Historical Events in Chicago on November 5

14 minutes ago 0

Tragic Train Collision in 1956

On November 5, 1956, a catastrophic train accident occurred during rush hour in Chicago. A northbound Howard Street eight-car elevated CTA train collided with a six-car North Shore Line train at the Wilson Avenue station. The impact resulted in eight fatalities and injuries to over 600 people.

The collision caused significant damage. The forward half of the CTA train’s first car was lifted two feet off the rails, leading to a telescoped effect with the last car of the North Shore train.

Significant Weather Records

Chicago’s weather history for November 5 includes extremes recorded by the National Weather Service. The highest temperature was 79 degrees in 1978, while the lowest was 11 degrees in 1951. The day marked the most precipitation at 3.34 inches in 1883 and recorded snowfall of four inches in 1896.

Notable Developments in Education and Innovation

Back in 1855, Northwestern University began its educational journey, opening in Evanston with two faculty members teaching ten students.

In 1867, Solomon McWorter of Barry became the first Black person in Illinois to receive a patent. His innovation improved the evaporators for reducing sorghum and other syrups, utilizing a design that avoided scorching.

Advancements in Communication and Transportation

1948 saw Chicago leading in meteorological advancements by becoming the first U.S. city to broadcast weather maps daily via radio.

The Northwest Expressway, later named the Kennedy Expressway in 1963, opened on November 5, 1960. This new infrastructure alleviated traffic congestion and was celebrated for addressing the city’s worst bottlenecks.