Unearthed while researching Chicago for the Al Capone story “Blood and Sand” – Chicago’s Navy Pier (originally named “Municipal Pier”) opened to the public on July 15, 1916. It was intended as a dock for freighters and passenger traffic, and a space for indoor and outdoor public recreation. Indeed, many events were held at the pier, including expositions, pageants, and other entertainments. Less well known is that in the summer of 1918, the pier was used as a jail for World War One draft dodgers. To read more unusual history lessons, see BEHIND THE STORY.
