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Illinois is composed of 102 administrative divisions known as counties.
Answer: True
Explanation: The state of Illinois is indeed divided into 102 administrative units, each designated as a county.
Cook County is the most populous county in Illinois and ranks as the most populous county in the entire United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Cook County is the most populous in Illinois and home to Chicago, it ranks as the second-most populous county in the United States, not the most populous.
Hardin County, with a population of 3,550 residents, is the least populous county in Illinois.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hardin County is identified as the least populous county in Illinois, with a recorded population of 3,550 residents.
Putnam County is the largest county in Illinois by land area, covering 1,186 square miles.
Answer: False
Explanation: Putnam County is, in fact, the smallest county in Illinois by land area, covering 172 square miles. McLean County is the largest.
The FIPS state code for Illinois is 17, and its postal abbreviation is IL.
Answer: True
Explanation: The FIPS state code for Illinois is correctly identified as 17, and its standard postal abbreviation is IL.
The detailed table for each county includes its FIPS county code, county seat, and population, but not its land area.
Answer: False
Explanation: The detailed table for each county includes its FIPS county code, county seat, population, and also its land area, among other data points.
How many counties comprise the state of Illinois?
Answer: 102
Explanation: The state of Illinois is administratively divided into 102 counties.
Which Illinois county is recognized as the most populous and is home to the city of Chicago?
Answer: Cook County
Explanation: Cook County is the most populous county in Illinois and contains the city of Chicago.
What is the population of Hardin County, the least populous county in Illinois?
Answer: 3,550 residents
Explanation: Hardin County, identified as the least populous county in Illinois, has a population of 3,550 residents.
Which county holds the distinction of being the largest in Illinois by land area?
Answer: McLean County
Explanation: McLean County is the largest county in Illinois by land area, encompassing 1,186 square miles.
What is the FIPS state code for Illinois?
Answer: 17
Explanation: The FIPS state code, a standardized governmental code, for Illinois is 17.
Before modern county formation, the territory now known as Illinois was claimed by Ohio County, Virginia, between 1778 and 1782.
Answer: False
Explanation: The territory now known as Illinois was claimed as part of Illinois County, Virginia, not Ohio County, between 1778 and 1782.
Modern-day county formation in the Illinois territory began in 1790, while it was part of the Northwest Territory.
Answer: True
Explanation: Modern county formation in the Illinois territory commenced in 1790, during its period as part of the Northwest Territory.
The two counties initially created when the Illinois area was part of the Northwest Territory were St. Clair and Madison.
Answer: False
Explanation: The two counties initially established when the Illinois area was part of the Northwest Territory were St. Clair and Knox, not St. Clair and Madison.
The original Knox County, formed in the Northwest Territory, became Knox County, Indiana, upon the formation of the Illinois Territory in 1809.
Answer: True
Explanation: The original Knox County, established within the Northwest Territory, was indeed incorporated into Indiana as Knox County upon the creation of the Illinois Territory in 1809.
St. Clair County is recognized as the oldest county in Illinois, established in 1790.
Answer: True
Explanation: St. Clair County holds the distinction of being the oldest county in Illinois, having been established in 1790 as one of the two original counties.
By the time Illinois achieved statehood in 1818, a total of 25 counties had been established by successive territorial governments.
Answer: False
Explanation: By the time Illinois attained statehood in 1818, a total of 15 counties had been established by successive territorial governments, not 25.
Ford County was the last county created in Illinois, established by the state government in 1859.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ford County was indeed the final county established in Illinois, created by the state government in 1859.
The territory that is now Illinois was historically claimed as part of which larger entity between 1778 and 1782?
Answer: Illinois County, Virginia
Explanation: Between 1778 and 1782, the territory currently known as Illinois was claimed as part of Illinois County, Virginia.
When did modern-day county formation begin in the Illinois territory?
Answer: 1790
Explanation: Modern county formation in the Illinois territory commenced in 1790, during its period as part of the Northwest Territory.
Which two counties were initially created when the Illinois area was part of the Northwest Territory?
Answer: St. Clair and Knox
Explanation: The initial counties established when the Illinois area was part of the Northwest Territory were St. Clair and Knox.
What happened to the original Knox County created in the Northwest Territory upon the formation of the Illinois Territory in 1809?
Answer: It became Knox County, Indiana.
Explanation: Upon the formation of the Illinois Territory in 1809, the original Knox County from the Northwest Territory was incorporated as Knox County, Indiana.
By the time Illinois achieved statehood in 1818, how many counties had been established?
Answer: 15
Explanation: By the time Illinois attained statehood in 1818, a total of 15 counties had been established by successive territorial governments.
What was the name of the last county created in Illinois, established in 1859?
Answer: Ford County
Explanation: Ford County was the last county established in Illinois, created by the state government in 1859.
Most Illinois counties were primarily named after natural features and Native American tribes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Most Illinois counties were primarily named after early American leaders and military personnel, with natural features and Native American tribes being secondary naming sources.
Illinois has a county named after Abraham Lincoln, reflecting his historical significance to the state.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite Abraham Lincoln's profound historical significance to Illinois, no county is named directly after him. However, Douglas County is named after his political rival, Stephen A. Douglas.
Calhoun County, founded in 1825, is named after John C. Calhoun, who was known for his pro-slavery views.
Answer: True
Explanation: Calhoun County, established in 1825, is named after John C. Calhoun, a South Carolina senator and Vice President, recognized for his outspoken pro-slavery and pro-southern views.
Several Illinois counties are named after Southerners because the state was briefly part of Virginia and had early settlers from Southern states.
Answer: True
Explanation: The naming of several Illinois counties after Southerners is attributed to the state's historical connection to Virginia and the significant influx of early settlers from Southern states.
Some Illinois counties are named after heroes of the American Civil War, reflecting their contributions to the Union.
Answer: False
Explanation: No Illinois counties are named after American Civil War heroes, as all counties were established prior to the commencement of that conflict.
Lee County, established in 1839, is named after Robert E. Lee, a prominent general in the Civil War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lee County, founded in 1839, is named after Henry Lee III, an American Revolutionary War officer and Governor of Virginia, who was Robert E. Lee's father, not Robert E. Lee himself.
DeWitt Clinton, a New York governor, has only one Illinois county named after him.
Answer: False
Explanation: DeWitt Clinton, a notable New York governor, has two Illinois counties named in his honor: DeWitt County and Clinton County.
Which of the following was NOT a primary category for naming Illinois counties?
Answer: Civil War heroes
Explanation: Civil War heroes were not a primary category for naming Illinois counties, as all counties were established prior to the Civil War.
Despite having a city named Lincoln, which Illinois county is named after Abraham Lincoln's political rival, Stephen A. Douglas?
Answer: Douglas County
Explanation: Douglas County is named after Stephen A. Douglas, Abraham Lincoln's political rival, despite the absence of a county named directly after Lincoln.
Calhoun County is named after John C. Calhoun, who was known for his outspoken views on what issue?
Answer: Pro-slavery and pro-southern views
Explanation: John C. Calhoun, the namesake of Calhoun County, was notably outspoken in his pro-slavery and pro-southern views.
Why are several Illinois counties named after Southerners?
Answer: Many early settlers of Illinois came from Southern states.
Explanation: The naming of several Illinois counties after Southerners is largely due to the significant migration of early settlers from Southern states and the state's brief historical connection to Virginia.
Lee County, founded in 1839, is named after which individual?
Answer: Henry Lee III
Explanation: Lee County, established in 1839, is named after Henry Lee III, an American Revolutionary War officer and Governor of Virginia, who was the father of Robert E. Lee.
Which prominent New York figure has two Illinois counties named after him?
Answer: DeWitt Clinton
Explanation: DeWitt Clinton, a significant New York governor and presidential candidate, is the namesake for two Illinois counties: DeWitt County and Clinton County.
Adams County, Illinois, has its county seat in Quincy and is named after John Quincy Adams.
Answer: True
Explanation: Adams County, Illinois, with its county seat in Quincy, is indeed named after John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States.
Alexander County was established in 1819 and named after William M. Alexander, an early state representative.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alexander County, established in 1819, is named in honor of William M. Alexander, an early settler and state representative in the Illinois General Assembly.
Bond County, established in 1817, was named after Shadrach Bond, the first Governor of Illinois.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bond County, established in 1817, is named after Shadrach Bond, who served as the inaugural Governor of Illinois.
Boone County was named after Daniel Boone, a famous explorer of the American frontier.
Answer: True
Explanation: Boone County is named after Daniel Boone, the renowned trailblazer and explorer of the American frontier.
Brown County was named after Jacob Brown, a successful War of 1812 army officer.
Answer: True
Explanation: Brown County is named after Jacob Brown, a distinguished army officer from the War of 1812, known for his successful command of the Great Lakes defenses.
Bureau County was named after Pierre de Bureo, a French fur trader in North America.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bureau County is named after Pierre de Bureo, a French fur trader active in North America.
Calhoun County has its county seat in Hardin and a population of 3,550 residents.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Calhoun County's seat is Hardin, its population is 4,224 residents, not 3,550. Hardin County has 3,550 residents.
Carroll County was named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Answer: True
Explanation: Carroll County is named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a distinguished signer of the Declaration of Independence from Maryland.
Cass County was named after Lewis Cass, who served as the second governor of Michigan Territory.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cass County is named after Lewis Cass, who held the position of second governor of Michigan Territory and later served as the fourteenth United States Secretary of War.
Champaign County derived its name directly from a Native American word for 'open level country'.
Answer: False
Explanation: Champaign County's name is derived from Champaign County, Ohio, which in turn took its name from the French word for 'open level country,' not directly from a Native American word.
Christian County was named after William Christian, a Virginia politician, via Christian County, Kentucky.
Answer: True
Explanation: Christian County's etymology traces back to Christian County, Kentucky, which was named after William Christian, a prominent Virginia politician.
Clark County was named after George Rogers Clark, the highest-ranking officer in the Northwest Territory during the American Revolution.
Answer: True
Explanation: Clark County is named after George Rogers Clark, who served as the highest-ranking officer in the Northwest Territory during the American Revolutionary War.
Clay County was named after Henry Clay, a Kentucky legislator famous for negotiating the Missouri Compromise.
Answer: True
Explanation: Clay County is named after Henry Clay, the influential Kentucky legislator renowned for his role in negotiating the Missouri Compromise.
Coles County was named after Edward Coles, the first Governor of Illinois, who was instrumental in abolishing slavery in the state.
Answer: False
Explanation: Coles County was named after Edward Coles, the *second* Governor of Illinois, who was indeed instrumental in the abolition of slavery in the state.
Cook County was named after Daniel Pope Cook, the first Attorney General of Illinois.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cook County is named after Daniel Pope Cook, a prominent politician who served as the first Attorney General of Illinois.
Crawford County was named after William H. Crawford, who served as the ninth United States Secretary of War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Crawford County is named after William H. Crawford, who held the positions of ninth United States Secretary of War and seventh Secretary of the Treasury.
The name origin for Cumberland County is definitively known to be the Cumberland Road.
Answer: False
Explanation: The origin of Cumberland County's name is disputed, with potential references to the Cumberland Road, Cumberland, Maryland, or the Cumberland River in Kentucky.
DeKalb County was named after Johann de Kalb, a German officer who fought in the American Revolution.
Answer: True
Explanation: DeKalb County is named after Johann de Kalb, a German officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
DuPage County was named after a prominent early Illinois leader.
Answer: False
Explanation: DuPage County was named after the DuPage River, a natural feature, not a prominent early Illinois leader.
Edgar County was named after John Edgar, who was considered the wealthiest man in Illinois at the time of its establishment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Edgar County is named after John Edgar, an Illinois delegate to the Northwest Territory legislature, who was recognized as the wealthiest man in Illinois during the county's establishment.
Edwards County was named after Ninian Edwards, the third Governor of Illinois and the only governor of the Illinois Territory.
Answer: True
Explanation: Edwards County is named after Ninian Edwards, who served as the third Governor of Illinois and uniquely as the only governor of the Illinois Territory.
Effingham County was named after Thomas Howard, 3rd Earl of Effingham, a British military officer who supported the American colonies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Effingham County is named after Thomas Howard, 3rd Earl of Effingham, a British military officer who resigned from the British Army to avoid fighting against the American colonies, rather than actively supporting them.
Fayette County was named after Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, a key figure in both the American and French Revolutions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fayette County is named after Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, a pivotal French military officer in both the American and French Revolutions.
Ford County was named after Thomas Ford, the eighth Governor of Illinois, who served during the Illinois Mormon War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ford County is named after Thomas Ford, the eighth Governor of Illinois, whose tenure included the period of the Illinois Mormon War.
Franklin County was named after Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in the American Revolution.
Answer: True
Explanation: Franklin County is named after Benjamin Franklin, a foundational figure of the American Revolution, known for his diverse contributions as a writer, inventor, and politician.
Fulton County was named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fulton County is named after Robert Fulton, recognized as the inventor of the steamboat.
Gallatin County was named after Albert Gallatin, the first United States Secretary of the Treasury.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gallatin County is named after Albert Gallatin, who served as the *fourth* and longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury, not the first.
Greene County was named after Nathanael Greene, a major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Answer: True
Explanation: Greene County is named after Nathanael Greene, a distinguished major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Grundy County was named after Felix Grundy, a Tennessean senator who served as the thirteenth United States Attorney General.
Answer: True
Explanation: Grundy County is named after Felix Grundy, a senator from Tennessee who also served as the thirteenth United States Attorney General.
Hamilton County was named after Alexander Hamilton, who was the first United States Secretary of the Treasury.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hamilton County is named after Alexander Hamilton, who served as the inaugural United States Secretary of the Treasury.
Adams County, Illinois, is named after which U.S. President?
Answer: John Quincy Adams
Explanation: Adams County, Illinois, is named after John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States.
William M. Alexander, an early settler and state representative, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Alexander County
Explanation: Alexander County is named after William M. Alexander, an early settler and state representative in the Illinois General Assembly.
Who was Shadrach Bond, after whom Bond County was named?
Answer: The first Governor of Illinois
Explanation: Shadrach Bond, the namesake of Bond County, was the first Governor of Illinois.
Daniel Boone, the famous trailblazer, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Boone County
Explanation: Boone County is named after Daniel Boone, the celebrated trailblazer of the American frontier.
Jacob Brown, a successful War of 1812 army officer, is the etymology for which Illinois county?
Answer: Brown County
Explanation: Brown County's etymology is attributed to Jacob Brown, a successful army officer during the War of 1812.
Pierre de Bureo, a North American fur trader, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Bureau County
Explanation: Bureau County is named after Pierre de Bureo, a French fur trader active in North America.
What is the population of Calhoun County, Illinois?
Answer: 4,224 residents
Explanation: Calhoun County, Illinois, has a population of 4,224 residents.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Carroll County
Explanation: Carroll County is named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Maryland.
Lewis Cass, the second governor of Michigan Territory and fourteenth US Secretary of War, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Cass County
Explanation: Cass County is named after Lewis Cass, who served as the second governor of Michigan Territory and fourteenth United States Secretary of War.
Champaign County, Illinois, ultimately derives its name from a French word meaning what?
Answer: Open level country
Explanation: Champaign County's name is ultimately derived from the French term for 'open level country,' via Champaign County, Ohio.
Christian County, Illinois, was named after Christian County, Kentucky, which in turn was named after whom?
Answer: William Christian, a Virginia politician
Explanation: Christian County, Illinois, is named after Christian County, Kentucky, which itself was named after William Christian, a Virginia politician.
George Rogers Clark, the highest-ranking officer in the Northwest Territory during the American Revolution, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Clark County
Explanation: Clark County is named after George Rogers Clark, the highest-ranking officer in the Northwest Territory during the American Revolution.
Henry Clay, famous for negotiating the Missouri Compromise, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Clay County
Explanation: Clay County is named after Henry Clay, the Kentucky legislator renowned for his negotiation of the Missouri Compromise.
Edward Coles, the second Governor of Illinois, known for his role in the abolition of slavery in the state, is the namesake for which county?
Answer: Coles County
Explanation: Coles County is named after Edward Coles, the second Governor of Illinois, who played a crucial role in the abolition of slavery within the state.
Daniel Pope Cook, the first Attorney General of Illinois, is the namesake for which populous county?
Answer: Cook County
Explanation: Cook County, a populous administrative division, is named after Daniel Pope Cook, the first Attorney General of Illinois.
William H. Crawford, who served as the ninth United States Secretary of War, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Crawford County
Explanation: Crawford County is named after William H. Crawford, who held the positions of ninth United States Secretary of War and seventh Secretary of the Treasury.
The origin of Cumberland County's name is disputed, potentially referring to the Cumberland Road, Cumberland, Maryland, or what other feature?
Answer: Cumberland River in Kentucky
Explanation: The name of Cumberland County has disputed origins, possibly referring to the Cumberland Road, Cumberland, Maryland, or the Cumberland River in Kentucky.
Johann de Kalb, a German officer in the Continental Army, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: DeKalb County
Explanation: DeKalb County is named after Johann de Kalb, a German officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
DuPage County is named after what natural feature?
Answer: The DuPage River
Explanation: DuPage County derives its name from the DuPage River, a local natural feature.
John Edgar, an Illinois delegate to the Northwest Territory legislature, was considered what at the time Edgar County was named?
Answer: The wealthiest man in Illinois
Explanation: John Edgar, an Illinois delegate to the Northwest Territory legislature, was considered the wealthiest man in Illinois when Edgar County was named.
Ninian Edwards, the third Governor of Illinois, also held what unique distinction regarding the Illinois Territory?
Answer: He was its only governor.
Explanation: Ninian Edwards, the third Governor of Illinois, also uniquely served as the only governor of the Illinois Territory.
Thomas Howard, 3rd Earl of Effingham, after whom Effingham County is named, took what action to avoid fighting against the American colonies?
Answer: He resigned from the British Army.
Explanation: Thomas Howard, 3rd Earl of Effingham, resigned from the British Army to avoid engaging in conflict against the American colonies, an act for which Effingham County is named.
Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, a key figure in both the American and French Revolutions, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Fayette County
Explanation: Fayette County is named after Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, a pivotal figure in both the American and French Revolutions.
Thomas Ford, the eighth Governor of Illinois, served during which significant historical event?
Answer: The Illinois Mormon War
Explanation: Thomas Ford, the eighth Governor of Illinois, served during the period of the Illinois Mormon War.
Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in the American Revolution, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Franklin County
Explanation: Franklin County is named after Benjamin Franklin, a key figure and polymath of the American Revolution.
Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Fulton County
Explanation: Fulton County is named after Robert Fulton, the pioneering inventor of the steamboat.
Albert Gallatin, the fourth and longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Gallatin County
Explanation: Gallatin County is named after Albert Gallatin, who served as the fourth and longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury.
Nathanael Greene, a major general in the Continental Army, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Greene County
Explanation: Greene County is named after Nathanael Greene, a distinguished major general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Felix Grundy, a Tennessean senator and thirteenth United States Attorney General, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Grundy County
Explanation: Grundy County is named after Felix Grundy, a senator from Tennessee who also served as the thirteenth United States Attorney General.
Alexander Hamilton, the first United States Secretary of the Treasury, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Hamilton County
Explanation: Hamilton County is named after Alexander Hamilton, the inaugural United States Secretary of the Treasury.
John Hancock, the first governor of the Massachusetts colony and president of the Second Continental Congress, is the namesake for which Illinois county?
Answer: Hancock County
Explanation: Hancock County is named after John Hancock, who served as the first governor of the Massachusetts colony and president of the Second Continental Congress.