Chicagoland History

Dominick’s was once one of the most recognizable grocery chains in Chicagoland, with stores that felt woven into everyday life across the region. In this episode of Chicagoland History, we look back at how Dominick’s grew into a local institution, what went wrong, and why the chain ultimately disappeared.

Old Chicago was one of the most ambitious entertainment projects Chicagoland had ever seen, combining rides, shopping, and indoor attractions under one roof. In this episode of Chicagoland History, we look at how Old Chicago rose with big expectations, why it captured people’s imaginations, and what ultimately led to its downfall.

Chicagoland was once packed with busy shopping malls that felt like the center of suburban life. In this episode of Chicagoland History, we look at how those malls rose, why they mattered, and what ultimately caused so many of them to decline, close, or disappear altogether.

For decades, the legend of Resurrection Mary has stood as one of Chicagoland’s most enduring ghost stories. In this episode of Chicagoland History, we explore the tale of the mysterious hitchhiker, the roads and places tied to her story, and why her legend still haunts the Chicago area to this day.

From famous movies to classic TV shows, Chicagoland has served as the backdrop for countless memorable scenes. In this episode of Chicagoland History, we explore some of the most notable filming locations across Chicago and the suburbs and look at why this region has played such a major role on screen.

Chicagoland has been home to innovations, inventions, and firsts that helped shape everyday life far beyond Chicago and the suburbs. In this episode of Chicagoland History, we look at some of the most important Chicagoland firsts and how they went on to influence the world.

Kiddieland was once one of the most beloved amusement parks in the Chicago area, drawing families to Melrose Park for generations before it suddenly disappeared. In this episode of Chicagoland History, we look back at the story of Kiddieland, why it meant so much to so many people, and what ultimately led to its closure.