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Local Myths and Legends of Chicago Illinois

Chicago, Illinois is a city rich in history and culture. Throughout the years, it has become home to various myths and legends that have captivated the imagination of residents and visitors alike. These stories, often passed down through generations, add an air of mystery and intrigue to the city’s already vibrant atmosphere. From haunted locations to tales of famous figures, here are some of the most intriguing myths and legends associated with Chicago.

The Ghosts of Congress Plaza Hotel

• The Lady in Red: One of the most famous legends in Chicago is the story of “The Lady in Red” who haunts the Congress Plaza Hotel. According to the tale, a woman wearing a red dress is said to roam the hotel’s halls and disappear into thin air. Many guests and staff members have reported witnessing her apparition.
• The Hand of Mystery: Another eerie legend associated with the Congress Plaza Hotel involves a mysterious handprint on one of the windows. The handprint is said to belong to a worker who fell to his death during the hotel’s construction in the late 1800s. It is believed that his spirit still lingers, leaving behind the imprint of his hand.
• The Ghostly Children: Several guests have also reported encounters with ghostly children within the hotel. These spectral figures are said to play pranks on unsuspecting visitors, such as moving objects or whispering in their ears.

The Legend of Resurrection Mary

• Resurrection Cemetery: Resurrection Mary is a famous ghost story that dates back to the 1930s. According to the legend, a young woman named Mary was killed in a car accident and buried in Resurrection Cemetery. Since then, numerous people claim to have picked up a hitchhiker who matches Mary’s description, only for her to vanish from the car near the cemetery.
• Apparitions on Archer Avenue: Archer Avenue, which runs near Resurrection Cemetery, is said to be haunted by various apparitions. Drivers have reported seeing a young woman in a white dress walking along the road, believed to be the ghost of Resurrection Mary. Other sightings include phantom vehicles and strange lights.
• The Dance with Death: One particularly chilling encounter involves a man who claimed to have danced with Mary at a nearby ballroom. After a night of dancing, Mary asked for a ride home. When they reached Resurrection Cemetery, she disappeared from the car, leaving the man in shock.

The Devil Baby of Hull House

• Hull House: Hull House, a historic settlement house in Chicago, is associated with the legend of the Devil Baby. According to the story, a baby born with horns, hooves, and a tail was kept hidden in the attic of Hull House. It is said that the baby’s cries could be heard throughout the neighborhood, causing fear and curiosity among the residents.
• The Curse: It is believed that the Devil Baby was the result of a curse placed on the family by a vengeful neighbor. The curse was said to have transformed the baby into a demonic creature. While the existence of the Devil Baby has never been proven, the legend continues to intrigue locals and visitors alike.
• The Legacy: The legend of the Devil Baby has inspired various works of literature, art, and even a horror film. It serves as a reminder of the power of urban legends in shaping the culture and folklore of a city.

The Curse of the Billy Goat

• The Curse Begins: The Curse of the Billy Goat is a well-known legend associated with the Chicago Cubs baseball team. In 1945, a tavern owner named Billy Sianis attempted to bring his pet goat, Murphy, into Wrigley Field during a World Series game. When he and his goat were denied entry, Sianis allegedly cursed the team, declaring that they would never win a World Series again.
• The Curse Lives On: The curse seemed to hold true for many years, as the Cubs experienced a series of disappointments and near-misses in their quest for a championship. It wasn’t until 2016, over seven decades later, that the Cubs finally broke the curse and won the World Series.
• Goat-Related Mishaps: Over the years, various goat-related incidents have occurred, further fueling the legend of the curse. From goats being smuggled into the stadium to fans wearing goat masks, the curse of the Billy Goat has become embedded in Cubs lore.

The Legend of Al Capone

• Al Capone’s Ghost: Al Capone, the notorious gangster who dominated the Chicago underworld during the Prohibition era, continues to be a subject of fascination. It is said that his ghost haunts several locations in Chicago, including his former residence at the Lexington Hotel. Visitors have reported seeing his apparition and hearing the sounds of a party coming from the now-abandoned building.
• The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: One of the most infamous events associated with Al Capone is the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. In 1929, seven members of a rival gang were brutally murdered in a garage on Chicago’s North Side. The massacre solidified Capone’s reputation as a ruthless crime boss.
• The Untouchables: The story of Al Capone and his reign of terror has been immortalized in popular culture, particularly through movies and television shows. The 1987 film “The Untouchables” depicts the efforts of law enforcement to bring down Capone and his criminal empire.

The Haunting of Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery

• A Forgotten Cemetery: Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is an abandoned cemetery located in a forested area of Chicago. The cemetery dates back to the mid-1800s and is known for its eerie atmosphere and alleged paranormal activity.
• Ghostly Apparitions: Visitors to Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, including a phantom farmhouse, a woman in white, and a two-headed ghost. These sightings have contributed to the cemetery’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in America.
• The Resurrection Mary Connection: Some believe that Resurrection Mary, mentioned earlier, was buried in Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery. This connection adds another layer of mystery to the already haunted location.

The Legend of the Chicago Water Tower

• The Great Chicago Fire: The Chicago Water Tower is a historic landmark that survived the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Legend has it that the Water Tower was protected by a Native American spirit who prevented the flames from engulfing the structure.
• The Spirit of the Tower: Visitors and employees of the Water Tower have reported encountering a ghostly figure believed to be the spirit of the Native American guardian. Some have claimed to see a shadowy figure walking the halls or observing from the windows.
• A Symbol of Resilience: The Chicago Water Tower serves as a symbol of the city’s resilience and recovery after the Great Chicago Fire. It stands as a testament to the spirit of Chicago and its ability to rise from the ashes.

The Legend of the Chicago River Dybbuk Box

• The Dybbuk Box: The Chicago River Dybbuk Box is a legend surrounding a mysterious artifact that is said to contain a malevolent spirit. According to the story, the box was discovered during the construction of a bridge over the Chicago River. It is believed to bring bad luck and misfortune to anyone who possesses it.
• Strange Occurrences: Those who have come into contact with the Dybbuk Box claim to experience strange phenomena, including nightmares, unexplained accidents, and even physical illness. Many believe that the box is cursed and should be avoided at all costs.
• Hidden Away: The Dybbuk Box is said to be hidden away in a secret location, guarded to prevent it from causing harm. Its exact whereabouts remain unknown, adding to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the legend.

The Legend of the Chicago Mothman

• The Mothman Sightings: The Mothman is a legendary creature often associated with the Point Pleasant, West Virginia area. However, there have been reported sightings of a similar creature in Chicago. Witnesses describe a large, winged humanoid figure with glowing red eyes.
• Bridgeport Batman: One notable sighting occurred in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, where a man claimed to have encountered a creature resembling the Mothman. The incident gained media attention and sparked further interest in the legend.
• Explanations and Theories: Some believe that the Chicago Mothman is a misidentified bird or an elaborate hoax. Others speculate that it may be a supernatural entity or an extraterrestrial being. The truth behind the sightings remains a mystery.

The Legacy of Chicago’s Myths and Legends

Chicago’s myths and legends add a layer of intrigue and mystery to the city’s already rich history. These stories, whether rooted in fact or fiction, have become an integral part of Chicago’s cultural fabric. They continue to captivate the imagination of both residents and visitors, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of the unknown.

References

• chicagohauntings.com
• history.com
• chicagotribune.com
• timeout.com
• atlasobscura.com