Celebrate National Illinois Day by learning about Illinois’ history

Dec. 7 is National Illinois Day! To celebrate, let’s take a look at some of Illinois’ rich history.

National Illinois Day is celebrated annually every Dec. 7 to commemorate one of the nation’s most enchanting states.

Illinois is known for its prominence in the Midwest, is associated with many remarkable politicians in U.S. history, and has many great museums, food, entertainment, and other points of interest.

Illinois has the sixth-largest population of the states. It has the 25^th largest land area. It also has the fifth-largest gross domestic product.

Known for its agricultural productivity, dairy products, manufacturing, soybean production, food and meat processing, and cattle production, Illinois is nicknamed “The Prairie State.”

Illinois is also a major transportation hub, with road networks and routes that connect to international ports, due to its proximity to Lake Michigan.

When farmers began their settling of the Illinois prairie, they had trouble sowing seeds into the thick soil. Luckily, a Vermont blacksmith named John Deere invented the steel plow, which made for much more efficient farming. Railroads and shipping lines grew with farms in the rich prairies as settlers spread across the state.

There are a number of past U.S. presidents that considered Illinois their home: Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and Barack Obama. However, of these presidents, Reagan was the only president born in Illinois.

Here are some FAQs and “Did you know?” statements about Illinois and its history.

Has Springfield always been the capital of Illinois? – No, before it was Kaskaskia from 1809 to 1819, and Vandalia from 1819 to 1839.

Did you know that in 1693, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet arrived in the region that became Illinois? They were exploring the Mississippi River, searching for a route to the Pacific Ocean.

Did you know that three rivers form part of the boundary of Illinois? The Mississippi River, the Ohio River, and the Wabash River.

Did you know that they changed the flow of the Chicago River to prevent epidemics of diseases like cholera? On January 1, 1900 they reversed the river to empty into the Mississippi instead of the Michigan. It took eight years and 8,500 workers.

Did you know that the official language of Illinois was known as the American language? This fact lasted from 1923 to 1969, before it was changed to English.

Did you know that Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S., by population?

Illinois has a magnificent history, and today is the perfect day to become more acquainted with it!

Illinois celebrates Krampusnacht

The legend of Krampus is a centuries old Austrian tradition that emerged as a dark counter part to St. Nicholas. Instead of a jolly old man bringing gifts for children, Krampus is a goat-derived being with red eyes and fangs that frightens naughty children as punishment for their behavior. Krampus night – or Krampusnacht – is celebrated annually on Dec. 5 previewing the St. Nicholas Feast on Dec. 6.

Krampusnacht is widely celebrated in Austria, Germany and other parts of Europe. Modern traditions include street festivals, known as Krampus runs, with people dressed as Krampus chasing festival goers, predominantly children. Individuals in regions across Europe maintain traditional customs by sporting heavy costumes made from real animal hide and wooden hand-carved masks. Folklore states that Krampus, aside from providing children an incentive to behave, would ward off bad winter spirits.

In recent years, Krampus has gained massive popularity in the U.S. and regions across the country have begun adopting their own Krampus related celebrations, including Illinois.

Here are a few events to check out this week to celebrate:

Crystal Lake Public Library- DIY Krampus Ornament
Crystal Lake Public Library is offering children 6th to 8th grade the opportunity to create their own Krampus holiday ornament on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
For more information, visit the library’s website.

Chicago’s 13th Floor Haunted House- Krampus the Fright before Christmas
Chicago’s 13th Floor Haunted House has transformed its infamous space into a Christmas horror fest. For one weekend only, visit the haunted house to see holiday fears come to life. The special event will run from Friday, Dec. 8 to Sunday Dec. 10.
For more event and ticket information, visit the 13th Floor website.

Blue Island- Krampus Market
Blue Island will be hosting its annual Krampus Market from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. Be sure to check out dozens of local artist and small business vendors at the event along with mystical tarot readers and Krampus himself.
For more information, visit their event page.

Happy Krampusnacht!

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum receives prestigious accreditation

After a rigorous two-year review process, the American Alliance of Museums has accredited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, highlighting their remarkable qualifications.

The ALPLM, which received this recognition on their first application, is now among 3% of museums in the U.S. that hold this accreditation. This categorizes the ALPLM as one of the most notable museums across the country and establishes its national importance. The American Alliance of Museums noted ALPLM’s level of operation, commitment to education and the preservation of former President Abraham Lincoln’s story.

Through their exhibits, educational programs, library services and more, the ALPLM has become a pillar of Illinois and U.S. history and has tirelessly worked to become one of the top operating museums since its opening in 2005.

For more information about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit their website.

National Pie Day: The best pie in Illinois

It’s National Pie Day! Celebrate today by enjoying a delicious piece of this decadent dessert – from apple to chocolate cream to Illinois’ official pie: pumpkin!

Pumpkin pie was designated as the state’s official pie in 2015. The General Assembly passed the legislation as a tribute to how much pumpkin is produced in Illinois. About 85% of consumed pumpkin in the U.S. comes from Illinois.

Pumpkin pie also has a rich history in America. The roots of pumpkin pie go back to a time when European settlers were experimenting with locally grown foods. They learned how to boil or steam pumpkins that were first domesticated by Native Americans. Early recipes for pumpkin pie can be found in both early Colonial and French cookbooks.

An 1827 novel is responsible for pumpkin pie’s connection to Thanksgiving. In “Northwood: A Tale of New England,” author Sara Josepha Hale dedicated a whole chapter to the description of the now-classic Thanksgiving dinner. In 1863, Hale convinced President Abraham Lincoln to declare a national day of Thanksgiving.

In Alton, what is known as a portion of the town titled “Upper Alton” is also known as Historic Pie Town. In 1846, soldiers gathering near Alton, on route to the Mexican war, camped in an area which is now Rock Spring Park. Ladies in surrounding homes delivered pies to the travelers, thus the town’s name became Pie Town.

Here are some of the best spots for pie in Illinois:

• Pies by Ingie, Monticello – made from scratch small-batch pies
• Lucky Moon Pies & More, Mahomet – pie shop with pie of the month club
• Common Grounds Café & Pie Shop, Gridley – specialty coffee drinks and seasonal pies
• The Confectionary Inc., Morton – from scratch pies, open since 1976
• The Apple Barn, Chatham – plants, bakery with homemade pies

Celebrate National Pie Day today by indulging in some delicious pie.