1. Jackie Robinson Signed with the Chicago Cubs - On January 31, 1966, Jackie Robinson, the legendary baseball player, signed a contract as a scout with the Chicago Cubs. This made him the first African American to hold a scouting position in Major League Baseball.

2. Illinois Becomes a State - On January 31, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the United States. At the time, the state had a population of just over 40,000 people, mostly located in the southern part of the state.

3. Chicago Cubs Win Their First World Series - On January 31, 1908, the Chicago Cubs won their first World Series, defeating the Detroit Tigers 4-1. The Cubs would go on to win their second and last World Series title in 2016.

4. Abraham Lincoln Becomes a Lawyer - On January 31, 1837, future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was admitted to the bar in Springfield, Illinois. He would go on to become one of the most famous lawyers in American history.

5. The Chicago Blackhawks Play Their First Game - On January 31, 1926, the Chicago Blackhawks played their first game as a National Hockey League team, defeating the Toronto St. Patricks 4-1. The Blackhawks would go on to win six Stanley Cup championships.