1. In 1970, an EF-3 tornado struck the small town of Lyndon in northwest Illinois. The tornado caused significant damage to the town and resulted in two fatalities.

2. On May 7, 1832, the Black Hawk War began in Illinois. The conflict, fought between the United States and several Native American tribes, lasted for several months and resulted in the displacement of many Native Americans from their land.

3. In 1861, Abraham Lincoln visited his hometown of Springfield, Illinois, on May 7. He was there to raise troops and address the state legislature, calling for support for the Union army during the Civil War.

4. On May 7, 1904, the first Chautauqua event in Illinois was held in the town of Paxton. Chautauquas were traveling cultural events that brought together speakers, musicians, and entertainers to educate and entertain audiences.

5. In 1986, the Chicago Cubs played their first night game at Wrigley Field on May 7. The game was delayed for several hours due to technical difficulties with the stadium lights, but it eventually went on to be a historic moment in baseball history.