1. In 1833, the city of Chicago was incorporated. Originally a small trading post, Chicago went on to become a major center for transportation, industry, and culture. Today, it is the third-largest city in the United States.
2. In 1856, the Illinois Central Railroad opened a new line between Chicago and Cairo, Illinois. The railroad played a crucial role in the state's economy, helping to transport goods and people across Illinois and beyond.
3. In 1912, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign opened its first laboratory school. The school served as a model for educational research and experimentation, and helped to shape the field of education in Illinois and beyond.
4. In 1962, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise, was launched from the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Virginia. The ship was powered by eight nuclear reactors, and went on to serve in the Vietnam War, as well as numerous other conflicts throughout the latter part of the 20th century.
5. In 2008, the Chicago Cubs played their first game at the newly renovated Wrigley Field. The historic ballpark, which first opened in 1914, has been home to the Cubs for more than a century, and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic sports venues in the world.