1. On January 12, 1979, the Chicago Bulls played their final game at the Chicago Stadium before moving to the new Chicago Stadium (now known as the United Center) for the remainder of the season. The Bulls defeated the Seattle SuperSonics 105-98 in front of a sold-out crowd.

2. In 1915, a major fire broke out in East St. Louis, Illinois, destroying nearly 300 buildings and leaving thousands homeless. The fire was believed to have been started by a spark from a passing train.

3. On January 12, 1964, the Beatles made their only appearance in Illinois at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago. The concert was part of their first U.S. tour and drew a crowd of over 13,000 fans.

4. In 1999, Illinois Governor George Ryan declared a moratorium on the death penalty after a series of wrongful convictions came to light. The moratorium lasted until 2011, when Illinois became the 16th state to abolish the death penalty.

5. On January 12, 1865, John Wilkes Booth and a group of Confederate sympathizers attempted to free Confederate prisoners of war being held at Camp Douglas in Chicago. The plan was foiled by Union soldiers, and Booth escaped back to the South. Four of his accomplices were executed for their involvement.