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Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet were the original European explorers to visit the area in the early 17th century, bringing French missions and trading posts for the first time to the Illinois frontier.

Control of the area next went to Great Britain (as a direct result of their victory in the the French and Indian Wars in 1763), followed by their own historic defeat in the Revolutionary War.

By 1825, the state's population exploded with the opening of the Erie Canal, adding to Chicago's standing as a chief Great Lakes port.

The 19th century also saw Illinois' most famous son, Abraham Lincoln, eventually rise from lowly rail splitter to President of the United States.

Beside popular attractions associated with Abe Lincoln located in and around Springfield, the most popular Chicago tourist attractions include the newly arrived Millennium Park, as well as the Art Institute, Adler Planetarium, and Sears Tower.

More about Illinois travel & tourism around the Web:

Enjoy Illinois - Like it says, with plenty to do and see around the state with hotel & restaurant guides, major attractions, pictures, maps, trivia and fast facts, feature articles and event calendar, weekend getaway packages and outdoor fun.

Illinois Amtrak Routes - Handy map with Chicago and St. Louis as the major hubs and featuring all stops in between.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library - Video preview, interactive map, Lincoln timeline, trip planner, hotels & restaurants, directions to Springfield, hours & admission.

Springfield Illinois Visitor Information - What the rest of Springfield has to offer with info on major attractions, tours, the annual Route 66 Festival, dining & hotel guides, seasonal event calendar.

Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau - Where to eat, shop and stay on your visit with major and nearby attractons, hotels, history, events, maps, photos & driving directions.

Illinois Attractions, Roadside America - Offbeat attractions all over Illinois including facts and info on the world's largest catsup bottle, King Tut the dog monument, Al Capone memorabilia, and the McDonald's museum. And more...

Illinois Summer Travel Calendar: