As part of the "bread basket of America", Illinois is an agricultural center for the U.S. Turning out millions of pounds of corn, dairy products, and wheat a year, this state has a special importance in feeding our nation.
Illinois' largest city and third in size in the United States, Chicago, is a center for media and cultural arts and is home to over eleven Fortune 500 companies, including Nabisco and McCormick.
Chicago also holds the tallest building in North America, the Sears Tower. Looking for some laughs? Illinois is home to the first comedy club, "Second City", which is still in operation today. If you ever walk by the Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day, don't be alarmed! The water is dyed green ever year in honor of the day.
Illinois also boasts one of the highest populations of Irish-American's in the nation. It's hard not to be a sports-fan living in Chicago. The town is home to the Bears, Cubs, Whitesox, Blackhawks, Bulls, and Fire.
Take a look at the cars in Illinois. The state has more personalized license plates than any other state. Wan't to see where the president lives? No, not the White House. The former home of Abraham Lincoln is in Springfield and is one of the most popular attractions in the world.
Lincoln is not the only president to come form Illinois. Ronald Reagan is from Tampico, while Ulysses S. Grant was born in Galena.