1. In 1867, the first Illinois State Fair was held in Springfield. The fair, which continues to this day, features agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment.

2. In 1929, the iconic Chicago Theatre opened its doors for the first time. The beautiful French Baroque-style theater is known for its ornate marquee and grand lobby, and has hosted countless famous performers over the years.

3. On August 8, 1974, President Richard Nixon announced his resignation from the presidency in a televised address from the White House. This followed the Watergate scandal, in which Nixon and his administration were caught engaging in illegal activities to cover up a break-in at Democratic National Committee headquarters.

4. In 1988, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority opened the final segment of Interstate 355, a 30-mile highway connecting Illinois State Route 53 to Interstate 55. The highway, also known as the Veterans Memorial Tollway, provides a crucial north-south transportation route through the western suburbs of Chicago.

5. On August 8, 1992, the first Lollapalooza music festival was held in Chicago. Founded by Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell, the festival has since grown into one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world, featuring a wide variety of acts across multiple genres.