National Illinois Day is celebrated on Dec.7 each year. It is established to commemorate the history, art and culture of the state.

As the twenty-first state to join the Union, Illinois' distinct politics, industry, agriculture and population creates an intriguing contrast to other states.

Here are ten facts about Illinois that shows its greatness:

1. Inventors John Deere and Cyrus McCormick made their fortunes in Illinois by improving farm machinery.
2. Illinois has over 8,000 miles of railroad, which is more than any other state except Texas.
3. Almost 80% of Illinois is farmland.
4. Illinois has over 123 state protected areas that included state parks and forests.
5. Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery.
6. While Ronald Reagan was the only president born in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant and Barack Obama all called Illinois home.
7. With the invention of the combustion engine, more reliable public highways became a national goal. U.S. Route 66 became the iconic ribbon from Chicago to Los Angeles. Officially established in 1926, portions of the route were created from already existing roads.
8. Skyscrapers were invented in Illinois, with the 1885 Home Insurance Building in Chicago widely considered the first.
9. There are also 88 National Historic Landmarks in Illinois. On this list, you’ll find a planetarium, aquarium, historic churches, houses, schools, lighthouse, lily pool, the Lincoln Tomb, and various archaeological sites.
10. Illinois inventions include the mechanical dishwasher, zipper, pinball machine, barbed wire, vacuum cleaner, yellow pencils, and brownies.

Illinois is truly a special place and we should not only celebrate today, but every day!