1. In 1814, the Illinois Territory was established by an act of Congress, with Ninian Edwards serving as its first governor. The territory included present-day Illinois as well as parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota.

2. On December 27, 1830, the first steamboat arrived in Chicago. The "Utica" traveled from Buffalo, New York, to Lake Michigan via the Erie Canal and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. This event marked the beginning of a new era of transportation, commerce, and growth in the city.

3. In 1845, Illinois became the first state to repeal a law that made blasphemy a crime punishable by death. The law had been passed in 1827, but it sparked controversy and opposition from advocates of religious freedom and free speech.

4. On December 27, 1871, a devastating fire broke out in downtown Chicago, destroying more than three square miles of the city and leaving an estimated 100,000 people homeless. The fire lasted for three days and resulted in the deaths of more than 300 people.

5. In 1936, the Chicago Bears won their first NFL championship by defeating the New York Giants 23-21 in the championship game. The game was played at the Polo Grounds in New York City and marked the beginning of a new dynasty for the Bears, who would go on to win seven championships over the next eight years.