Kaskaskia was the first capital of the Illinois Territory from its organization in 1809, continuing through statehood in 1818, and through the first year as a state in 1819. Vandalia was the second state capital of Illinois from 1819 to 1839. Springfield became the third and current capital of Illinois in 1839.

The state fossil, Tullimonstrum gregarium, is colloquially known as the Tully Monster. Fossils of this strange, carnivorous, cuttlefish-like invertebrate have been found only in the Mazon Creek fossil beds of Illinois.

At 1,235 feet above sea level, Charles Mound is the highest natural point in Illinois. Elijah Charles, one of the region's first permanent settlers, arrived in 1828 and settled at the base of the mound and the hill assumed his name. Unlike most landmarks, this one's at the top of a family's driveway. They allow visitors a few weekends a year and set up lawn chairs for taking in the view.

Viola sororia, also known as the common blue violet, has historically been used for food and medicine. The Cherokee used it to treat colds and headaches. The leaves are high in vitamins A and C, and the flowers have been made into jelly and candy.

Chicago's nickname, the Windy City, has nothing to do with meteorology. The epithet, which originated with a New York City journalist, actually referred to the boastful, long-winded politicians campaigning for the World's Columbian Exhibition of 1893.

In 1818, Shadrach Bond was elected governor of Illinois, becoming the new state's first chief executive. In an example of American politics during the Era of Good Feelings, Bond was elected without opposition. After a single term as governor, he returned to his Kaskaskia farm.

Peoria is the oldest European settlement in Illinois, as explorers first ventured up the Illinois River from the Mississippi. The lands that eventually would become Peoria were first settled by Europeans in 1680 when French explorers René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and Henri de Tonti constructed Fort Crevecoeur.

A fierce, fire-breathing beast lurks just off Veterans Parkway in Vandalia, Illinois. While the 35-foot-long Kaskaskia Dragon is free for public viewing 24 hours a day, you'll have to purchase a token to make it breathe fire.

In 2007, Illinois lawmakers officially declared April 1st "Cheap Trick Day" in honor of the American rock band from Rockford, Illinois. Cheap Trick was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

In 1978, the Governor of Illinois signed a proclamation designating Morton, Illinois as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World" since 85% of the world's canned pumpkin was processed at their Libby's Pumpkin plant.