the handle on illinois
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The Birthplace of Skyscrapers: Chicago is home to the world’s first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, built in 1885.
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In 1900, engineers reversed the flow of the Chicago River to prevent pollution from Lake Michigan, a massive engineering feat at the time.
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Superman’s Hometown: Metropolis, Illinois, claims to be the “Hometown of Superman.”
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The iconic Route 66, known as the “Main Street of America,” begins in Chicago, Illinois, and stretches all the way to California.
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The very first McDonald’s was opened in Des Plaines, Illinois, by Ray Kroc in 1955. The original location is now a museum.
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Each year, Chicago dyes the Chicago River bright green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a tradition that started in the 1960s.
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Home of Abe Lincoln: Illinois is known as the “Land of Lincoln,” as it’s where Abraham Lincoln began his political career.
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Twinkies were invented in 1930 by James Dewar, who worked at the Continental Baking Company in River Forest, Illinois. .
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Chicago has more than 60 museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry.