1. In 1905, the Chicago Cubs played their first game at their new stadium, West Side Grounds. This stadium was built after the team outgrew its previous home field and would serve as the team's home until Wrigley Field was built in 1914.

2. On March 23, 1918, the deadliest tornado in Illinois history struck the central part of the state. The tornado, which was part of a larger outbreak of tornadoes across the Midwest, killed 101 people in Illinois and left over 900 others injured.

3. In 1933, the Illinois State Fairgrounds were officially designated as the site for the future Illinois State Museum. The museum, which is still operating today, features exhibits on Illinois history, natural history, and art.

4. On March 23, 1971, the Illinois state legislature passed a law allowing for the creation of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This agency is responsible for regulating and enforcing environmental laws in the state, including air and water quality standards.

5. In 2009, the United States celebrated the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, and Illinois played a major role in these celebrations. Events were held throughout the state, including a flag-raising ceremony at the site where Lincoln began his presidential campaign in Springfield.