1. In 1832, the Black Hawk War began. It was a conflict between the United States and several Native American tribes, including the Sauk and Fox. The war lasted one year and resulted in the defeat of the Native Americans.
2. In 1843, the Illinois and Michigan Canal opened. It was a significant transportation route for the state, linking the Illinois River to Lake Michigan.
3. In 1865, the steamship Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, Tennessee. Many Union soldiers returning from the Civil War were on board, and the explosion resulted in the deaths of over 1,800 people. Some of those who died were from Illinois.
4. In 1984, the world's fair known as the Louisiana World Exposition opened in New Orleans. Illinois was one of the participating states, with a pavilion showcasing the state's history, culture, and economy.
5. In 2011, severe storms and tornadoes caused significant damage in central and southern Illinois. The storms were part of a larger system that affected several states in the region, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.