For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest. – Luke 8:17
Each state has its own story that contributes to the way the United States developed and grew. On this day in 1818, Illinois became the 21st state admitted to the union. The state’s name comes from the Illini Alliance of Indigenous Tribes. Once the area was claimed as a territory of France, they changed the end of the name Illini, adding “-ois” to match French grammar. France ceded the territory to the U.S. in 1783, and the U.S. formally added it to the formal territories in 1809. There were deliberations on where the northern border of the state should be located. Congress extended it 51 miles north to include the Chicago River and Lake Michigan shores before signing its statehood into law. This granted the state of Illinois the waterways that made it the transportation hub it is today.
As the Lord leads, pray with us…
- For members of Congress as they deliberate over the federal appropriations for the current fiscal year.
- For discernment for the president and officials in his administration as they promote agenda policies.
