Illinois summary

Illinois, State, Midwestern U.S. Area: 57,914 sq mi (149,996 sq km). Population: (2020) 12,812,508; (2023 est.) 12,549,689. Capital: Springfield. Illinois is bordered by Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Iowa. The Mississippi River forms the state’s western boundary, the Ohio River and Wabash River form its southeastern border, and the Illinois River traverses the state. Lake Michigan lies to the northeast. Located on the northeastern border is Chicago, the country’s third largest city. Indian settlement dates from 8000 bce. The Mississippian culture was centred at Cahokia c. 1300 ce; all the tribes inhabiting the area at the time of European settlement were of Algonquian stock. The French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet entered the territory in 1673. France controlled it until 1763, when it passed to Britain after the French and Indian War. It became part of the Northwest Territory in 1783 and part of Indiana Territory in 1800. Illinois Territory was formed in 1809. It became the 21st state in 1818. Although politically divided during the American Civil War, Illinois remained part of the Union. In the 20th century, intense party rivalry (between Republicans and Democrats) and the state’s large electoral vote made it a major battleground in presidential elections (see Republican Party; Democratic Party). It is one of the largest U.S. industrial centres and a top manufacturer of nonelectrical machinery. It is also a major insurance centre.