1. In 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Although Lincoln is most commonly associated with Illinois due to his political career, he was not actually born in the state. However, he did spend much of his adult life in Illinois and is widely regarded as one of the state's most prominent historical figures.

2. On February 1, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed by Congress, abolishing slavery throughout the country. Illinois played a key role in the abolitionist movement, with many prominent activists and advocates for ending slavery coming from the state.

3. In 1893, the World's Columbian Exposition opened in Chicago. This massive international exhibition showcased the latest advancements in art, science, and culture, and attracted millions of visitors from around the world. Many of the iconic buildings and landmarks associated with Chicago were built for the exposition, including the Ferris Wheel and the "White City" of neoclassical architecture.

4. February 1, 1908 marked the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Springfield, Illinois. The organization was founded by a group of activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells, who sought to combat racism and discrimination through legal means.

5. On February 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry over Texas, killing all seven crew members on board. Although the disaster did not directly involve Illinois, several of the crew members had ties to the state, including commander Rick Husband, who was born in Amarillo, Texas but grew up in Amarillo, Illinois.