The state of Illinois , often called the "Land of Lincoln," is a tapestry of industrial grit, agricultural vastness, and literary depth. An essay on Illinois can be woven together using the words of those who shaped it—from the transformative leadership of Abraham Lincoln to the poetic observations of Carl Sandburg. The Land of Lincoln: A Political Identity
— Joseph Smith Conclusion
Beyond politics, Illinois is defined by the industrial muscle of Chicago. , the "Poet of the People," famously captured this in his poem Chicago .