French explorers Jacques Marquette
and Louis Joliet, in 1673, were the first Europeans
of record to visit the region. In 1699 French
settlers established the first permanent settlement
at Cahokia, near present-day East St. Louis. Great
Britain obtained the region at the end of the French
and Indian Wars in 1763. The area figured
prominently in frontier struggles during the
Revolutionary War and in Indian wars during the
early 19th century.
Significant episodes in the state's early history
include the influx of settlers following the opening
of the Erie Canal in 1825; the Black Hawk War, which
virtually ended the Indian troubles in the area; and
the rise of Abraham Lincoln from farm laborer to
president.
Today, Illinois stands high in manufacturing, coal
mining, agriculture, and oil production. The state's
manufactures include food and agricultural products,
transportation equipment, chemicals, industrial
machinery, and computer equipment. The sprawling
Chicago district (including a slice of Indiana) is a
great iron and steel producer, meat packer, grain
exchange, and railroad center. Chicago is also
famous as a Great Lakes port.
Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn,
and hogs. Other agricultural commodities include
cattle, wheat, oats, sorghum, and hay.
Central Illinois is noted for shrines and memorials
associated with the life of Abraham Lincoln. In
Springfield are the Lincoln Home, the Lincoln Tomb,
and the restored Old State Capitol. Other points of
interest are the home of Mormon leader Joseph Smith
in Nauvoo and, in Chicago: the Art Institute, Field
Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd
Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Merchandise Mart, and
Chicago Portage National Historic Site. |
