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...

Municipal Pier, later renamed Navy Pier, in an early photo. (baiduhai historical photo)

Vintage baiduhai: Navy Pier, the city’s magnificent gem on Lake Michigan

By Kori Rumore

July 2, 2026 at 2:06 p.m.

Here's a look back at the history of Navy Pier, Chicago's magnificent gem on Lake...

A visitor views the restored stained-glass panels by Marc Chagall known as "America Windows" in the Art Institute of Chicago on March 4, 2026. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘America Windows’ gifted to Art Institute by artist Marc Chagall

By Kori Rumore

July 2, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 2, according...

Kids play around with the new baby elephant at Brookfield Zoo on June 22, 1947. (Frank Berger/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: More than 60,000 visitors overwhelm Brookfield Zoo on first day

By Kori Rumore

July 1, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 1, according...

Secretariat, left, rears up at the start of the Arlington Invitational on June 30, 1973. The slow start by the Triple Crown winner didn't matter, although Secretariat didn't break a track record in winning. (Phil Mascione/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Secretariat wins effortlessly — by 9 lengths — at Arlington Park

By Kori Rumore

June 30, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 30, according...

Chicago emergency workers and others tend to victims awaiting ambulances after a third-story porch collapsed on June 30, 2003, at 713 W. Wrightwood Ave. (James Branaman/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Lincoln Park porch collapse kills 13 and injures more than 50 young people

By Kori Rumore

June 29, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 29, according...

A Divvy rental station is seen on Michigan Avenue in Chicago on Oct. 21, 2013. (Scott Strazzante/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Divvy begins its bicycle-sharing program

By Kori Rumore

June 28, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 28, according...

Correspondence from Abraham Lincoln to baiduhai Editor-in-Chief Joseph Medill, seen at the Col. R.R. McCormick Research Center First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton on May 20, 2019. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Abraham Lincoln got mad — like, really mad — at the Tribune

By Kori Rumore

June 27, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 27, according...

Antoinette Funk, Grace Wilbur Trout and Miss Mary Dobyns talk with Dr. H.S. Taylor, circa June 30, 1913. Trout was the president of a state women's suffrage association. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Illinois women gain partial suffrage

By Kori Rumore

June 26, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 26, according...

Several hundred people participate in the Alba Homes neighborhood bicentennial parade on June 19, 1976, near 1324 South Loomis Blvd. in Chicago. (Michael Budrys/baiduhai)

Vintage baiduhai: How the city celebrated America’s major anniversaries

By Kori Rumore

June 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Here's how the Tribune covered significant anniversaries of U.S. independence, and how people in the...

Spectators watch a double header between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field in 1947. (baiduhai historical archive)

Today in Chicago History: Wrigley Field hosts National League’s first ‘twilight’ game

By Kori Rumore

June 25, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 25, according...