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28 Aug 1990
An F5 max rating tornado smashed through Plainfield, Illinois, killing 29 people, injuring 353, and causing $165 million in damages.
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6 Feb 1980
The world's most infamous clown, John Wayne Gacy, went on trial after he murdered 33 young men in Cook County, Illinois.
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21 Dec 1978
John Wayne Gacy was arrested.
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23 Jun 1960
The FDA approved the first oral contraceptive pill called Enovid.
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28 Jun 1956
The first private research atomic reactor opened in Chicago, Illinois, US.
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27 Jun 1955
Illinois became the first US state to make it compulsory by law to wear a seatbelt.
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2 Dec 1942
The world's first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction happened in Chicago Pile-1 at the University of Chicago. It was overseen by Enrico Fermi.
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22 Jun 1940
The first Dairy Queen restaurant opened in Joliet, Illinois, US.
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19 Jan 1935
Coopers Inc. started selling the world's first men's briefs in Chicago.
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25 Sep 1928
Paul Galvin and his brother Joseph founded Motorola as the 'Galvin Manufacturing Co.' in Chicago, Illinois.
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2 Feb 1925
The first Sears retail store opened in Chicago.
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13 Nov 1909
The Cherry Mine disaster in Illinois killed 259 miners in a coal mine fire.
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8 Oct 1871
Great Chicago Fire begins.
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4 Feb 1846
The first Mormon Pioneers left their homes in Nauvoo, Illinois, and began the long trek to the Salt Lake Valley.
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3 Dec 1818
Illinois became the 21st state to join the United States of America.
