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Illinois State Symbols

Each state in the United States of America is unique. The people and legislature of Illinois have selected the following state symbols to represent their state's individual environment and culture.

The Illinois State Seal

[Image of The Illinois State Seal]

In 1868, a bill was introduced to create a new seal. It went through the legislature attracting the attention of only a few individuals, but the final bill said the seal was to remain essentially like the original. However, its written description fit the seal that had been used on official stationery rather than the 1839 seal.

American Eagle on a bolder in prairie, the sun rising in distant horizon.

The 50 State Seals

The Illinois State Flag

[Image of The Illinois State Flag]

The Illinois State Flag is a simple representation of the Great Seal of Illinois against a white background.

In 1969, the General Assembly voted to add the word "ILLINOIS" under the Great Seal of the flag. The State's name was added to the flag to ensure that people not familiar with the Great Seal of Illinois would still recognize the banner.

The 50 State Flags

Other State Symbols

  • Amphibian: Eastern Tiger Salamander
  • Bird: Northern Cardinal
  • Butterfly: Monarch Butterfly
  • Fish: Bluegill
  • Flower: Violet
  • Fruit: Gold Rush Apple
  • Fossil: Tully Monster
  • Animal: White-tailed Deer
  • Mineral: Fluorite
  • Motto: State Sovereignty, National Union
  • Reptile: Painted Turtle
  • Soil: Drummer Silty Clay Loam
  • Song: Illinois
  • Tree: White Oak
  • Nicknames: Land of Lincoln (official), Prairie State, The Corn State, The Sucker State, Garden of the West
  • Slogans: Mile After Magnificent Mile, Right Here. Right Now

Top 10 Most Popular Landmarks on LandmarkUnitedStates.com

  1. World's Largest Santa Claus
  2. Cedar Tree Arch (Rainbow Arch)
  3. Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
  4. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
  5. Great Lakes
  6. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  7. Golden Gate Bridge
  8. Liberty Bell
  9. Abraham Lincoln Tomb
  10. Devils Tower National Monument

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