1. In 1860, the Republican Party held its state convention in Decatur, Illinois, where they nominated Abraham Lincoln as their candidate for President of the United States.

2. In 1933, the Illinois State Legislature ratified the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution, which repealed prohibition and allowed for the legalization of alcohol.

3. On March 10, 1966, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Sears Tower (now known as the Willis Tower) in Chicago, which was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion in 1973.

4. In 1977, the University of Illinois men's basketball team won their first Big Ten Conference championship in 23 years, led by future NBA star Eddie Johnson.

5. On March 10, 1990, the Chicago Bulls played their first game at the United Center, their new home arena in Chicago, after playing at the Chicago Stadium for over 60 years. The Bulls won the game 89-84 against the New Jersey Nets.