American Airlines Flight 191 Crash, 1979
On May 25, 1979, a tragic event unfolded at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. American Airlines Flight 191, a DC-10 aircraft, crashed 31 seconds after takeoff. All 271 passengers aboard lost their lives, along with two people on the ground. This accident remains the deadliest passenger airline crash on U.S. soil.
Weather Records in Chicago
The National Weather Service recorded a high temperature of 94 degrees in 1911 and a low of 32 degrees in 1992 for May 25 in Chicago. The highest recorded precipitation was 2.52 inches in 1879, and there was a trace of snowfall in 1949.
Green Hornet Streetcar Disaster, 1950
On May 25, 1950, a Chicago Transit Authority Green Hornet streetcar collided with a gas truck on State Street near 62nd Street. The accident resulted in the deaths of 33 passengers trapped inside the streetcar and the truck driver. This remains Chicago’s worst traffic accident and the deadliest streetcar accident in the U.S.
Ted Kaczynski’s First Known Bomb, 1978
In 1978, Ted Kaczynski, known as the ‘Unabomber,’ placed his first known bomb at the University of Illinois Chicago. It was picked up and returned to the sender listed on the return address, a Northwestern University professor. The package exploded, causing minor injuries to a public safety officer.
Spider Dan’s Sears Tower Climb, 1981
On May 25, 1981, Dan Goodwin, known as “Spider Dan,” climbed the Sears Tower, then the tallest building in the world. Goodwin used suction cups and a claw to scale the building. He was later arrested and received a small fine, continuing his climbing stunts later that year.
Fergie Jenkins’ 3,000 Strikeouts, 1982
Fergie Jenkins, Chicago Cubs pitcher, achieved his 3,000th strikeout in a game against San Diego on May 25, 1982. Jenkins was only the seventh pitcher in Major League Baseball to reach this milestone.
Oprah Winfrey Show Final Episode, 2011
The final episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” filmed in Chicago, aired on May 25, 2011, marking the end of an era in television history.