1. On July 21, 1925, the Scopes Monkey Trial reached its climax in Tennessee, sparking a national debate about the teaching of evolution in schools. Though the trial did not take place in Illinois, it had a significant impact on education and free speech in the state.

2. In 1863, the Battle of Honey Springs took place in Oklahoma, involving Illinois troops as part of the Union Army. The battle, which ended in a decisive victory for the Union, helped to secure Union control over Indian Territory during the Civil War.

3. On July 21, 1931, gangster Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion. Capone had been a prominent figure in organized crime in Chicago and other parts of Illinois, and his conviction was seen as a major victory for law enforcement.

4. In 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon, uttering the famous words "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Armstrong's achievement inspired generations of Illinois residents to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

5. On July 21, 2008, the Illinois legislature passed a law allowing residents to carry concealed weapons. The law, which took effect in 2013, remains controversial, with some arguing that it has led to an increase in gun violence in the state.