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May 17, 2021 · But Illinois had an older, unofficial slogan that dates back to the state’s earliest days: the Sucker State. During the 1800s, Illinoisans were known far and wide as “suckers.”. But this term predates the derogatory usage of “sucker” as someone who is easily deceived.
Mar 11, 2004 · What most people don't realize is that for much of the 19th century, Illinois had a less noble nickname: the Sucker State. And although there is no doubt that this nickname was associated with Illinois, the origin of the term is subject to debate and at least three interpretations.
- Inland Empire State. The Inland Empire State was once a popular Illinois nickname. No one is quite sure who coined the term, but it likely started sometime around 1870.
- Land of Lincoln. Nearly everyone is aware that the state of Illinois is referred to as the Land of Lincoln. This moniker is historical in nature, deriving from Abraham Lincoln calling the state home between 1830 and 1861.
- The Prairie State. Some people may not be aware that the Prairie State was once the official Illinois state nickname. This moniker comes from the state's landscape, made up largely of flat, fertile land where plants thrive.
- The Sucker State. It may be a humorous moniker, but Illinois was once commonly referred to as the Sucker State, particularly in Midwestern territories. There are a few origins for this particular nickname, all of which are related to Illinois' nature.
Sep 27, 2012 · There are two theories as to why Illinois was nicknamed the "Sucker State." One dates back to Galena's mining industry of the 1820s.
Apr 15, 2023 · Probably the most popular explanation of how Illinois came to be known as the Sucker State involves the state's first lead mine, which was opened in 1824 near Galena. As word of the mine spread, thousands of men descended on Galena in search of work.
The Winnebago War and why Illinoisans are 'Suckers'. Gov. THOMAS FORD. A History of Illinois. CHICAGO (1854) — It was during Gov. Edwards' administration in the summer of 1827 that the first Indian disturbances occurred since the war of 1812. This was called the Winnebago war. The Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes, Sioux, Menominies, and other ...
what we now call folklore. How Illinois got its nickname 'the Sucker State' is a case in point. In the absence of a reliable historical explanation, folklore offered its own special answers to the problem. Joseph Gillespie, who in 1827 left his home in Edwardsville to seek work in the lead mines around Galena, noted that the term 'Sucker'
