This notebook illustration of mine from 2020 is a collage representing the state of Illinois, known as the "Land of Lincoln." Here are the key elements depicted:

1. Map of Illinois: Located in the upper left corner, the map shows the state's outline and major cities.
2. Galena: historically significant as a major lead mining center during the 19th century and as the home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. The town is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and its role in the Civil War era.
3. Railroads: crucial to Illinois' development and transformation of Chicago into a major transportation hub, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the state and the nation. The extensive rail network helped drive economic growth, industrialization, and the expansion of agriculture throughout Illinois.
4. Airplane: transportation, especially air travel is significant to Illinois, with O’Hare International Airport often noted as one of the busiest airports in the world.
5. Abraham Lincoln: Illinois, his home state. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is renowned for his leadership of the country through the Civil War and worked to end slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the 13th Amendment. His leadership preserved the Union and set the foundation for a more just society, leaving a lasting legacy on American history.
6. Columbian World Exhibition of 1893: with the Statue of the Republic depicted, Chicago showcased Illinois' economic and cultural prominence, attracting millions of visitors and highlighting advancements in architecture, technology, and the arts. The event established Chicago as a major global city and left a lasting legacy through its influence on urban planning and the creation of cultural institutions.
7. Farming / Corn: represents Illinois's agricultural importance.
8. Eads Bridge: completed in 1874, was the first steel arch bridge across the Mississippi River, linking St. Louis, Missouri, to East St. Louis, Illinois, and revolutionizing bridge engineering with its innovative use of steel. Its construction established a vital transportation link between the eastern and western United States, fostering economic growth and regional connectivity.
9. Chicago Skyline: highlights the significant contribution of Chicago and Illinois toward architectural innovation, neoclassical preservation, and ingenuity.
10. Flagship Universities: a nod is made to the three most prestigious institutions of higher education in Illinois—The University of Illinois, Northwestern University, and The University of Chicago.
11. Pumpkin: Illinois is the leading producer of pumpkins in the United States, particularly known for its production of pumpkins used in processed foods like canned pumpkin. The state's favorable growing conditions and dedicated agricultural practices make it a crucial contributor to the nation's pumpkin supply, especially during the fall season and Halloween festivities.

Each component highlights different aspects of Illinois, from its historical significance to its modern infrastructure and agricultural roots.