Because of its centralized location, Illinois has been able to become and remain a highly diverse community, in terms of both its economy and area. Illinois contains large metro areas, suburbs, farms and plains, a sample of America’s melting pot in one centralized location.
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The Illinois Constitution, ratified in 1818 did not grant slavery to state constituents, but it did grant indentured servant status. This subtle difference allowed Illinois admission to the Union as the 21st state on December 3, 1818. Until the Civil War, Illinois was considered a "southern" state. After the war broke out, the perception shifted to a "northern" state as native son Abraham Lincoln was elected President. The state supplied 250,000 soldiers and became a major weapons manufacturer to aid in the Civil War effort.
After the war, a wave of immigration sparked labor unions and brought a push for child labor laws and the eight hour workday. The Haymarket Riot and Pullman Strike in the late 19th century began a tumultuous era of organized crime unrest.
All of the nation’s major railroad lines converged in Chicago, sparking an outstanding growth rate. With growth came money. With money came crime. With crime came gangsters. Al Capone and Bugs Moran ran speakeasies and gambling houses and corrupted the political and legal systems. Prohibition wound down, the crime rate dropped and the "American Dream" was had.
The 1960s and 70s brought new awareness to poverty and alienated some of the affluent residents of Illinois. Social welfare programs and bilingual education were expanded and mandated for immigrant children.
Strengths in agricultural, manufacturing, tourism, finance and mining, together with its wide industrial base assures Illinois of economic stability. Its 1,110 mile waterway system, connecting the St. Lawrence Seaway with the Mississippi River, is key to transporting materials and tourists alike to their final destinations. Farming is continues to be a primary economic component as Illinois ranks first in soybean production and second to Iowa in corn production. It has, and still ranks first in coal production as half of its land is covering the world’s largest coal field.
The statewide sales tax is 6.5 percent with local options for additional increments. Cities and counties can impose a sales/lodging tax of up to 5 percent.
With its long, north, south span, the climate is perfectly suited for four season recreation. Boating, swimming and fishing occupy spring and summer, while hunting, skiing, ice boating and snowmobiling give winter sports lovers their choice of enjoyments.
