1. In 1812, the town of Chicago was founded. Originally a small, fur-trading post, Chicago would go on to become one of the largest and most important cities in the United States.

2. On August 9, 1854, the first ever state fair in Illinois was held in Springfield. It featured exhibits showcasing the state's agriculture and industry, and attracted visitors from all over the region.

3. In 1960, the first televised presidential debate in U.S. history was held at the studios of CBS in Chicago. Candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon faced off in front of a live audience of millions, setting a precedent for future election cycles.

4. The first McDonald's franchise opened in Des Plaines, Illinois on August 9, 1955. The restaurant was a success, and the chain would go on to become one of the most recognizable brands in the world.

5. On August 9, 2014, the city of Ferguson, Missouri erupted in protest following the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager who was shot by a white police officer. While not directly related to Illinois, the incident sparked a national conversation about police violence and systemic racism that continues to this day.