A president’s death, the Great Chicago Fire and the deadliest tornado in American history top the list of Illinois’ most heartbreaking moments, as chosen by voters participating in the Illinois Top 200 project. Abraham Lincoln’s assassination led the way, followed by the 1871 fire that consumed much of Chicago, and then the tri-state tornado, which killed more than 600 people in 1925. At number 8 was the St. Anthony’s Hospital Fire of 1949, which claimed the lives of 74 people, including 11 infants and the nuns who stayed with them. Voting in the next category, top musicians, is underway at www.IllinoisTop200.com. The nominees include Muddy Waters, Earth, Wind and Fire, Alison Krauss, Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, REO Speedwagon, and Cheap Trick.
Illinois’ Most Tragic Events Decided
Jul 12, 2018 | 5:30 AM