December 24th is an important date in Illinois history. Here are five interesting facts about this day:

1. On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, officially ending the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. This treaty had a significant impact on Illinois, as the conflict had a major impact on the frontier settlements of the state.

2. In 1818, the Illinois territory was admitted to the United States as a state, making December 24th the first Christmas Eve celebrated as a state. Illinois became the 21st state in the country.

3. December 24, 1925, was the day that the state's first-ever radio broadcast was made. The program was a Christmas Eve special that was broadcast by the Chicago Daily News radio station, and it featured carols and holiday music.

4. On December 24, 1963, the world's largest Ferris wheel was first introduced to the public in Chicago. The Ferris wheel, which stands at 264 feet tall, was built for the 1964 World's Fair, which was held in Chicago that year.

5. Finally, on December 24, 1982, the first-ever female governor of Illinois, Maria Shriver, was inaugurated into office. Shriver served as the state's lieutenant governor before taking over as governor after the incumbent, George Ryan, was elected to office. Shriver went on to serve as governor for just over a month before she was succeeded by Jim Thompson.