1. Abraham Lincoln's birthday: February 12 in Illinois history is most famously known for being the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky in 1809, but spent much of his life in Illinois, where he practiced law, served in the state legislature, and was buried in Springfield after his assassination in 1865.

2. Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo: Another connection to Lincoln is the Lincoln Park Zoo, located in Chicago. The zoo originally opened in 1868 as a small menagerie in Lincoln Park, but has since grown to become one of the oldest zoos in the country, housing over 1,000 animals across 35 acres.

3. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates: In 1858, Lincoln ran for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Stephen Douglas. The two engaged in a series of debates across Illinois, including one on February 12 in Springfield. The debates, which focused on the issue of slavery, attract large crowds and helped to establish Lincoln as a prominent political figure.

4. The Blizzard of 1899: On February 12, 1899, a massive winter storm hit Illinois, dumping over a foot of snow and causing temperatures to drop well below zero. The blizzard caused widespread damage and disruption, including shutting down railroads and communication networks.

5. The Eastland Disaster: On July 24, 1915, the passenger ship SS Eastland capsized while docked in the Chicago River, resulting in the deaths of over 800 people. However, the disaster actually began on February 12 of that year, when the Eastland was first launched and discovered to be unstable. Despite numerous warnings, the ship continued to operate, leading to the tragic accident.