Daniel Burnham unveils his Plan of Chicago

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Daniel Burnham unveils his Plan of Chicago

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 4, according to the Tribune’s archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

What to do in Chicago for Fourth of July weekend: Wu-Tang Clan, patriotic music in Grant Park and fireworks at Navy Pier

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

High temperature: 102 degrees (2012)
Low temperature: 50 degrees (1972)
Precipitation: 1.72 inches (1995)
Snowfall: Trace (1995)

1836: Construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal commenced at Canalport on the Chicago River.

1847: The first recorded sports competition was mentioned in the pages of the Tribune. About 5,000 spectators gathered to watch three contestants compete in a half-mile race: a quarter-mile to a pole, around the pole, then back to the starting point.

The three contestants were described as a barber named Louis Isbell, a Native American named White Foot and an unidentified “pioneer” atop a horse. Isbell beat White Foot by inches. The horse finished third due to his inability to cut the corner at the quarter-mile pole. This cost the horse and its pioneer rider their early lead. The report did not mention whether there was place or show betting.

This view from the Plan of Chicago shows Grant Park and a proposed harbor in the lake. Much of Daniel Burnham's plan for the layout of the city was implemented. In addition to being an important planning document, the 1909 plan was a beautiful work of art. (Chicago History Museum) — This view from the Plan of Chicago shows Grant Park and a proposed harbor in the lake. Much of Daniel Burnham’s plan for the layout of the city was implemented. In addition to being an important planning document, the 1909 plan was a beautiful work of art. (Chicago History Museum)

1909: Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago was unveiled.

"No city in the world has any structure on the water front that compares with the new Municipal pier," the Tribune reported the day after its grand opening on July 4, 1916. (Chicago Tribune) — “No city in the world has any structure on the water front that compares with the new Municipal pier,” the Tribune reported the day after its grand opening on July 4, 1916. (Chicago Tribune)

1916: Municipal Pier (later known as Navy Pier) opened.

1929: Chicago Cubs outfielder Hack Wilson, irked at the bench jockeying by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Ray Kolp, jumped into the Cincinnati dugout, seeking to punch his tormentor. Wilson was ejected from the Cubs’ victory. That night, while both the Cubs and Reds awaited their trains in Chicago’s Union Station, Wilson punched out Reds pitcher Pete Donahue.

French tennis player Henri Cochet leaps during the Men's Doubles Final at Wimbledon, in London on July 4, 1931. His partner was compatriot Jacques Brugnon and the opposition were American players George Lott and John van Ryn. (AP) — French tennis player Henri Cochet leaps during the Men’s Doubles Final at Wimbledon, in London on July 4, 1931. His partner was compatriot Jacques Brugnon and the opposition were American players George Lott and John van Ryn. (AP)

1931: George Lott — who called himself “the best doubles player ever” — won both the men’s doubles and mixed doubles championships at Wimbledon. The Big Ten champion at the University of Chicago in the 1920s won his second Wimbledon doubles title in 1934 and had five U.S. Championships doubles titles.

Lott coached DePaul University’s tennis team into his 80s.

A partial view of the American Negro Exposition at the Chicago Coliseum, 1513 S. Wabash Ave., looking north in the Hall of Flags, which covers more than 52,000 feet of floor space. (Chicago Tribune archive) — A partial view shows the American Negro Exposition at the Chicago Coliseum, 1513 S. Wabash Ave., looking north in the Hall of Flags, which covers more than 52,000 feet of floor space. (Chicago Tribune archive)

1940: The American Negro Exposition, showcasing Black people’s accomplishments in the 75 years since Juneteenth, opened at the Chicago Coliseum.

In this Oct. 2, 1984 file photo, Sam Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, acknowledges the crowd along with his goat prior to a National League baseball playoff game between the San Diego Padres and the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago. (AP) — Sam Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago, acknowledges the crowd along with his goat prior to a National League baseball playoff game between the San Diego Padres and the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 1984. (AP)

1973: Billy Goat Tavern owner Sam Sianis and goat Socrates arrived at Wrigley Field in a limousine, but were turned away at every gate. Sianis’ uncle and another goat were banned from Wrigley Field almost 28 years prior.

Eleven years later, Sianis — and a goat — were finally allowed inside the ballpark.

Thousands of people attended the first Taste of Chicago on Michigan Avenue at Wacker Drive on July 4, 1980. (Michael Budrys/Chicago Tribune)

1980: Taste of Chicago debuted on North Michigan Avenue.

At the time, the city’s big summer blowout was a different event — ChicagoFest.

1991: The Replacements played the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park as part of a free concert during Taste of Chicago. It would be the band’s last concert for 22 years.

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