An 1890s re-creation of Lincoln s pivotal oration was rejected as a "fraud," and Lincoln may have deliberately buried the record of what he said himself.
Since statehood, and even before, Illinois has been well-represented in American wars. In many cases, Illinois was among national leaders in the number of men and women supplied to the service.
Illinois long has been criticized for its perceived lack of arts and culture. But the state has produced a surprising number of acclaimed artists, writers and musicians. Among them is sculptor Leonard Crunelle.