French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, in 1673, were the first
Europeans of record to visit the region. In 1699 French settlers established the
first permanent settlement at Cahokia, near present-day East St. Louis. Great
Britain obtained the region at the end of the French and Indian Wars in 1763.
Significant episodes in the state's early history include the influx of settlers
following the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825; the Black Hawk War, and the
rise of Abraham Lincoln from farm labourer to president.
Central Illinois is noted for shrines and memorials associated with
the life of Abraham Lincoln. In Springfield are the Lincoln Home, the Lincoln
Tomb, and the restored Old State Capitol. Other points of interest are the home
of Mormon leader Joseph Smith in Nauvoo and, in Chicago: the Art Institute,
Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium,
Merchandise Mart, and Chicago Portage National Historic Site.