In the 1600s, when American Indians first came into contact with Europeans in the Great Lakes region, two Native American ethnic groups inhabited the land that would eventually become the State of Illinois. Illinois had a number of traditional enemies, including Siouan tribes to the northwest, the Osage, Pawnee, and Arikara to the west, and the Quapaw to the south. Beginning in the 1650s, they also came under attack from Iroquois, whose earlier plans/practice of firearms gave them a strategic advantage. 

Just like other Natives, Illinois also suffered from European diseases which had no immunity. American Indian Tribes of Illinois. 

The North American prairie is one of the most endangered ecosystems on earth. The grasslands of North America began to form about 20 million years ago, but in some areas up to 99 percent of the prairie has been destroyed (in just the last 125-150 years). Wildflowers are the jewels of public lands

Abraham Lincoln moved to Macon County, Illinois from Indiana in 1830 when he was 21 years old. He lived in Illinois until he became President in 1861. In addition, Lincoln represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives for one term (1847-1849). He was a member of the Illinois Legislature from 1834 to 1841 (four terms). 

Our state motto: "State sovereignty, national union" means that Illinois governs itself under the government of the United States.

In 1907, Mrs. James C. Fessler suggested to state officials that Illinois schoolchildren vote for a State Tree. They selected the Oak as State Tree. It was changed to a White Oak Tree afterwards.

In 2002, Kelly decided to challenge a ten-year incumbent Illinois state representative in the Democratic primary. In November, she defeated Republican Kitty Watson 81% 19%.^[

  

 Mrs. Ella Park  Lawrence started a campaign to select an official state banner to place in the Continental Memorial Hall in Washington, DC because in a meeting she had seen state flags hung up and realized that Illinois didn't have one so she decided it would've been a good idea to do so.  A prize of $25 was offered for the best design for the banner and thirty-five designs were submitted. The flag designed by Miss Lucy Derwent was chosen as the winner. State Senator Raymond D. Meeker introduced the bill and the flag was made.