Illinois and the Empty Interior

Illinois does not have much in common with the Empty Interior other than tourism, mining, and ranching are part of the Illinois economy as well as part of the economy in the Empty Interior. Another aspect that is similar to the Empty Interior is the control of water which is evident in Chicago with the control of the Chicago River and in the Empty Interior with the control of the Colorado River. 

Illinois Cattle Ranch

In Illinois, tourism is important to the economy of Chicago because many people visit the "windy city". Illinois' economy is also dependent on mining, especially on coal mining. The Empty Interior is more focused on mining for minerals than coal however. The Empty Interior also depends on ranching for its economy to flourish. The Empty Interior and Illinois ranchers focus their efforts on cows which produce meat, dairy products, and other valuable commodities which can be sold. 

Illinois Mining 

The control of the Chicago River in and around the Chicago area has been a remarkable feat as has been the control and management of the Colorado River in the Empty Interior. In fact, the Chicago Rivers flow was reversed from flowing into Lake Michigan to flowing into the state of Illinois in order to help the transportation of goods from Chicago to the Mississippi and its tributaries. Also like the Empty Interior, Illinois' farmland has been irrigated using the vast amount of rivers within the state. This is similar to the Colorado River where water has been shared by many states for agricultural and personal use.

Chicago River