Illinois was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes such as the Illini, Chickasaw, and Ho-Chunk. It was explored by French explorers in 1673 and was part of the French empire until 1763. Illinois became a U.S. state in 1818, the 21st state admitted. Today, Illinois has a large Polish American population, with over 930,000 Polish Americans residing in the state as of 2000, especially in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.

1. Sayhello toIllinois!By Karol Kazimierski

2. Beginings of thestateIllinois was „discovered” by French explorers – Jacquess Marquette & Louis Jolliet – in 1673, and was part of theFrench empire, until 1763.Then Illinois passed to British, which, cededit to newUnitedStates in 1783, andbecame part of NorthwestTerritory.On Febuary 3, 1809 the Illinois Territory was created. And finaly, on December 3, 1818, Illinois becamethe 21st U.S State. Aproximatestatearea in 1718Territorial map from 1778State map from 1818

3. Illinois Indian TribesTheorginalinhabitants of areathatisnow Illinois Included:Illinitribe

4. Chickasawtribe

5. Dakota Siouxtribe

6. Ho-Chunktribe