Significant Events in Chicago’s History on August 19

Fire Destroys H.H. Holmes’ ‘Murder Castle’ in 1895

On August 19, 1895, a fire severely damaged the building known as H.H. Holmes’ “Murder Castle” located at 610 W. 63rd St. The structure initially housed a drugstore on the ground floor and rooms on the second, with a later addition of a third story. Although the place had secret rooms and a mostly soundproof vault, experts believe it was mainly used for hiding stolen furniture rather than committing murders.

Weather Records for Chicago

Chicago’s weather records for August 19 show a high temperature of 99 degrees in 1983 and a low of 51 degrees in 1992. The city experienced 2.07 inches of precipitation in 1921 with no recorded snowfall.

Conviction from the Haymarket Affair in 1886

In 1886, on August 19, eight individuals were convicted after the Haymarket Affair on May 4 that year. A bomb thrown during a labor rally resulted in the deaths of eight police officers and at least four civilians. Four of the convicted were executed, one committed suicide, and the sentences of the remaining three were commuted. Later, Illinois Governor John Altgeld pardoned the surviving defendants, asserting their innocence.

A bronze statue commemorating the event stands on Desplaines Street in Chicago, representing the speakers’ platform used during the labor meeting.

Ken Holtzman’s No-Hitter for the Chicago Cubs in 1969

On this day in 1969, Ken Holtzman pitched his first no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. Interestingly, he did not strike out any batters during the game. When Hank Aaron hit what seemed like a home run, a gust of wind prevented it from leaving the park, allowing Billy Williams to catch it for an out.

Holtzman and Jake Arrieta remain the only Cubs pitchers to have two no-hitters in the modern era. Holtzman’s second no-hitter was against the Cincinnati Reds on June 3, 1971.

Monarch Butterfly Becomes State Insect of Illinois in 1975

In 1975, Illinois Governor Dan Walker signed a bill making the monarch butterfly the state insect. The initiative was led by third graders from Dennis School in Decatur, who proposed and lobbied for this recognition. They watched as the bill became law in Springfield.

Chicago Hosts the Democratic National Convention in 2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson gave a rousing speech on the first day of the Democratic National Convention in 2024. He celebrated Chicago’s legacy, honoring figures like journalist Ida B. Wells and civil rights pioneer Rev. Jesse Jackson. Johnson emphasized the city’s significance in welcoming the nomination of Kamala Harris for the presidency.