Significant Events in Chicago’s History on May 25

1979: American Airlines Flight 191 Disaster

On May 25, 1979, one of the most tragic events in aviation history struck Chicago. An American Airlines DC-10, carrying 15 crew members and 256 passengers, crashed just 30 seconds after taking off from O’Hare International Airport. This catastrophic event resulted in the loss of 273 lives, including two people on the ground. It remains the deadliest passenger airline accident on U.S. soil.

1950: Green Hornet Streetcar Tragedy

Chicago witnessed a devastating traffic accident on May 25, 1950. A Green Hornet streetcar collided with a gas truck on State Street near 62nd Street. The crash resulted in searing flames as gasoline spilled and ignited, destroying the truck and killing 34 people. This incident is the worst streetcar accident in U.S. history. The streetcar’s motorman was held accountable for not slowing down, and the absence of emergency door pulls contributed to the tragedy.

1978: Ted Kaczynski’s First Bombing Attempt

Ted Kaczynski, known as the ‘Unabomber,’ left his first known bomb in a parking lot at the University of Illinois Chicago in 1978. The package was picked up by a passerby and returned to the listed sender, a professor at Northwestern University. Suspicious of the package, the professor handed it to university security. A public safety officer opened the package, which exploded, causing him minor injuries.

1981: Spider Dan’s Remarkable Ascent

On May 25, 1981, Dan Goodwin, dubbed ‘Spider Dan,’ scaled the Sears Tower, then the world’s tallest building. Wearing a blue-and-orange suit, Goodwin climbed the west side using suction cups and a custom claw. Many gathered to watch his feat. Police arrested him immediately after his successful climb. Goodwin, undeterred, went on to scale other skyscrapers, including the John Hancock Center later that year.

1982: Fergie Jenkins’ 3,000th Strikeout

On May 25, 1982, Chicago Cubs pitcher Fergie Jenkins reached a significant milestone in Major League Baseball. He became the seventh pitcher to record 3,000 strikeouts during a game against San Diego. Jenkins achieved this historic feat by striking out Garry Templeton in the third inning. Despite the personal achievement, the Cubs lost the game, 2-1.

2011: Conclusion of The Oprah Winfrey Show

On May 25, 2011, the final episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” aired after being filmed in Chicago for many years. The show had a profound impact on Chicago’s entertainment culture and made Oprah Winfrey a household name across the nation.