Virtual Field Trip Outline
Use this outline and the information from each topic of the virtual field trip to answer the
questions from the MY ILLINOIS: A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP assignment
MY ILLINOIS: HISTORY
1. When did Illinois become a state? What is the ordinal number of this state compared to
the other 50?
Illinois became a state in 1818. It was inducted as the 21st state into the Union.
2. In Illinois during the Civil War, was it possible to hire a "substitute" to avoid being
drafted? If so, how much did it cost?
Yes, any state in the Confederacy or the Union allowed draftees to hire a substitute
to fight in their place. Substitutes could cost as much as $300.
3. What was the name of the last great Indian up-rising in Illinois, and how did it affect the
settlement of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin?
The last great Indian up-rising in Illinois was the Black Hawk War. The war also
resulted in the settlement of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. It ended the threat of
Native American attacks in northwest Illinois and allowed the region to be further
settled.
4. Where in Illinois was the location of the 3rd Lincoln-Douglas Debate? What date did the
debate take place on?
The location of the 3rd debate was in Jonesboro, IL. The 3rd debate was held on
Sept. 15th, 1858.
5. Who, besides Lincoln, is buried in Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield, Illinois' Oakridge
Cemetery?
Along the south wall of the burial room are five crypts containing the remains of
Mrs. Lincoln and three of Lincoln's four sons as well as Lincoln himself.
MY ILLINOIS: GOVERNMENT
1. Describe three ways in which the U.S. and Illinois governments are similar.
Both have three branches: legislative, judicial, and executive, and these three
branches have about the same types of duties in the state as they have in the
federal government. The same type of checks and balances system applies to
both governments, and Illinois and the U.S. Constitutions both has a bill of
rights.
2. [True or False ] States may make treaties.
False, the federal government’s responsibilities conversely deal with national
defense, foreign affairs, coinage of money, and so on.
3. What is the main body of the legislative branch in Illinois called?
The main body of the state legislative branch is called the General Assembly.
4. Which of the three branches in Illinois government "enforces and administers the laws"?
Who is the most important officer in this branch?
The executive branch enforces and administers the laws for the state. The most
important officer in this branch is the office of governor.
5. List the three levels of court systems the Judicial Branch of government in Illinois is
composed of? Which of these three is the final court of appeal in Illinois?
The three levels of courts in the judicial branch for the state are Supreme Court,
Appellate Court, and Circuit Court. The final court of appeals in the state of
Illinois is the State Supreme Court.
MY ILLINOIS: GEOGRAPHY
1. What is the state nickname? Explain why this is our nickname?
Illinois’ state nickname is the Prairie State. This nickname reflects the majority
of prairie land that covers the state.
2. What is the states lowest point in elevation?
Illinois lowest point in elevation is the Mississippi River.
3. Name all the states that border Illinois?
Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Iowa
4. How does Illinois rank among the other states in regards to size based on square mileage?
Illinois ranks 25th in the United States in terms of area.
5. Which one of Illinois' National Forests is located on the southern tip of the state?
The Shawnee National Forest is located on the southern end of the state.
MY ILLINOIS: SYMBOLS
1. Why was the official flag of Illinois changed in 1969 during the Vietnam War? How was
the flag changed?
Soldiers stationed in Vietnam noticed that the Illinois flag hanging in their barracks
was difficult to tell which state it represented due to the fact that the name “Illinois”
was not on it. The flag had the state name of Illinois added to the bottom of the flag,
below the state seal.
2. Illinois school children chose the cardinal as the state bird, what bird was their second
runner up?
The second runner up was the blue bird.
3. Why does the state mineral fluorite come from the Latin word fluere which means to
flow?
The mineral fluorite melts easily.
4. Why is the native violet so easy to grow?
The violet is easy to grow because it will thrive in shady or full sun locations.
5. After near extinction, by what year was the whitetail deer once again present in all
counties of the state?
By the 1970s, deer were once again present in all counties of the state.