Illinois

Illinois, nicknamed "The Prairie State" because most of the state was once covered with prairie grasses, is the sixth most populated state in the United States. Politically oft known as a swing state because elections could swing either to Democrats or Republicans, in recent years it has become a Democratic stronghold. It's most poplulous and well known city is Chicago, known for it's baseball, tv personality Oprah, deep dish pizzas, and the location of several major movies. Some of it's well known landmarks are baseball's famous Wrigley Field, president Abraham Lincoln's Tomb, and The Willis (Sears Tower) which was the US's largest tower for nearly 40 years. Illinois also has the world largest ketchup bottle, was the first to ratify the 13th amendment to abolish slavery, and is home to the Chicago river, which is the only river in the US to flow backwards.