than meets the hungry eye (or stomach, in this case). Buckle up, folks, because we're about to dive into a whirlwind tour of fascinating Illinois facts that are sure to make you say, "Wait, really?!"
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| What Are Facts About Illinois |
A Land of Firsts (and Somelasts)
- First to Ditch Slavery: Illinois holds the title of being the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery way back in 1865. Score one for the good guys!
- The Original Skyscraper: Chicago, Illinois, is where dreams of reaching for the stars first became a reality (well, almost). The world's first skyscraper was built there in 1885, forever changing cityscapes around the globe.
- Beware of the Falling Cows... (Kind Of): Okay, this one's a bit of a stretch, but O'Hare International Airport in Chicago holds the not-so-glorious record of having the most bird strikes in the US. Maybe pack an umbrella... just in case?
Famous Folks (and a Few Fun Facts)
- Land of Lincoln (Literally): Abraham Lincoln may not have been born in Illinois (sorry, Springfield!), but he sure did call it home for most of his life. You can even visit his house there!
- The Birthplace of the Big Mac: Yes, you read that right. Des Plaines, Illinois, is where the legendary McDonald's sandwich we all know and love first came into existence in 1967.
- Home to the World's Biggest Bookworm: The Chicago Public Library boasts the title of the largest public library system in the world. With over 2 million books, you're guaranteed to find something to tickle your literary fancy.
From Flat to Fabulous: Illinois' Diverse Landscape
- Prairie Power: While Chicago might have all the glitz and glam, almost 80% of Illinois is actually covered in farmland. So next time you bite into a juicy corn on the cob, you might just be tasting a little bit of Illinois sunshine.
- The Great Flattenings: Illinois is famously known for being a very flat state. In fact, its highest point is a mere 1,235 feet above sea level. That's practically beach level in the Rocky Mountain state department.
- Wetlands, Wooded Wonders, and Wild Things: Despite its flat reputation, Illinois boasts a surprising variety of landscapes, from rolling hills and wetlands to lush forests. Keep your eyes peeled for over 400 species of birds and a whole bunch of other furry and feathery friends!
How to Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Talk Like a Local? Master the art of pronouncing "Chicago" (it's CHI-cago, not Chi-CA-go) and you're halfway there. Bonus points for learning about the legendary Chicago deep dish versus thin crust pizza debate.
- How to Survive Winter? Bundle up, buttercup! Illinois winters can be brutal. Invest in a good coat, some cozy boots, and maybe even a shovel or two (trust us, you'll thank us later).
- How to Get Your Grub On? Deep dish pizza is a must-try, but don't forget about the iconic Chicago-style hot dog, loaded with all the fixings.
- How to Experience the Culture? Chicago is a melting pot of cultures, so there's always something exciting to discover. Catch a jazz show in a historic club, explore world-class museums, or cheer on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
- How to Get Around? Chicago has a fantastic public transportation system, but renting a car can be handy for exploring the rest of the state. Just remember, those roads get mighty flat, so crank up the tunes and enjoy the ride!
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