Interesting Facts about Illinois

• One of the most mysterious of all prehistoric remains is the huge figure of a monster, known as the Piasa Bird, painted high on the bluff near Alton. Its origin has never been determined.
• Lincoln, Illinois, was the only town named for Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime. Invited to dedicate the town, he christened it with watermelon juice and provided watermelon for the crowd.
• When a gang of counterfeiters tried to steal Abraham Lincoln's body from his tomb in exchange for a jailed member's freedom, quick Secret Service work foiled the bizarre ransom attempt.