1. In 1824, the Illinois General Assembly passed the first legislation in state history relating to bankruptcy, creating a system for debt relief and discharge for individuals and businesses.

2. On December 23, 1863, Illinois Governor Richard Yates issued a proclamation calling for the observance of Christmas as a statewide holiday. Prior to this, Christmas was not recognized as a legal holiday in Illinois.

3. In 1915, the first automobile license plates were issued in Illinois, with a design featuring the state's name and a number corresponding to the owner's registration number.

4. In 1975, the United States Postal Service opened a new mail processing center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, which has since become one of the largest mail processing facilities in the country.

5. On December 23, 1995, Illinois Governor Jim Edgar signed legislation officially renaming Illinois State University's football stadium as Hancock Stadium, in honor of former university president Samuel C. Hancock.