Chicago Area Historical Events: A Detailed Look Back

Haymarket Affair Memorial Bombing

On October 6, 1969, a bronze monument honoring the officers killed in the 1886 Haymarket Affair was bombed. The monument commemorated the tragic event where eight police officers and several civilians died during a peaceful labor rally. The bombing was credited to Weather Underground members, an event Mayor Richard J. Daley condemned as “an act of disrespect.” The police monument today stands outside Chicago police headquarters.

Chicago Weather Records

Chicago’s weather records show varied extremes, including a high temperature of 94°F in 1963 and a low of 28°F in 1952. Precipitation reached 1.57 inches in 1955, while snowfall was trace in 1935.

Shadrach Bond’s Inauguration

In 1818, Shadrach Bond became Illinois’ first governor. With the state’s treasury nearly empty, Bond opposed harsh criminal penalties, advocating against whipping and confinement in stocks.

Billy Goat Tavern Incident

In 1945, Billy Goat Tavern’s owner Bill Sianis faced an infamous moment when he and his goat, Murphy, were denied entry to Wrigley Field, sparking the infamous curse of the goat.

Tokyo Rose Sentence

Iva Ikuko Toguri D’Aquino, known as “Tokyo Rose,” was sentenced in 1949 for broadcasting wartime propaganda targeting U.S. troops. Though convicted, she received a presidential pardon in 1977.

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Efforts

Immediately following Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination in 1968, efforts began to honor him with a national holiday. State Rep. Harold Washington of Illinois successfully introduced a bill that recognized King’s birthday as a commemorative holiday, a step that led the state to later make it a legal holiday.

Chicago Water Tower Landmark Designation

In 1971, Chicago’s iconic Water Tower received landmark status, securing its historical significance for the city.

Michael Jordan’s Retirement Announcement

On October 6, 1993, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from the NBA, claiming he had nothing left to prove. He eventually returned to basketball two years later.

Catherine O’Leary Exoneration

In 1997, Catherine O’Leary, long accused of causing the Great Chicago Fire, was exonerated by a City Council resolution. The resolution cleared her and her cow of any wrongdoing.

Sue the T. Rex and Auction Records

In 2020, Sue the T. Rex relinquished her title as the priciest T. rex specimen when “Stan” sold for $31.8 million at auction.