1. In 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the United States. August 2 marks the anniversary of Illinois' admission to the Union.

2. On August 2, 1909, the first municipal airport in the United States was opened in Chicago. The airport was situated on a 23-acre site in Grant Park and served as the hub for the Chicago Air Show for many years.

3. On August 2, 1927, the Buckminster Hotel in Chicago opened. The hotel is now known as the University Center and serves as a dormitory for students from various Chicago universities.

4. In 1933, the Chicago World's Fair (Century of Progress) closed on August 2. The World's Fair attracted millions of visitors over the course of two years and showcased the latest technological advancements and cultural displays.

5. August 2, 1995, marks the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. The museum features over 2,500 works of art by artists from around the world and attracts over 300,000 visitors annually.