Cemeteries in Illinois (State)

Illinois, located in the Midwestern United States, became the 21st state in 1818.

Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples including the Illiniwek Confederation, the region was explored by the French in the 17th century and became part of French Louisiana. After British control following the French and Indian War, Illinois was ceded to the United States in 1783. The state’s early settlers were French traders, followed by English-speaking migrants from Kentucky, Virginia, and the Northeast. Illinois became a vital transportation and agricultural center, especially with the completion of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and later, the rise of railroads. The state played a major role in the Civil War as the home of President Abraham Lincoln. Over time, its population grew with immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, and Eastern Europe. Illinois is now governed as a U.S. state divided into 102 counties.

Cemeteries such as Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield reflect its rich historical legacy.