On this day – Illinois becomes our 21st State
December 3, 2024
An event every year that begins at 12:00 am on day 3 of December, repeating indefinitely
On December 3, 1818, Illinois was admitted to the Union as our 21st state. The most populated state in the Midwest, Illinois boasts the famous city of Chicago, as well as flat, fertile farmland.
Did you know? Illinois proudly sports the nickname, “Land of Lincoln” because the 16th president called the state home for over 30 years. During that time, he worked as a lawyer and served in both the Illinois Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. Today, you can visit his former home and tomb in Springfield.
What’s in a name? “Illinois” comes from the name of the local Illini Native American tribes. The “-ois” ending is a French suffix, however, and indicates nationality and region.
Chicago Skyline, George Ames Aldrich
-Written by Anna Zemaitaitis, Communications and Design Officer
