More than 7,000 people living in the Chicago area and Michigan City, Indiana, eagerly anticipated Saturday morning, July 24, 1915.
The ensuing struggle for survival, and the resulting death, heroism, cowardice, greed, and scandal gripped the city of Chicago..
Nearly 850 people lost their lives, including 22 entire families.
The SS Eastland, while still tied to the wharf, rolled into the Chicago River with more than 2,500 passengers on board.
Instead, the day\'s scheduled event turned into a tragedy unlike any other.
For thousands of hard-working immigrant laborers and their families and friends, it was going to be a day to remember.
The day would conclude with an evening cruise back to Chicago.
Thousands of carefree merrymakers would enjoy a festive day including a lovely cruise across Lake Michigan to an awaiting parade and day-long picnic.
The fifth annual midsummer excursion and picnic had been organized by the employees of the Western Electric Company\'s Hawthorne Works.
Plans had been carefully made for it to be the social and entertainment event of the year, and for some, a lifetime.
This particular Saturday was going to be anything but a routine summer day.
More than 7,000 people living in the Chicago area and Michigan City, Indiana, eagerly anticipated Saturday morning, July 24, 1915
