1. In 1818, on March 30, the Illinois General Assembly passed an act to establish the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The canal connected the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, allowing for transportation of goods and people across Illinois and the Midwest.

2. On March 30, 1837, Illinois became the 22nd state in the United States. The state's name is derived from the Algonquin word "Illiniwek," which means "tribe of superior men."

3. Chicago's first elevated train line began operation on March 30, 1892. The "L" train was built to alleviate traffic congestion in the city and quickly became a popular mode of transportation for Chicagoans.

4. On March 30, 2011, the Illinois House of Representatives voted to abolish the death penalty in the state. Governor Pat Quinn signed the bill into law, making Illinois the 16th state to abolish the death penalty.

5. In 2016, on March 30, the Chicago Cubs played their first game of the season at Wrigley Field after winning the World Series the previous year. The team's victory in 2016 was their first World Series win in over 100 years, making it a historic moment for the Cubs and their fans.