Today in Chicago History

A phone booth sign is among items being stored on July 20, 2018 in the dining room of Cassandra O'Keefe of Chicago. (Chris Walker/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Most Chicagoans lost their 312 area code and got 773 instead

By Kori Rumore

October 12, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 12, according...

The fatal shooting of Earl “Hymie” Weiss and Patrick Murray took place near Schofield’s flower shop, headquarters of the North Side Gang, in October 1926. Machine-gun fire came from a window at 740 N. State St. Three others were injured in the shooting. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: ‘Hymie’ Weiss gunned down across the street from Holy Name Cathedral

By Kori Rumore

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

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

Edmonton Oilers star Wayne Gretzky (99) serves as a screen for Keith Lowe's shot, which streaked past Chicago Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito (35) during the first period Oct. 10, 1979, at Chicago Stadium. Gretzky was credited with an assist on the goal. The Hawks won 4-2. (Edward Wagner Jr./baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Wayne Gretzky makes NHL debut at Chicago Stadium

By Kori Rumore

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

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

A captive balloon and Ferris wheel are at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. (Library of Congress)

Today in Chicago History: Ferris wheel debuts at World’s Columbian Exposition

By Kori Rumore

June 15, 2025 at 7:55 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 15, according...

Michael Spilotro, left, and his brother Tony at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on March 18, 1983, in Chicago. (Phil Greer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: In a scene out of ‘Casino,’ Spilotro brothers buried alive in Indiana cornfield

By Kori Rumore

June 14, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 14, according...

Spontaneous embraces were the order of the day during the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade on June 13, 1986, in Chicago. (Phil Greer/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: City cheers Vietnam veterans during a 5-hour parade — 11 years after the war

By Kori Rumore

June 13, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 13, according...

The Chicago Bulls celebrate winning the team's first championship on June 12, 1991, at the Forum in Inglewood, California. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Bulls win 1st championship — and Michael Jordan named MVP of NBA Finals

By Kori Rumore

June 12, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 12, according...

The Rolling Stones at a June 1964 news conference in front of Tribune Tower in Chicago saw Bill Wyman, from left, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger slouching in their folding chairs. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: The Rolling Stones appear on Michigan Avenue in ‘tight trousers and haggard looks’

By Kori Rumore

June 11, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

A bird's-eye view of the construction of Tribune Tower in 1924. The Wrigley Building is on the left. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Tribune announces contest to build ‘world’s most beautiful office building’

By Kori Rumore

June 10, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

Bill Pinkney talks in 2003 about a re-creation of the 19th-century La Amistad that illegally transported Africans into the slave trade. (Jim Hill/for the baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Capt. Bill Pinkney becomes first Black person to sail around the world solo via the capes

By Kori Rumore

June 10, 2025 at 7:32 a.m.

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

Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane celebrates his game-winning goal in the second overtime on June 8, 2013, during Game 5 of the Western Conference finals at the United Center. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Patrick Kane’s goal in second OT wins Western Conference title for Blackhawks

By Kori Rumore

June 8, 2025 at 8:08 a.m.

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

A gorilla takes in the view of Lincoln Park Zoo and the surrounding city on April 6, 2000, from a perch in the outdoor area of the Lester Fisher Great Ape House, which opened in 1976. (Nancy Stone/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Great apes enjoy new habitat — with no bars — at Lincoln Park Zoo

By Kori Rumore

June 7, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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

A jogger runs on The 606 trail near Milwaukee and Bloomingdale avenues in Chicago as the sun rises on Oct. 2, 2015. (José M. Osorio/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: The 606 trail opens for walkers, joggers, scooters, strollers, skateboards and more

By Kori Rumore

June 6, 2025 at 4:00 a.m.

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