1. On January 4, 1979, a severe blizzard hit Illinois, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands of people without power. The storm, which lasted three days, brought heavy snow and high winds, with some areas experiencing wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.

2. On January 4, 1983, Illinois Governor Jim Thompson signed a bill legalizing riverboat gambling in the state. The move was designed to generate revenue for the struggling state budget, and opened the door for a wave of new casino development across Illinois.

3. January 4, 1912, saw the opening of the first public county hospital in Cook County, Illinois. The hospital was designed to provide healthcare for the poor and indigent, and quickly became a model for other public hospitals across the country.

4. On January 4, 1904, the city of Springfield, Illinois, unveiled a new streetcar system designed to connect the city's neighborhoods and provide fast, efficient transportation for residents. The system, which included over 50 miles of track, remained in operation until the 1930s.

5. January 4, 1965, marked the opening of the Illinois State Armory in Champaign, Illinois. The facility, which was built to house the Illinois National Guard and provide a venue for community events, remains a popular gathering spot for residents of the area to this day.