1. On May 5, 1864, the Battle of the Wilderness began in Virginia during the American Civil War. Although this battle did not occur in Illinois, many soldiers from Illinois fought in it and suffered significant losses.

2. On May 5, 1885, the first ever train arrived in the city of Aurora, Illinois. This helped to establish Aurora as a major transportation hub for the Chicago area and led to significant growth in the city's economy and population.

3. On May 5, 1900, an F4 tornado touched down in the city of Amboy, Illinois, killing 8 people and causing significant damage to homes and buildings in the area.

4. On May 5, 1961, astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American to travel into space. Shepard, a native of New Hampshire, attended the United States Naval Academy in Illinois and later trained at Naval Air Station Glenview, just outside of Chicago.

5. On May 5, 1976, the Chicago Cubs played their first game at Wrigley Field after the stadium was renovated and expanded. Wrigley Field is one of the oldest ballparks in Major League Baseball and a beloved cultural icon in the city of Chicago.