Eight Anarchists

Despite their different beliefs, the trial, convictions and sentencing that followed would unite these "Haymarket Eight" in history.

Chicago on Fire

October 1871: Chicago is a tinderbox. In three months, only an inch of rain has fallen. For days a strong, hot wind has blown in from the southwest.

Jane Addams (1860-1935)

Jane Addams was a pacifist, and an internationalist, she helped to found the Woman's International League for Peace and Freedom in 1919.

Marshall Field (1834-1906)

Marshall Field's great six-story merchandising emporium catered to urban women with leisure time. Rather than "buyer beware," Field's motto was "Give the lady what she wants." 

Carter Harrison (1825-1893)

Carter Harrison was first elected as mayor in 1879 and ran the city with a... personal touch, much like aldermen.

Cyrus McCormick (1809-1884)

An American inventor and businessman who founded the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and won the Gold Medal at London's World's Fair in the Crystal Palace.

William Butler Ogden (1805-1877)

William Butler Ogden was one of the prime movers that organized the digging of a canal from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan. 

Do You Know Chicago?

So you've been to the Windy City. Looked around. Seen a TV program about the place. Or you've read a history book. But do you really know Chicago?

Test your mettle with this trivia challenge!

Faces in the Crowd

Chicago documentary photographer Sigmund Krausz published his Street Types of Chicago in 1892. Rather than take photos on the streets, he lit and posed subjects against a neutral studio backdrop to create what he termed "Character Studies."

Historic New York

New York has been host to historic events that have had an unforgettable impact on the rest of America. The following are a few of the most notable.

Timeline (1609-2001)

Learn about some important events in New York history, from 1609 up to 2001.

Interviews: Writers

Explore the views and passions of a few writers, discussing how New York has inspired and nurtured them.