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State Pride

12 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The State Of Illinois

Discover surprising and fun facts about Illinois, including its history, notable figures, and unique trivia.

Published Jul 11, 2015

Written by 

Laura Meli

You might think you know this state inside and out. But I bet you there are at least a few things on this list that you didn't know. Read on for some fun facts about our state:

1. Illinois means "tribe of superior men"

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KAZ Vorpal/Flickr

2. Peoria is the oldest community in Illinois

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Boston Public Library/Flickr

3. Four presidents were either born in Illinois or were from Illinois: Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, and Obama

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Vox Efx/Flickr

4. Two other cities were the capital before Springfield: Kaskaskia and Vandalia

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Matt Turner/Flickr

5. Illinois was the first state to abolish slavery

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loomingy1/Flickr

6. The state snack food (didn't know that was a thing!) is popcorn

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Andrew Rivett/Flickr

7. The four stars on the Chicago flag stand for: Fort Dearborn, the Chicago Fire, the Columbian Exposition, and the Century of Progress Exposition

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Jim Larrison/Flickr

8. Illinois has the largest bottle of ketchup

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Doug Kerr/Flickr

9. The word jazz was first coined in Chicago by Gene Krupa and Benny Goodman

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Fabio Venni/Flickr

10. The Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation's oldest public zoo

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Ron Cogswell/Flickr

11. Twinkies were invented in River Forest

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Christian Cable/Flickr

12. 80% of Illinois land is farmland

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Roger W/Flickr

Know any other Illinois trivia? Let us know in the comments.

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