Today In History
5 Fun Facts About October 30 In Illinois History
1. In 1919, Chicago's White Sox and Cincinnati Reds faced off in the ninth game of the World Series at Comiskey Park. This game became known as the "Black Sox" scandal when it was discovered that eight players from the White Sox had conspired with gamblers to intentionally lose the...
5 Fun Facts About October 29 In Illinois History
1. In 1892, The Chicago World's Fair officially closed. The fair had attracted over 27 million visitors during its six-month run, and featured the first ever "Ferris Wheel" - a large, rotating wheel with passenger cars that provided a unique view of the fair. 2. On October 29, 1929, the...
5 Fun Facts About October 28 In Illinois History
1. In 1864, the Chicago Cubs (then known as the Chicago White Stockings) won their first baseball championship by defeating the Brooklyn Atlantics. This victory marked the beginning of the Cubs' long and storied history as one of baseball's most beloved franchises. 2. In 1919, the Volstead Act (also known...
5 Fun Facts About October 27 In Illinois History
1. On October 27, 1904, the very first football game was played at the newly constructed Stagg Field at the University of Chicago. The field would go on to host some of the most historic moments in sports history, including the first controlled nuclear reaction in 1942. 2. In 1868,...
5 Fun Facts About October 26 In Illinois History
1. In 1831, the first Illinois state bank, the Bank of Illinois, opened in Shawneetown. It was authorized to issue currency and loans to farmers and businesses in the state. 2. On October 26, 1920, the Chicago Bears played their first game under their new name (previously known as the...
5 Fun Facts About October 25 In Illinois History
1. In 1951, the first Chicago International Film Festival opened on October 25. It has since become the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, showcasing international films and drawing crowds from around the world. 2. On October 25, 1981, the Chicago Bears faced off against the Houston Oilers in...
5 Fun Facts About October 24 In Illinois History
1. On October 24, 1931, the infamous gangster Al Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion in a Chicago courtroom. Capone would eventually serve his sentence at the infamous Alcatraz prison in California. 2. On October 24, 1945, the United Nations was formally established in San...
5 Fun Facts About October 23 In Illinois History
1. Birth of Johnny Carson: On October 23, 1925, Johnny Carson, one of the most iconic television hosts and comedians, was born in Corning, Iowa. He grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska and later attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before moving to Illinois to pursue a career in radio. 2. Chicago...
5 Fun Facts About October 22 In Illinois History
1. On October 22, 1858, Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas held the fifth of their famous debates in Galesburg, Illinois, as part of their campaign for the U.S. Senate. The debate focused on issues surrounding slavery and states' rights, and is now remembered as a pivotal moment in...
5 Fun Facts About October 21 In Illinois History
1. On October 21, 1969, the Illinois State Police raided the Black Panther Party headquarters in Chicago, resulting in the deaths of two Black Panther members and the arrest of 21 others. 2. In 1975, Illinois Governor Dan Walker signed the abolished death penalty bill into law, making Illinois the...
5 Fun Facts About October 20 In Illinois History
1. On October 20, 1926, the famous Oriental Theatre in Chicago first opened its doors to the public. The theater, which was designed to resemble a palace from the Far East, quickly became a popular entertainment destination in the city. 2. The first recorded snowfall in Illinois history occurred on...
5 Fun Facts About October 19 In Illinois History
1. On October 19, 1926, the famous magician Harry Houdini passed away in Detroit, Michigan. Houdini had performed many shows in Illinois during his career and even owned property in Chicago. 2. In 1973, the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) opened in Chicago, becoming the tallest building in the world...