This Is How Illinois Got Its Name

Illinois is a beautiful, big state, and anyone who lives in it can proudly pronounce it correctly. That’s Illi-noy—no pesky “s” at the end. However, most Illinoisans likely don’t know how the state got its unusual name.

Illinois was named after the Illinois River, which was named by French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle in an attempt to map the region’s many rivers and waterways. The French explored the area in the early 1600s and gave names to different villages and rivers based on the things and people they encountered on their explorations. La Salle sailed the river in 1679 and named it after the Native Americans he met who lived on the banks of the waterway.

Illinois isn’t the version of the name; rather, it is the French pronunciation of the original word. The word Illinois is derived from the Native American word “iliniwok” or “illiniwek,” which literally means “best people”; it was used to refer to the 10 to 12 tribes found around the river. The entire state is named Best People, and that’s something of which to be proud! Illinois is full of the very best people in the Midwest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShiH4pLSe30

The river flowing through Galena, Illinois

Illinois isn’t the only name for the state. Its nicknames include “The Land of Lincoln,” “The Prairie State,” “The Corn State,” “The Garden of the West,” “Egypt,” due to the massive flooding in the Illinois city Cairo, and The Sucker State.

How did the Best People become known as suckers? There are three theories. One theory is that many of the prairies were full of crawfish holes from which many people would suck water by using a hollow reed. Another theory refers to the people who fled to Galena for the lead mines in 1822 and the way they would go back and forth from the mines to the river for fish to eat or “suck.” Lastly, it may have been a derogatory way to refer to poor southern Illinois residents who migrated north to “suck the resources” from the wealthier residents already living in the area.

Regardless, calling the state Illinois, for Best People, is the best way to refer to The Prairie State and its Native American heritage.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.