“Die when I may, I want it said by those who knew me best that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.” – Abraham Lincoln

This is the story of the land and the people of Illinois.

Former Governor Thomas Ford said the unique position of Illinois on the map, uniting as it does both north and south, is a…

“perpetual call upon Illinoisans of every age to remember the great trust which has been reposed in them as the peculiar champions and guardians of the Union by the great men and patriot sages who adorned and governed this country in the earlier…days of the Republic.”

By thy rivers gently flowing, Illinois, Illinois, O’er thy prairies verdant growing, Illinois, Illinois, Comes an echo on the breeze. Rustling through the leafy trees, and its mellow tones are these, Illinois, Illinois, And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.

Illinois is a melting pot. Illinoisans live in a beautiful state. They should complement its beauty by living honorable lives and become an example to the rest of the nation, as well as the world.

Enjoy!

God’s Meadows: The Land and People of Illinois http://sheridanhistory.com/gods-meadows-the-land-and-people-of-illinois/