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The physical area that now is taken up by the state of Illinois always has been basically where it is. Likewise, the name of the state always has been applied to today's core area.

But in terms of European settlement, the area started out as part of the French Empire. It passed to British control in 1763. In 1778, it was claimed as the 'Illinois Country' region of Virginia by George Rogers Clark [November 19, 1752-February 13, 1818]. Virginia ceded the area to the newly formed United States of America, in 1783. The area thereby became part of the Northwest Territory. On February 3, 1809, it became the Illinois Territory, in its own right. Finally, on December 3, 1818, it became the 21st state of the United States of America, and its name finalized as 'Illinois'.

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15y ago

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