1. On October 22, 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas held the fifth of their famous debates in Galesburg, Illinois, as part of their campaign for the U.S. Senate. The debate focused on issues surrounding slavery and states' rights, and is now remembered as a pivotal moment in American political history.

2. On October 22, 1887, the Chicago Athletic Association Football Club played their first game of American football against Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. While they lost the game 10-6, this was a significant moment in the development of American football as a national sport.

3. October 22, 1897, saw the opening of the Chicago Charities Exhibition, a massive event that raised funds for local charities and showcased the city's many philanthropic organizations. The exhibition lasted for two weeks and was attended by over one million people.

4. On October 22, 1962, the world came dangerously close to nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The crisis began on October 14 when U.S. spy planes discovered Soviet missile sites in Cuba, and tensions between the two superpowers rapidly escalated. On the 22nd, President John F. Kennedy announced a naval blockade of Cuba, in response to which the Soviets moved their fleet closer to the American blockade zone. The situation was eventually resolved after both sides made concessions, but the world had come perilously close to nuclear war.

5. On October 22, 2009, the Chicago Cubs announced that they had appointed a new team president, Crane Kenney, to oversee the organization. Kenney had previously been the team's general counsel and played a key role in the renovation of Wrigley Field. His appointment was seen as a sign that the Cubs were serious about rebuilding their franchise and returning to their former glory as one of baseball's most iconic teams.