1. In 1816, the Illinois Territory was created. This was a significant event in the state's history as it marked the beginning of Illinois' path towards statehood.

2. On July 9, 1908, the Illinois State Penitentiary in Joliet witnessed a major prison break. Six inmates managed to escape from the facility by using a homemade ladder to climb over the walls. The escape caused a widespread manhunt and eventually led to the recapture of all six escapees.

3. In 1955, the City of Chicago issued a permit for the first public demonstration of the hula hoop. The demonstration was held in Grant Park and attracted a large crowd of curious onlookers.

4. July 9, 1968, marked the beginning of the Chicago Riots. The riots took place after the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and lasted for several days. The riots resulted in the deaths of 11 people and caused significant damage to businesses and property in the city.

5. On July 9, 1993, the Chicago Bulls celebrated their third NBA championship with a parade and rally in downtown Chicago. The event was attended by an estimated 1 million people and marked the beginning of a dominant era for the Bulls, who would go on to win three more championships in the next three years.