1. On July 19, 1847, the first public school in Chicago opened. The school was located at the corner of Madison and LaSalle Streets and was called the Chicago Public School.

2. The first Illinois State Fair was held on July 19, 1853, in Springfield, Illinois. The fair was such a success that it has been held every year since, except during wartime.

3. On July 19, 1863, during the American Civil War, the 54th Illinois Infantry was mustered into service. The regiment saw action in several major battles, including the Siege of Vicksburg and the Battle of Chickamauga.

4. The Chicago White Sox played their first game at Comiskey Park on July 19, 1910. Comiskey Park was the home of the White Sox from 1910 to 1990.

5. On July 19, 1966, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) opened the first section of the O'Hare Airport extension of the Blue Line. The extension allowed passengers to travel from the Loop to O'Hare International Airport in just 45 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to the airport.