When we think of this nation's dietary history, what is Illinois most known for?

Many people would think of Chicago's historical center of US meat-production. Many have heard of its vast Union Stockyards on the South Side and its moniker of "Hog Butcher to the World". However, in our new interactive "story map", the National Vegetarian Museum tells the less-familiar, but equally true story of the large role we’ve played in bringing vegetarianism to our country.

Highlights include:

• Chicago's World Columbian Exposition in 1893 hosted vegetarians from around the world.

• Turkey-Free Thanksgivings originated with the Vegetarian Eating Club, hosted at the University of Chicago.

• The vegetarian University of Chicago football team – The Maroons – won the Western Conference (Big Ten Conference) championship in 1905.