Historical Events in Chicago Area on May 21

Amelia Earhart’s Solo Atlantic Flight

On May 21, 1932, Amelia Earhart completed a solo flight across the Atlantic from New Jersey to Northern Ireland. She became the first woman to achieve this feat, flying 2,026.5 miles in 14 hours and 54 minutes. Earhart stated she made the flight ‘just for fun.’ She later received a medal in Chicago in June 1932 for her achievement.

Charles Lindbergh’s Historic Flight

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris on May 21, after a 33-hour nonstop flight from New York. It marked the first solo trans-Atlantic flight, and his initial words upon landing were ‘Am I in Paris?’ confirmed by a Tribune reporter.

Leopold and Loeb’s Infamous Crime

In 1924, Nathan Leopold Jr. and Richard Loeb murdered Bobby Franks in what they called the ‘perfect murder.’ The crime shocked the public and became known as the ‘crime of the century.’ They were soon apprehended and put on trial.

White Sox Record-Breaking Game

On May 21, 1943, the Chicago White Sox played one of the fastest nine-inning games in American League history, defeating the Washington Senators 1-0 in 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Weather Records in Chicago

• High temperature: 92 degrees in 1977
• Low temperature: 31 degrees in 2002
• Precipitation: 1.96 inches in 2018
• Snowfall: Trace in 1969

Shipwreck of Thomas Hume

In 1891, the Thomas Hume schooner disappeared after it set sail from Chicago to Muskegon, Michigan. Its remains rest 147 feet underwater, 22 miles from Belmont Harbor.

1943 Merchandise Mart Theft

In 2017, a mystery clock valued at $425,000 was stolen from an antiques exhibition at Merchandise Mart.

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