Illinois Scavenger Hunt Key

Illinois Scavenger Hunt

Answer Key

Write complete sentences to answer each question below. Happy Hunting!

1. In what year was Abraham Lincoln's Springfield home built?

Lincoln's home was built in 1839.

2. Who were the first Europeans to make their homes in Illinois?

The French were the first Europeans to make Illinois their home.

3. When the pioneers first settled in Illinois in the 1800's they avoided prairies and settled close to the rivers and forests. Why?

They didn't think the prairie land was fertile. The prairie was difficult to plow due to the thick roots of the prairie grass. They used the wood from the trees for fuel, building, and to make tools.

4. Illinois has had 3 different state capitals. Name the 3 cities that served as Illinois' state capital in order from our 1st capital to our capital today.

The 3 state capital cities in order from 1st to last are: Kaskaskia, Vandalia, and Springfield.

5. What 2 French explorers are credited with discovering Illinois? Tell something about their expedition.

The 2 French explorers who discovered Illinois are Louis Joliet (or Jolliet) and Father Jacques Marquette. Answers will vary.

6. Choose a historic site. Tell where it is located and why it is important to Illinois' history.

Answers will vary.

7. What are the 5 largest cities in Illinois?

The 5 largest cities in Illinois in order from largest to smallest are Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, and Aurora.

8. Who is the mayor of Springfield, Illinois?

The mayor of Springfield is Karen Hasara.

9. Lincoln's mother died of "milk sickness" when he was 9 years old. Tell something about the disease and how someone might have gotten it.

This disease occurs when people drink milk from cows that have eaten poisonous white snakeroot.

10. Go back to any of the web sites and find an interesting fact you learned about Illinois.

Answers will vary.

Bonus Create a question about Illinois based on the web sites you've visited. Be sure to include the answer and the name of the web site that has the answer.

Write complete sentences to answer each question below. Happy Hunting!

1. In what year was Abraham Lincoln's Springfield home built?

Lincoln's home was built in 1839.

2. Who were the first Europeans to make their homes in Illinois?

3. When the pioneers first settled in Illinois in the 1800's they avoided prairies and settled close to the rivers and forests. Why?

They didn't think the prairie land was fertile. The prairie was difficult to plow due to the thick roots of the prairie grass. They used the wood from the trees for fuel, building, and to make tools.

4. Illinois has had 3 different state capitals. Name the 3 cities that served as Illinois' state capital in order from our 1st capital to our capital today.

The 3 state capital cities in order from 1st to last are: Kaskaskia, Vandalia, and Springfield.

5. What 2 French explorers are credited with discovering Illinois? Tell something about their expedition.

6. Choose a historic site. Tell where it is located and why it is important to Illinois' history.

Answers will vary.

7. What are the 5 largest cities in Illinois?

The 5 largest cities in Illinois in order from largest to smallest are Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, and Aurora.

8. Who is the mayor of Springfield, Illinois?

The mayor of Springfield is Karen Hasara.

9. Lincoln's mother died of "milk sickness" when he was 9 years old. Tell something about the disease and how someone might have gotten it.

This disease occurs when people drink milk from cows that have eaten poisonous white snakeroot.

10. Go back to any of the web sites and find an interesting fact you learned about Illinois.

Answers will vary.

**Bonus** Create a question about Illinois based on the web sites you've visited. Be sure to include the answer and the name of the web site that has the answer.

This activity adapted from original work done by Marsha Sheinin and Joan Hoexter.

Bonus Create a question about Illinois based on the web sites you've visited. Be sure to include the answer and the name of the web site that has the answer.