Significant Events in Chicago on August 3

1991: Lollapalooza Debut

August 3, 1991, marked the inaugural appearance of the Lollapalooza music festival in the Chicago area. Held at the World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, this event featured performances from renowned artists such as Jane’s Addiction, Living Colour, Siouxsie and the Banshees, the Rollins Band, Butthole Surfers, Ice-T, and Nine Inch Nails. The event spanned nine hours, offering a diverse mix of music.

“Pop historians may look back at Lollapalooza as the most broadly ambitious music festival ever staged, because even such extravaganzas as Woodstock and Live Aid weren’t turned into road shows,” wrote Tribune critic Greg Kot.

Lollapalooza eventually became a staple, moving to Grant Park as a yearly event starting in 2005.

Weather Records

• High Temperature: 98 degrees (1964)
• Low Temperature: 48 degrees (1894)
• Precipitation: 2.1 inches (1915)
• Snowfall: None

1832: Black Hawk’s Capture and Land Cession

In 1832, Sauk and Fox leader Black Hawk was captured. This event led to the Potawatomi and Winnebago relinquishing land in northern Illinois.

1932: Joseph Webster Golinkin’s Olympic Gold

Chicago native Joseph Webster Golinkin won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. His boxing-focused work titled “Leg Scissors” earned distinction in mixed graphic arts.

Golinkin later served as a Navy admiral during World War II, receiving a Bronze Star for his service.

1936: Jesse Owens’ Triumph

On August 3, 1936, Jesse Owens achieved greatness at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. He won his first of four gold medals during the 100-meter final.

1992: Mike Conley’s Olympic Feat

Mike Conley, a Luther South High School graduate, excelled in the triple jump on August 3, 1992, during the Barcelona Olympics. His jump of 59 feet, 7½ inches was the second-longest ever recorded at the time, though disqualified due to slightly excessive wind.

His preceding jump measured 57 feet, 10¼ inches, setting an Olympic record. Conley’s accomplishments solidified his status as one of the top triple jumpers, ranking first worldwide six times and consistently placing in the top 10 in long jump events.

1997: Nellie Fox’s Hall of Fame Induction

Chicago White Sox second baseman Nellie Fox was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.

2024: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction

On August 3, 2024, Devin Hester and Steve McMichael, acclaimed figures of the Chicago Bears, were celebrated as inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. McMichael battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), passing away on April 23, 2025.

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