A watershed moment in the history of the American labor movement happened in Chicago on May 4, 1886, with the Haymarket Riots. A bomb went off in the middle of a peaceful demonstration for an eight-hour workday, killing police and people alike.
Chicago Pizza, more commonly referred to as deep-dish pizza, has a rich history that is embedded in the city’s culinary culture. It was created in the 1940s as an alternative to the standard thin-crust pizzas of the period. Founders Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo wanted to differentiate their pizzeria by offering a pie with more substance.
The Underground Railroad exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice. In the 19th century, this underground system provided crucial support for African Americans fighting to escape slavery. Slaves on the run were helped by a web of sympathizers and hiding places to make their way to the northern states and Canada.
Often called the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is a renowned highway that had a profound impact on American history, geography, and culture. Originally established in 1926, this legendary highway covered eight states and more than 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.
The Hancock County War, sometimes known as Hancock’s War, took place in the middle of the 19th century in Hancock County, Illinois. Tensions arose between Mormon settlers, led by Joseph Smith, and non-Mormons in the area during the years 1844 and 1845, leading to armed combat.
Chicago Tylenol Murders In 1982, a string of poisonings in Chicago created a fascinating and horrific true crime story known as the Tylenol Murders. Capsules of Extra-Strength Tylenol were found to contain cyanide, resulting in the deaths of seven persons in the Chicago region. Consumers became leery of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals as a result of the …
Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre was a horrific crime that occurred on February 14, 1929, at the height of Chicago’s Prohibition era. This execution-style murder was planned and carried out by Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit against members of the North Side Gang, headed by Bugs Moran. Seven North Side Gang members …
Chicago Mob During the early and mid-20th century, Chicago was home to a notorious criminal organization known as the Chicago mob, also called the Chicago Outfit. Bootlegging during Prohibition, gambling, prostitution, and extortion were only some of the criminal activities that the mafia dominated under the leadership of men like Al Capone, Frank Nitti, and …
