Significant Events in Chicago’s History
July 27, 1970: Riot at Grant Park Concert
On July 27, 1970, over 50,000 people gathered in Grant Park to attend a concert by Sly and the Family Stone. The anticipated event turned into a five-hour riot. The larger-than-expected crowd led the band to refuse to perform, igniting unrest among attendees.
During the chaos, multiple individuals were shot, and numerous police officers and young concert-goers sustained injuries. At least 148 arrests were made that night.
1919: Eugene Williams and the Race Riots
In 1919, racial violence erupted following the death of Eugene Williams. The Black teen drowned after being hit with rocks while crossing an unofficial racial boundary at a Chicago beach.
This tragedy sparked a four-day race riot. The violence only subsided after intervention by the Illinois militia and cooling rains. Williams was laid to rest in Lincoln Cemetery in Blue Island.
1960: Helicopter Crash in Forest Park Cemetery
A tragic helicopter accident occurred in 1960. A Chicago Helicopter Airways shuttle crashed between Midway and O’Hare International Airport. The crash killed 13 people, including two crew members. The cause was a metal fatigue fracture in a rotor blade, prompting new federal inspection rules.
1970: Announcement of Sears Tower Construction
Sears, Roebuck & Co. announced plans in 1970 for a major development in Chicago. They aimed to build the world’s tallest building at the time, the Sears Tower. The tower, reaching 1,451 feet, held its title until 1996 when surpassed by Malaysia’s Petronas Towers. While no longer the tallest, the structure remains iconic.
1982: Otto the Gorilla’s Escape
In 1982, Otto, a 450-pound gorilla from Lincoln Park Zoo, escaped his enclosure. Otto, famous from the documentary “Otto: Zoo Gorilla,” climbed an 11-foot wall and roamed the zoo. A team recaptured Otto with tranquilizer darts. It required up to 10 staff members to return him safely.
1983: Nighttime Sports Event Ordinance
The Chicago City Council voted on an ordinance in 1983, prohibiting sporting events in large stadiums between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., impacting venues with seating for over 15,000 located near residential areas.
1993: Release of Smashing Pumpkins’ Album
In 1993, the Smashing Pumpkins released “Siamese Dream.” Frontman Billy Corgan expressed that he was creating music for his generation, inviting listeners worldwide to enjoy it.