Illinois State Government
Illinois has a silent “s” at the end, because it’s of French origin. “Illinois” means “Land of Illini,” giving a nod to the Native American population. “Illini” is the Algonquin word for “man” or “warrior.”
Capital: Springfield
Largest Cities: Aurora, Carbondale, Charleston, Chicago, Cicero, Decatur, East St. Louis, Elgin, Joliet, Naperville, Peoria, Quincy, Rock Island, Rockford, Village of Arlington Heights, Waukegan
Present Constitution Drafted: 1970
Entered Union: December 3, 1818 (21)
Motto: “State Sovereignity, National Union”
State Flower: Violet
State Tree: White Oak
State Bird: Cardinal
