September 16: When Chicago's Skyline Touched the Future and Justice Caught Up to Capone

September 16th in Chicago's annals is a day marked by both soaring ambition and the relentless pursuit of justice. From the very foundations of its iconic skyline to the dramatic unraveling of its underworld, this date encapsulates pivotal moments that shaped the Windy City's enduring legacy.

1885: The Dawn of a Skyscraper Masterpiece – The Rookery Building

On September 16, 1885, the groundwork began for what would become one of Chicago's most revered architectural treasures: The Rookery Building.

Designed by the visionary firm of Burnham & Root, this structure wasn't just another building; it was a bold declaration of Chicago's intent to reach for the skies. Located at 209 South LaSalle Street, its very name, derived from a temporary structure housing pigeons, belied the sophisticated innovation taking place.

The Rookery pushed the boundaries of engineering and design, combining robust load-bearing masonry with an interior skeletal frame of iron and steel – a hybrid approach that was revolutionary for its time.

Its magnificent Light Court, later exquisitely redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright, became a beacon of natural illumination, creating an awe-inspiring central space. The building quickly became a prestigious address for the city's elite, a symbol of Chicago’s post-fire resurgence and its unwavering commitment to architectural excellence.

Today, the Rookery stands not just as a landmark, but as a living testament to the pioneering spirit that defined Chicago's early skyscraper era, continuing to inspire architects and visitors alike with its timeless grandeur.

1931: The Walls Close In – Al Capone's Grand Jury Indictment

Fast forward to September 16, 1931, and the spotlight shifts from architectural triumph to the gritty, dramatic struggle against organized crime.

On this fateful day, the notorious gangster Al Capone, the undisputed king of Chicago's Prohibition-era underworld, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of income tax evasion. This wasn't merely another legal skirmish; it was a monumental breakthrough in the relentless campaign led by federal agents, notably Eliot Ness and his "Untouchables," and Treasury Department investigators to bring down the seemingly invincible crime lord.

For years, Capone had eluded conviction for his violent crimes – bootlegging, gambling, and murder – largely due to his extensive network of corruption and intimidation.

However, the meticulous work of accountants and investigators, focusing on his undeclared millions, finally provided the irrefutable evidence needed. The indictment on September 16th marked the definitive beginning of the end for "Scarface." It sent shockwaves through the criminal empire he had so ruthlessly built, proving that even the most powerful figures could be brought to justice.

His subsequent conviction and imprisonment symbolized a crucial victory for law and order, permanently altering the landscape of organized crime in Chicago and beyond.

From laying the foundations of future architectural marvels to dismantling a criminal empire, September 16th holds a unique place in Chicago's rich and complex narrative.

It's a day that reminds us how the city has continually evolved through daring innovation and an unyielding quest for justice.