On This Day: Infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention Closes in Chicago

On this day (August 29) in 1968, the infamous Democratic National Convention came to a close at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago. It was at this convention that Hubert H. Humphrey (who eventually lost to Richard Nixon) was nominated — but the convention is more remembered for the violent riots on the streets of Chicago.

Torn down in 1999, the Amphitheatre was a Chicago landmark, located adjacent to the former Union Stock Yards on the south side. It also was host to the 1952 and 1956 Democratic National Conventions, as well as the 1952 and 1960 Republican National Conventions.

Here's a quick video that gives a look at the chaos of the 1968 convention:

This Day in Illinois History: Nixon Signs Bill to Make Lincoln Home a National Historic Site

On this date (August 18) in 1971, President Richard Nixon visited Springfield, IL and signed legislation making Abraham Lincoln's home and the adjacent property a National Historic Site.

We didn't visit Abe's home on our recent trip to Springfield, but you can click here to view the post about our visit, which included stops at additional Lincoln historic sites, including Honest Abe's tomb.