Illinois Symbols, State Names

Browse the state's symbols; state animal, state bird, state flower, state flag, state fossil, state insect, state motto, state seal, state tree, color, dance, fish, mammal, music, nut, reptile seal, and miscellaneous designations, emblems, and mascot of each state with pictures. Find origin of the state name. View the state almanacs, state timelines and peruse state facts and stats such as the capitol, location, and date admitted to the union.

Nick Name

Midwest

Land of Lincoln - Adopted as Illinois' official slogan in 1955.
Prairie State - Sets aside the third full week in September each year as Illinois Prairie Week to demonstrate the value of preserving and reestablishing native Illinois prairies.
Corn State

Origin of Name

Algonquin for tribe of superior men.

The state of Illinois was named after the Illinois River.

The river was named by French explorer Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle in 1679 after the Indians he found living along the banks.
Illinois is the French spelling for the Illinois and Peoria Indian word "iliniwok," meaning men or warriors and perhaps refering to members of the Illinois tribe.