What Shape Is The State Of Illinois

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Illinois: Shaped by Corn...Maybe? Unveiling the Mystery of the Land of Lincoln's Borders

Ah, Illinois. The Prairie State. Land of Lincoln. Home of deep dish pizza so good, it could be a state motto (and some would argue it should be). But have you ever stopped to wonder, besides delicious food, what shape Illinois actually is?

This, my friends, is a question that has vexed geographers, historians, and even lovers of deep dish for centuries. Well, maybe not centuries, but it's definitely a question that pops into every now and then.

What Shape Is The State Of Illinois
What Shape Is The State Of Illinois

The Great Illinois Shape Debate: Not Quite a Rectangle, But Not Exactly a...Boot?

At first glance, you might think Illinois is a simple rectangle. It's got that flat, Midwestern vibe going on, right? But look a little closer. There's a little jut out west, almost like a...wait for it...appendage (don't worry, Illinois, we all have those weird-shaped states). This little protrusion throws the whole "rectangle" theory out the window.

So, if not a rectangle, then what? A squiggly trapezoid? A lopsided parallelogram? These are all valid questions, folks. The internet has even offered some more...creative suggestions, like a mitten or a flabby catfish. But fear not, because we're about to delve into the truth.

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The Truth Revealed: Illinois, the State Shaped by History (and Maybe Glaciers)

The real reason behind Illinois's unique shape has to do with good ol' fashioned history. Back in the day, borders were drawn up based on rivers and other geographical features. The Mississippi River and the Wabash River played a big role in shaping Illinois's western and eastern edges.

But that western appendix? That, my friends, is a leftover from the Northwest Territory. Basically, Illinois got a little bonus land deal in the 18th century, and that's where the little westward nudge comes from.

So there you have it. The shape of Illinois is a fascinating blend of history, geography, and maybe even a little bit of geological surprise from the glaciers that once carved up the landscape.

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But hey, even if Illinois isn't a perfect rectangle, it's still a pretty awesome state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois Shape FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (Probably)

How to draw Illinois?

Start with a rectangle, then add a little "kick" outwards on the western side. Bonus points for adding Chicago!

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How to pronounce Illinois?

It's ILL-in-oi, not Ill-i-NOY. Trust us, your Chicagoan friends will thank you.

How big is Illinois?

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It's the 25th largest state in the US, so not the biggest, but definitely big enough for all that corn.

How to cook deep dish pizza?

That's a recipe for another day, but let's just say it involves a very deep dish and a whole lot of cheese.

How to visit Illinois?

Pack your bags, grab your appetite, and get ready for a taste of the Land of Lincoln (and maybe a mitten-shaped souvenir)!

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Quick References
TitleDescription
politico.comhttps://www.politico.com/illinois
suntimes.comhttps://www.suntimes.com
illinoispolicy.orghttps://www.illinoispolicy.org
isbe.nethttps://www.isbe.net
chicagotribune.comhttps://www.chicagotribune.com

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