Sean

Destination Research Summary - **Illinois**

The capital of Illinois is Springfield. Illinois was the 21st state in the United States. It became a state in 1818. Based on the 2000 census, the population of Illinois is 12,419,293. The largest cities in Ilinois are Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield and Aurora. The climate in Illinois is much like ours, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Pumpkins, corn and soybeans are the main crops grown in Illinois.

There have been three presidents elected while living in Illinois. The presidents elected while living there are Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S Grant and our current president, Barack Obama. There has only been one president who grew up in the state. Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico and raised in Dixon. People from Illinois are called Illinoisans. Some other famous Illinoisans are Ernest, Hemingway, Walt Disney and Harrison Ford.

Biographical Sketch

Walter (Walt) Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901 in the Hermosa community area in Chicago, Illinois. Walt Disney was a film producer, director and screenwriter, however he is probably best known for his animation. He and his staff created many fictional characters, but his most famous character is probably Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney was the original voice of Mickey Mouse. After a couple of successful cartoon series, Walt Disney ventured into filmmaking and released Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It became the most successful motion picture of 1938. Walt Disney Studios opened in Burbank, CA the following year.

In the late 1940's, Walt Disney had ideas for a children's amusement park Eventually those ideas developed into Disneyland in 1955. The Disney empire continued to grow in television and film. In 1964, plans were announced for another theme park, this time in Orlando, Florida. It was to be more elaborate than Disneyland. In November 1966, as Walt Disney was having pre-surgery tests, doctors discovered a large tumor in his lung. When the doctors went in to remove the tumor, they discovered it spread so bad that they had to remove his entire left lung. Walt Disney was told he only had six months to a year to live. In December 1966, Mr. Disney suffered a heart attack and died on December 15, 1966. His brother, Roy continued the plans for the Florida amusement park and named the resort, Walt Disney World in honor of his brother.

Personal Reflections

I would like to visit Illinois mainly because I have family there. I always like spending time with them. I am very interested in visiting Chicago, It seems like an appealing city.

The most compelling thing I've learned is that Walt Disney was born in Illinois. I learned alot about his life that I found fascinating.