1. The capital of Illinois, in the central part of the state. It became the state capital in 1837 and was home to Abraham Lincoln for many years.

2. A city of southwest Massachusetts on the Connecticut River near the Connecticut border. Settled in 1636, it was the site of a national armory (1794-1968) and was an important producer of small arms. The game of basketball originated at a local school (1891).

3. A city of southwest Missouri south-southwest of Kansas City on the Ozark Plateau. It grew as a supply depot in the 1850s.

4. A city of west-central Ohio northeast of Dayton. It grew as a trade and manufacturing center after the completion of the National Road (1838) and the coming of the railroad (mid-1800s).

5. A city of west-central Oregon just east of Eugene, near the foothills of the Cascade Range.