Amphibian: Eastern Tiger Salamander

Animal: White-tailed Deer

Bird: Cardinal

Dance: Square Dance

Fish: Bluegill

Flag: History The bald eagle represents the United States. In its beak it holds a streamer with the state motto on it. The state motto means that Illinois governs itself under the government of the United States. In the eagle’s claws is a shield with thirteen bars and thirteen stars, this represents the first thirteen states. The two dates on the boulder are the dates of Statehood and of the State Seal. The ground around it symbolizes the state’s rich prairie soil.

Flower: Purple Violet

Fossil: Tully Monster

Insect: Monarch Butterfly

Mineral: Fluorite

Motto: State sovereignty, national union

Nickname: Prairie State

Origin of state''s name: Algonquin Indian for "tribe of superior men"

Prairie Grass: Big Bluestem

Reptile: Painted Turtle

Seal: The Great Seal

Slogan: "Land of Lincoln" The slogan was adopted by the General Assembly in 1955. The State of Illinois has a copyright for the exclusive use of the slogan.

Snack Food: Popcorn

Song: Illinois lyrics by: Charles H. Chamberlin music by: Archibald Johnston