The History Behind Illinois’ Alley Of Death Is Absolutely Heartbreaking
There’s a creepy alley in Chicago that has one of the most heartbreaking background stories in all of Illinois. The Alley of Death in the downtown area’s theatre district was the sight of a horrific event that happened more than 100 years ago. Learn all about what caused a six-foot-high pile-up of bodies in a narrow alley. Scroll on for the whole story on the Alley of Death in Illinois.
The Alley of Death in Illinois, also known as Couch Place, has one of the most horrific backstories in Chicago's history. Discretion is advised if you get easily upset.
This slice of Illinois history began with the Iroquois Theatre, which the media claimed was fire-proof: an obvious mistake. Its first show, which was a play called Mr. Bluebird, opened on December 30, 1903, and sold out to nearly 1,800 attendants.
Constructed in haste the summer before, it seemed the threatre was not constructed well. A stage light sparked midway through the show and caught the entire backdrop on fire. Stagehands attempted to douse the flames with Kylfire, an extinguisher powder, but the flames rose too high for them to reach. As a backup, an asbestos curtain was lowered but snagged on the way down and was rendered useless.
Once people realized something was wrong, they began rushing out of the theatre only to find themselves lost or to find doors locked. Most attendants trapped on the upper levels were forced to jump or attempt to crawl across ladders hoisted over by tenants in the building next door. Unfortunately, many fell to their death.
There were several issues with the Iroquois that caused the devastation of this disaster to be so grand, and they are the reasons theatres today are equipped with better safety precautions. First of all, people could not locate emergency exits because they were not labeled. Once one was located, the door had to be opened inward, making it impossible to get through with so many people pushing behind. There was a skylight above the stage meant to be opened to let out smoke, but it would not budge and seemed to be nailed shut. Additionally, when performers and stage hands opened the backstage doors, it caused a blast of fire to burst into the house.
The fire lasted about a half hour and took the lives of more than 600 people all together. It was said that the bodies stacked six-feet high and that some lived for having their fall cushioned by those who jumped before them.
Today, the Oriental Theatre, built in 1926, sits in place of the Iroquois, and there are no markings to denote that this tragic piece of Illinois history took place.
There have been reports of an unusually cool breeze or whispers of your own name heard when walking down this alley. That doesn't stop people, though. This creepy alley is used by Chicago commuters as well as stagehands and actors for the theatre on a regular basis. Yet it's one of the most haunted places in Illinois.
Have you ever been down the Alley of Death in Illinois? Share your photos and experiences with us in the comments below.
Address: West Couch Place, W Couch Pl, Chicago, IL, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Alley Of Death In Illinois
January 02, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the most haunted places in Illinois?
Historic places often come with their own ghosts and that seems to be true at the DeSoto House Hotel in Galena. The hotel was founded in 1855 and is the oldest operating hotel in the state. Its main ghost is an apparition of a woman known as “The Lady in Black.” Considered the most haunted town in the Prairie State, Alton has a storied past of murder, violence, and disease and was a stop along the Underground Railroad. It also played a role during the American Civil War. But this town is so haunted that there are several paranormal tours offered here. The most famous haunted house in the state, the McPike Mansion, resides in Alton.
What are some other important events in the history of Illinois?
The Prairie State is full of history. From the opening of the first McDonald’s in Des Plaines in 1955 to the building of the Sears Tower in 1973, Illinois’ history is fascinating. Did you know that several presidents were born and raised in Illinois? Or that after 108 years, the Cubs won the World Series in 2016? You can learn additional historical facts in this post.
Do you have day trips to some of the creepiest places in Illinois?
We love our day trips and road trips here at Only In Your State! Read our article, These Creepy Day Trips Through The Spookiest Places In Illinois, for two different trips that will send chills down your spine. On one route, you’ll travel from Alton, the most haunted town in the state, to a cemetery in Decatur, and then it’s off to the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield. On the second route, you’ll travel from the Old Joliet Prison to a cemetery in Rockford, and then to the DeSoto House Hotel in Galena.
Address: West Couch Place, W Couch Pl, Chicago, IL, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
