Illinois State Nickname: The Prairie State
Fact-checked • Updated December 10, 2025
"The Prairie State"
Also Known As:
About the Nickname The Prairie State
Illinois is commonly known by two major names: the Prairie State and the Land of Lincoln. The Prairie State reflects the expansive grasslands that once covered much of Illinois before large-scale settlement. Land of Lincoln honors Abraham Lincoln, who spent 31 years living and working in the state and built his political career in Springfield. Neither name has been formally adopted as an official nickname by state law, although Land of Lincoln functions as Illinois’s official state slogan and appears widely in government and public materials.
Meaning of 'The Prairie State'
Why is Illinois called the Prairie State? The explanation lies in the state's early geography. Before large-scale farming began in the 1800s, prairie grasslands covered roughly 22 million acres of Illinois. These tall-grass ecosystems dominated central and northern regions, where grasses could reach several feet in height. Wildflowers appeared in seasonal waves, adding color to the landscape. French explorers used the word prairie, meaning meadow, to describe this terrain.
Settlers entering Illinois during the 1800s encountered sweeping stretches of open grass. Except for trees growing along rivers or wetlands, the land appeared almost treeless in many areas. Writers and travelers began referring to Illinois as the Prairie State in the 1840s, using the term to distinguish it from heavily wooded states farther east. The nickname persisted because it reflected a defining natural feature of Illinois before agricultural development reshaped the region.
Today, less than one percent of the original prairie survives. Most of the grasslands were converted into farmland used for corn and soybean production. A few preserves protect remaining patches of native prairie, offering a glimpse of the landscape that once dominated Illinois. The Prairie State nickname serves as a reminder of this lost ecosystem.
Other Nicknames
Land of Lincoln
Illinois gained the Land of Lincoln nickname because Abraham Lincoln spent the majority of his adult life in the state. Lincoln arrived in Illinois in 1830 and lived there until 1861. He worked a series of jobs, studied law, and eventually entered public service. His legal practice in Springfield and his time in the state legislature helped establish his national reputation. Although unofficial, Land of Lincoln appears on Illinois license plates and is strongly associated with the state's identity.
The Inland Empire
This nickname circulated among writers and boosters in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The phrase suggested that Illinois held economic influence despite having no access to ocean coasts. Chicago's rapid growth during this era played a major role. As railroads, manufacturing centers, and trade routes expanded, Illinois became a powerful hub linking the eastern and western United States. While the term appears less today, historical references still highlight its use during Illinois's industrial rise.
The Sucker State
The Sucker State is an early nickname from the 1800s, and several theories attempt to explain its origin. One idea connects it to miners from southern Illinois who traveled north to Galena's lead mines during the summer and returned home in winter, much like sucker fish moving with seasonal flows. Another interpretation refers to settlers who were supposedly easy to deceive. Because the nickname carried negative associations, its use faded by the late 1800s. Today it appears mainly in historical accounts rather than as a modern label.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 6
Prairie grasslands once covered about 22 million acres of Illinois before large-scale settlement.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Official State of Illinois resource outlining state symbols, identity, and commonly used names including the Prairie State and Land of Lincoln
Background reference covering Illinois geography, prairie history, Abraham Lincoln’s life in the state, and the origins of common nicknames