1. On March 16, 1937, a massive tornado swept through Southern Illinois, killing over 500 people and leaving thousands injured and homeless. The tornado remains one of the deadliest in US history.

2. In 1965, the state of Illinois adopted a new state flag on March 16, which featured an image of the state seal against a background of blue.

3. On March 16, 1948, Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson II announced that he would not seek re-election, paving the way for a young Chicago lawyer named Richard Nixon to run for Congress.

4. On March 16, 1877, the Illinois State Museum was founded in Springfield as the Illinois State Natural History Society. The museum has since grown to become one of the largest and most respected natural history and cultural institutions in the United States.

5. The Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the largest and most popular St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world, is traditionally held on or around March 16. The parade features floats, bands, and dancers from throughout the city and beyond, as well as a sea of green-clad revelers.