1. On September 18, 1851, the Illinois State Fair held its first exhibition in Springfield. The fair was established to promote agriculture, education and other business interests in the state. Today, the Illinois State Fair is one of the largest fairs in the United States, attracting more than 700,000 visitors each year.

2. In 1965, the Chicago White Sox played their last game at Comiskey Park on September 18th. The historic stadium had been home to the White Sox since 1910 and had also hosted several World Series games. Today, the site is now a parking lot for the newer Guaranteed Rate Field.

3. On September 18, 1927, the Illinois Theatre in Champaign burned down, killing 26 people and injuring dozens more. The fire was one of the deadliest in Illinois history and one of the worst movie theater fires in the country. A plaque near the site honors the victims of the tragedy.

4. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded on September 18, 1867, as the Illinois Industrial University. The university began with just two faculty members and 77 students, but has since grown to become one of the top public research institutions in the world.

5. The Chicago Cubs played their last home game at the original Wrigley Field on September 18, 1970. The historic stadium had been home to the Cubs since 1916 and had also hosted several World Series games. Today, the site is still home to the Cubs, but with a renovated stadium and modern amenities.