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Chicago's Deadliest Disaster

Daniel Hautzinger
The Eastland Disaster on the Chicago River
More than 800 people lost their lives when the SS Eastland rolled onto its side in the Chicago River, only twenty feet from shore. Image: From WTTW's 'Chicago Stories'

One hundred and three years ago, on July 24, 1915, more than 800 people lost their lives in Chicago's deadliest tragedy, when a top-heavy boat rolled onto its side in the Chicago River just before leaving dock. It was only twenty feet from the shore. Watch this 2002 Chicago Stories episode about the Eastland Disaster. Plus, check out an augmented reality app that allows you to step back in time and come face-to-face with the disaster, on Chicago Tonight.