On December 3, 1818, Illinois was admitted as the 21st state of the United States. That’s why on December 3rd of every year, we celebrate Illinois Statehood Day. To celebrate, let’s take a look back on the early history of Illinois and trace its journey to becoming a state.

 

The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Illiniwek, from whom the state derives its name. European exploration began in 1673 when French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet traversed the region, claiming it for France. The French established settlements such as Cahokia in 1699 and Kaskaskia in 1703, which became centers of trade and missionary work. 

 

Welcome to our "3 Things You Didn't Know About" series. Our aim is to help you get to know your legislators a little better.

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Living in Illinois means homeowners have to always be prepared for changes in the weather. The climate encapsulates all four seasons in Illinois, and staying ahead of the game can save a homeowner thousands of dollars and days and weeks of unwanted challenges or issues. Winter is a beautiful season, with falling snow and cooler temperatures. But it can also be fierce, with arctic-cold temperatures, ice and risks of damage to homes.

Thanksgiving is a treasured national holiday in the United States, celebrated this year on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Its origins date back over four centuries to 1621, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people shared an autumn harvest feast. This act of gratitude for survival and a bountiful harvest is recognized as one of the earliest Thanksgiving celebrations in American history.

Human trafficking is an often hidden but pervasive crime that continues to impact communities across Illinois. In 2022, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 287 reports from Illinois, leading to the identification of 199 victims of trafficking, according to the hotline's data. These numbers represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as many victims remain unseen and unheard due to the covert nature of the crime.

Illinois has an estimated population of 640,000 white-tailed deer, which ranks 22nd in the nation. Deer hunting is a way of life for thousands of Illinois residents, and with firearm deer season currently underway statewide, deer processing plants are buzzing with activity. Illinois is home to dozens upon dozens of deer processing plants, many of which are family-based and have been passed down from generation to generation.

Illinois House Republicans are reacting to the Pritzker Administration’s announcement of a $3.2 billion projected budget deficit for FY26. The lawmakers have repeatedly voiced concerns about the state’s budget process, especially for the past fiscal year which relied on gimmicks and tax hikes amid the Majority Party's continued failure to manage state finances responsibly.