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5 Illinois Facts That Should Make Everyone Proud

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What is Illinois Known For?

Illinois is renowned for its rich history as well as its natural beauty, which extends over many acres. There really is something for everyone in the state. From vast expanses of farmland to beautiful national parks. There are also many popular products today that were invented or created in the Land of Lincoln. Check out our list of these interesting Illinois facts.

Illinois Fact 1. The Cell Phone

PC Mag
PC Mag

Now that cell phones are seen as a somewhat basic necessity, it is interesting to think about a time when they did not exist. Just a few decades ago, cell phones had not yet been invented. People instead relied on their home phone and payphones to keep in contact with each other. That was the way it was until a special inventor from Illinois came up with something special. The year was 1973 and Martin Cooper was the inventor. Cooper was working for Motorola in Illinois at the time. He attributes his curiosity related to mobile phones to watching episodes of Star Trek. He was inspired specifically by the communicator in the show. Today, one could easily argue that this is one of the most important Illinois facts.

Subjective Illinois Fact 2. Some Of The Best National And State Parks

Photography By Vix
Photography By Vix

Illinois is home to a very large amount of national and state parks available for residents and tourists alike. One of our favorites worth visiting is Starving Rock State Park, which features lush forests, breathtaking waterfalls, as well as beautiful naturally carved rocks. Those looking seeking even more adventure not far from Starving Rock, we suggest exploring nearby Matthiessen State Park.

Illinois Fact 3. Illinois Helps Feed America

Lussier Photo
Lussier Photo

Illinois is home to masses of famous farmland that produces food for those in and out of the state. Illinois is the leading producer of corn as well as soybeans, both extremely popular crops that most of us cannot live without. There are over 74,000 farms in Illinois, that cover about twenty-seven million acres. That adds up to roughly 75% of the total land in Illinois. Not only does this farming provide job and economic stimulation to the area, but it also helps feed the entire country. This is one of the more interesting Illinois facts because, without it, our food production would be a lot different.

Delicious Illinois Fact 4. Originators Of Ice Cream Sundaes

Mitchell's Chicago
Mitchell’s Chicago

Okay, well this one might be arguable, as many states try to claim this accolade. But Evanston, Illinois is commonly accepted as the true originator of the ice cream sundae. Evanston also has a pretty compelling story to back up their claim. The rumor states that there once was an ordinance that prevented the sale of ice cream sodas on Sundays. In response to this restriction, a shop owner offered the treat without the soda, leaving just ice cream and chocolate syrup. The name was allegedly changed to avoid any criticism from locals regarding this Sunday workaround.

Even More Delicious Illinois Fact 5. Crazy About Brownies? You Can Thank Chicago

Food Network
Food Network

The year 1893 brought about the brownie. They came about in the historic Palmer House Hotel. The rumor suggests that the hotel owner’s wife made a request to the kitchen for a new dessert to premiere at the World’s Fair. The chef eventually crafted something special. The original brownie recipe included semi-sweet chocolate, crushed walnuts, as well as an apricot glaze. Interested in trying out the original brownie? The Palmer House still offers this famous confection on its menu for curious diners.

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