| Page Views: 3,216 Last Visit to Illinois: November, 2003 I Used To Live Here | A thrice riven state by dlandt - last update: Oct 24, 2004 |
Illinois is almost a boring state. Its got things to do, and places to see, but for most of its history, its got one claim to fame. Abe Lincoln came from here. There aren't really any famous battles that took place here and the state has been relatively untouched by war. The exceptions I know about are the short-lived and overblown Blackhawk War, the Ottawa-Illini War, and the Ft. Dearborn Massacre.
Illinois doesn't have a distinct culture, we really have three, and if it weren't for Chicago, people would say 'Illinois' in the same breath as Iowa and Nebraska. Chicago is a place unto itself, and really does have a separate, kidn of East Coast identity. A lot of Chicagoans have never even been to other parts of the state and vice versa. |
|  | Nature Most people think of Chicago when they think of Illinois, but in reality, Chicago is crowded into one little corner and it doesn't match the state in character culture or just about any other measure of comparison. The majority of the state is quiet countryside with a sprinklin gof nature and outdoor activities. Shown here is a view of the Illinois River. |
| | French History No one seems to remember it, but the French settled this part of the country first. At the end of the day,they never really settled the area well, and stayed close to their riverfront settlements, yet they were the first Europeans to map the area, make contact with the Indians and begin the process of trade and Christianization.
A full analysis of French influence in Illinois is beyond my abilities, availability, and VT ambitions. I'm not going to try and paint a detaiuled view of French settlers in the 1600s, but I do want to bring a few things to the fore that many others miss. The pages will emerge over time as I have time and travel to the various remanants of that era. |
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 Comments for dlandt about Illinois | | | | |
Kate-Me Thu Jun 19, 2008 11:50 UTC
I think if I was ever to visit the US, it's the Indian history I'd like best. Really like how you've written this page. Cheers from downunder, Kate | Knoto Fri Apr 18, 2008 19:42 UTC
Wow, very interresting Page.Did not know that these area is so wonderful. Greetings from Germany,Peter | Florida999 Sat Jun 16, 2007 01:48 UTC
This is really a nice page! Too bad I didn't look at it before we drove through Illinois! | Faiza-Ifrah Sat Mar 10, 2007 00:45 UTC
a page well done in a unique style - history. you explained culture of the state very well. |
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