February 7 is a significant day in Illinois history. Here are five interesting facts about this day:

1. In 1818, Illinois became the 21st state to join the United States of America. It was the first state in the western region of the country to achieve statehood.

2. On February 7, 1857, composer and lyricist John Philip Sousa was born in Washington, D.C. Although he wasn't from Illinois, he had a significant impact on the state's music scene. One of his most famous marches, "The Illinois March," was written in honor of the state's centennial celebration in 1918.

3. The Lincoln Library in Springfield, Illinois was officially dedicated on February 7, 1897. Named after Illinois' most famous resident, President Abraham Lincoln, the library is one of the largest and most important research libraries dedicated to the study of American history.

4. On February 7, 1915, Chicago was hit by a massive snowstorm that blanketed the city in more than 18 inches of snow. Trains and streetcars were stranded, and many people were unable to leave their homes for days.

5. In 1973, the Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The building, which houses the offices of the governor and other state officials, was designed by renowned architect Alfred Piquenard and completed in 1888.