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The world’s tallest man was born in Alton, IL. Robert Pershing Wadlow was 8’11”, weight 491 lbs and wore a size 37 shoe.
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The first public office that Abraham Lincoln took was as postmaster in New Salem, IL
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The first all-color TV station debuted in Chicago (channel5)
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Nearly 80% of the state’s land area is farm land.
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April 1st was officially named “cheap Trick Day” in Illinois.
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Aurora is known as the City of Lights because it was the first US City to use electric street lighting throughout the entire city
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There is a fire-breathing dragon in Vandalia, IL known as the Kaskasia Dragon
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The term “jazz” was coined in Chicago in 1914 by Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa
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The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is one of only three major free zoos in the county and is nation’s oldest public Zoo.
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Twinkies were invented on April 6, 1930 in River Forest, Illinois
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The Nabisco factory in Chicago is the world’s largest bakery in the world at 1,800,00 square feet!
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Elzie Crisler Segar, the creator of Popeye the Sailorman Cartoon, was born in Chester, Illinois.
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Illinois generates more nuclear power than any other state.
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Illinois’ highest point is Charles Mound at 1,235 ft.
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Illinois’ is home to the world’s only river that flows backward. (Chicago River)
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Illinois is home to the world’s largest bottle of catsup.
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Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th amendment to abolish slavery.
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Illinois had two other state capitals before Springfield, Kaskaskia and Vandalia.
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Only two buildings survived the great Chicago fire, the Chicago Water Tower and Pumping Station.
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Ronald Reagan’s famous childhood home is in Dixon, IL, but his birthplace is Tampico.
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The Ice Cream Sundae Originated in Evanston, IL
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The Chicago Post Office at 433 West Van Buren is the only postal facility in the world you can drive a car through
This post is part of the #StateChallenge Meetups from Team USA, hosted by @Kwiksatik and @Denise_Barlock
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