1. On March 26, 1819, the Illinois Territory was created, establishing Illinois as a separate territory from Indiana.

2. In 1874, a devastating tornado swept through the town of Carlinville, Illinois, killing 18 people and causing widespread damage.

3. On March 26, 1937, the National Industrial Recovery Act was declared unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court. This act had sought to regulate industry and boost the economy during the Great Depression.

4. In 1979, Illinois became the first state to ban the use of leaded gasoline, which is known to have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

5. On March 26, 1999, the Illinois state legislature passed the first law in the nation requiring fingerprinting of all gun buyers. The law was designed to help prevent gun violence by preventing convicted criminals and others who are prohibited from owning firearms from obtaining them illegally.