1. On December 12, 1817, the Illinois Territory was created. Prior to this, the area was part of a larger territory known as the Northwest Territory.

2. In 1893, the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago closed after six months of celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in North America. The event brought millions of visitors to Illinois and was a major economic boost for the state.

3. On December 12, 1917, the Eastland disaster occurred in Chicago. The Eastland was a passenger ship that capsized while docked in the Chicago River, resulting in the deaths of over 800 people.

4. In 1975, the United Nations named Chicago as a "City of Peace". This designation recognized the city's efforts to promote peace, human rights, and social justice.

5. December 12, 2014 marked the opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie. The museum is dedicated to educating the public about the Holocaust and other genocides, as well as promoting tolerance and respect for all people.