1. Groundhog Day originated in Illinois: The famous American holiday of Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2nd, and it has its roots in Illinois. In the late 19th century, a group of newspapermen in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, popularized the idea of using a groundhog to predict the length of winter. However, they were inspired by the tradition of Candlemas Day, a Christian holiday that was observed in Illinois and other parts of Europe on February 2nd.

2. Illinois became a state: On February 2, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the Union. The state was originally part of the Northwest Territory, which was ceded to the United States by Great Britain in 1783. Illinois was named for the Illinois Confederation, a group of Native American tribes that once inhabited the region.

3. The first African American U.S. senator was sworn in: On February 2, 1870, Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate. Revels was appointed by the governor of Mississippi to fill the seat vacated by Jefferson Davis, who had resigned to lead the Confederacy.

4. The deadliest train accident in U.S. history occurred: On February 2, 1918, a passenger train collided with a freight train in the town of Gary, Indiana, killing over 80 people and injuring hundreds more. The accident was caused by a conductor's error, and it led to changes in safety regulations for trains across the country.

5. The first McDonald's in Illinois opened: On February 2, 1955, entrepreneur Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois. Kroc purchased the rights to the McDonald's name and concept from the original founders, Richard and Maurice McDonald, and turned it into one of the most successful fast-food chains in the world.