This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

Every night I’m told what to do, and each morning I do what I’m told.  But I still don’t escape your scold.  What am I?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Illinois becomes the 21st state in the American Union on December 3, 1818.  Nicknamed the “Prairie State,” it is also known as the “Land of Lincoln.”

Here are some interesting facts about Illinois:

• State Capital:  Springfield
• State Bird:  Cardinal
• State Flower:  Illinois Violet
• State Motto:  State Sovereignty, National Union

Much of Illinois’ history is wrapped around the state capital of Springfield where the 16th American President, Abraham Lincoln, spends most of his adult life.  Born in Kentucky, Lincoln arrives from Indiana in 1829.  The birthplace of Ronald Reagan, 40th President, brings interested visitors to Tampico.

Being the third most populated city in the United States, Chicago is home to the first metal-frame design skyscraper in America.  The Home Insurance Building is built in 1885, and it features 10 stories within its height of 138 feet.  Demolished in 1931, the building’s history can be found in numerous photographs.

The city of Ottawa marks the location of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate on August 21, 1858.  Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas conduct a series of seven debates as they duel for one of the U.S. Senate seats from Illinois.    Over 10,000 spectators attend this outdoor event, and Douglas will later be victorious in the election.

The name “Illinois” is derived from the French translation of a Native American word which means warriors.  Three major rivers form much of the state boundary of Illinois:  Wabash, Ohio, and Mississippi.

Chicago becomes the eastern anchor of the famous Route 66 Highway as it journeys toward Los Angeles to the west.  The total distance traveled equals 2,448 miles.

Three-fourths of the state’s territory is farmed.  The rich, black soil is well-suited for corn and soybeans.  The area around the village of Morton is called the “Pumpkin Capital of the World.”  About 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin is harvested and processed at the Nestles/Libby’s plant.

From top left and moving clockwise: capitol building in springfield, abraham Lincoln’s home in springfield, Mcdonald’s first franchise opened in des plaines in 1955, home insurance building in chicago, morton welcomes visitors to its canned pumpkin industry, map with route 66 highway layout from chicago to Los Angeles, Carl Sandburg’s birthplace in galesburg, tampico wall mural celebrates the life of ronald reagan, tomb for abraham lincoln in springfield.  (all images courtesy of PINTEREST)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

An alarm clock.