1. On August 23, 1893, the World's Columbian Exposition officially opened in Chicago. The fair commemorated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World and showcased the latest technology and achievements in art, architecture, and science.

2. August 23, 1975, marked the opening of the first Starbucks in Illinois, located in Chicago's northern suburbs. It was the third location for the company, which had previously opened stores in Seattle and Vancouver.

3. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, officially opened to the public on August 23, 2005. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts relating to Abraham Lincoln and his presidency, as well as interactive exhibits and multimedia installations.

4. On August 23, 1935, the first African-American woman to earn a degree in architecture, Norma Sklarek, was born in Chicago. Sklarek went on to become one of the country's most prominent architects, designing numerous commercial buildings and infrastructure projects.

5. August 23, 1901, was the birthdate of actress and comedian Mae West, who was born in Brooklyn but lived for a time in Chicago. West made her mark on American pop culture with her sharp wit and provocative performances in films like "She Done Him Wrong" and "My Little Chickadee."