Today in Chicago History

Chicago Bears halfback Walter Payton acknowledges the cheers of the crowd after his record-setting afternoon in a 20-7 win against the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7, 1984, at Soldier Field. (Bob Fila/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Walter Payton becomes the NFL’s all-time leader rusher

By Kori Rumore

October 7, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 7, according...

The O'Leary family plot includes the grave of Catherine O'Leary of Great Chicago Fire infamy at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Aug. 30, 2021. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Catherine O’Leary — and cow — exonerated by City Council 126 years after the Great Chicago Fire

By Kori Rumore

October 6, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 6, according...

Pope John Paul II in Grant Park in Chicago in October 1979. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Pope John Paul II conducts sermon by the shore in Grant Park

By Kori Rumore

October 5, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 5, according...

The Sears Tower can be seen from the Kinzie Street Bridge over the Chicago River in 2002. (Nancy Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Ownership of Sears Tower handed to its lender

By Kori Rumore

July 11, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 11, according...

New Bulls head coach Phil Jackson, left, with GM Jerry Krause, center, and owner Jerry Reinsdorf, meet the press on July 10, 1989. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Phil Jackson replaces Doug Collins as Bulls head coach

By Kori Rumore

July 10, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 10, according...

A sign points to the exit for the Hinsdale Oasis above the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and the Fred Harvey restaurant on Oct. 7, 1972. (John Bartley/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: Evolution of Illinois Tollway oases — and why they’ve disappeared recently

By Kori Rumore

July 10, 2026 at 1:26 p.m.

Enter the oasis. Unlike any other roadside stop in the United States, the over-the-highway pit-stop...

The Grateful Dead, with lead guitarist and singer Jerry Garcia, plays Chicago's Soldier Field on July 8, 1995. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Jerry Garcia’s last Grateful Dead show takes place at Soldier Field

By Kori Rumore

July 9, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 9, according...

The momentous moment in the seventh inning of the All-Star Game on July 8, 1947, at Wrigley field as the American leaguers score a run which brought them a 2 to 1 victory over the National league. Bobby Doerr of the Red Sox, who had singled, stolen second, and gone to third on a wild throw, comes home on a single by pinch hitter Stan Spence, nearing first on his drive to right field. The score was made at the expense of pitcher John Sain of the Braves. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Wrigley Field hosts its 1st MLB All-Star Game

By Kori Rumore

July 8, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 8, according...

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in an undated photo. (The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Mother’ Cabrini becomes 1st American canonized by the Roman Catholic Church

By Kori Rumore

July 7, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 7, according...

Crowds line up at Comiskey Park on the morning of July 3, 1933, to buy bleacher tickets for the "Game of the Century" between American and National league all-star teams. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Major League Baseball’s 1st All-Star Game is held at Comiskey Park

By Kori Rumore

July 6, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 6, according...

The wind's violent force toppled a tree onto a car parked along Stockton Drive in Lincoln Park on July 5, 1980. (Michael Budrys/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Derecho! 100,000 homes without power after winds reach 82 mph.

By Kori Rumore

July 5, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 5, according...

A crowd swarms around and on an excursion steamer at Municipal Pier, now called Navy Pier, in July 1916. The United Shore steamer would take passengers to Lincoln Park or Jackson Park, with a Moonlight Excursion every night complete with dancing. (Chicago American)

Today in Chicago History: Municipal (Navy) Pier opens

By Kori Rumore

July 4, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 4, according...

Northwestern University men's basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong and guard Jevon Johnson during a practice on Feb. 21, 1994. (Michael Fryer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Northwestern basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong shot and killed by white supremacist

By Kori Rumore

July 3, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 3, according...