Today in Chicago History: The 606 trail opens for walkers, joggers, scooters, strollers, skateboards and more

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Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 6, according to the archives.

Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago)

  • High temperature: 97 degrees (1971)
  • Low temperature: 39 degrees (1985)
  • Precipitation: 1.6 inches (1931)
  • Snowfall: None

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Medinah Temple — from Shriners to circus, couches to casino — through the decades

1883: Charter No. 14 was issued for Medinah Temple during the ninth Imperial Session of the Imperial Grand Council at the Masonic Temple in New York.

"There was no brass band, no oratory, no enthusiasm," at the opening of Chicago's first elevated railroad on June 6, 1892, but the Tribune reported the event was a "decided success just the same." (Chicago Tribune)

1892: Service began on the first segment of Chicago’s “L” between Congress and 39th streets.

A tribute stone with the face of Riley Fox lays near a walking path at the Riley Fox Memorial Garden in Wilmington, Ill. on June 18, 2009. (David Pierini/Chicago Tribune)
A tribute stone with the face of Riley Fox is seen near a walking path at the Riley Fox Memorial Garden in Wilmington, Illinois, on June 18, 2009. (David Pierini/Chicago Tribune)

2004: Three-year-old Riley Fox was found drowned and half-naked in a Wilmington creek. Her father, Kevin Fox, was arrested four months later in connection with her murder, but was later cleared. On Nov. 10, 2010, convicted sex offender Scott Eby pleaded guilty to the brutal rape and murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Kevin Fox was killed in a car crash in Arkansas in March 2023.

People gather at the Western Avenue entrance to The 606 trail in preparation for the official opening of the outdoor space on June 6, 2015. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
People gather at the Western Avenue entrance to The 606 trail in preparation for the official opening of the outdoor space on June 6, 2015. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)

2015: Chicago’s new elevated track and park system, The 606, opened.

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