1. On July 15, 1834, the town of Chicago was officially incorporated. It had previously been a small trading post and military fort, but the incorporation allowed for more organized government and growth.

2. In 1862, the Battle of Stone's River in Tennessee ended with a Union victory. Among the soldiers fighting for the Union was the 82nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

3. Walt Disney's family moved from Chicago to Marceline, Missouri on July 15, 1906. It was here that Disney developed his love for drawing and storytelling, which would eventually lead to his successful career in animation.

4. On July 15, 1910, the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield hosted a hot air balloon race. The race attracted pilots and spectators from around the country and marked the beginning of a long tradition of hot air balloon events in Illinois.

5. In 1999, American professional basketball player Tim Hardaway signed with the Miami Heat. Hardaway, a Chicago native, had previously played for the Golden State Warriors and was known for his impressive dribbling and passing skills. He went on to have a successful career in the NBA.