The following events unfolded in Chicago on August 19, according to archives. For additional significant events from this date, feel free to contact us.
Flashback to August 19, 1895
The notorious ‘Murder Castle’ at 610 W. 63rd St., owned by serial killer H.H. Holmes, experienced a near-complete destruction by fire. Originally, the building housed a drugstore on the ground floor with additional rooms on the second floor. A third story was later added. Experts suggest that secret rooms and a nearly soundproof vault were likely used to hide stolen furniture, not for murder.
Weather Records
- Highest Temperature: 99°F (1983)
- Lowest Temperature: 51°F (1992)
- Precipitation: 2.07 inches (1921)
- Snowfall: None
The 1886 Haymarket Affair
The Haymarket Square riot is a notable part of Chicago’s labor history. On this day in 1886, eight radicals arrested after the Haymarket Affair on May 4, in which a bomb was thrown during a labor rally, were convicted and sentenced to death. The riot resulted in the deaths of eight police officers and at least four civilians. Four of the convicted individuals were executed, one committed suicide before execution, and two received commuted sentences. One was imprisoned. The three surviving defendants were later pardoned by Illinois Governor John Altgeld, who believed in their innocence. Labor history is honored in September with Labor Day, while the events of May 1886 are commemorated in Chicago with a memorial on Desplaines Street featuring a bronze statue of a wagon that served as a speaker’s platform during the meeting.
Ken Holtzman’s No-Hitter in 1969
On August 19, 1969, Chicago Cubs pitcher Ken Holtzman achieved his first no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field. Notably, Holtzman did not strike out any Braves during the game, and a high fly by Hank Aaron cleared the left-field wall only for the wind to bring it back, allowing Billy Williams to catch it for an out. This no-hitter was the Cubs’ first in nine years. Holtzman, who passed away in 2024, also pitched a second no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on June 3, 1971.
Monarch Butterfly Becomes State Insect in 1975
Illinois Governor Dan Walker signed legislation making the monarch butterfly the state insect on August 19, 1975. The bill, proposed by third graders at Dennis School in Decatur, marked the first official state insect. The signing, observed by the students in Springfield, was a unique experience in governmental processes, as noted by Walker. Illinois already had official state symbols like a tree, flower, bird, and mineral.
2024 Democratic National Convention
The Democratic National Convention began on August 19, 2024, with rookie Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivering an energetic speech. He praised Chicago as ‘the greatest city in the world’ and highlighted historical figures such as Ida B. Wells, Jane Addams, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and former President Barack Obama. Johnson expressed support for nominating Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate, emphasizing her care for people’s interests.