Big Bill Thompson

Big Bill Thompson was a prominent American politician who served as the 41st Mayor of Chicago, from 1915 to 1923, and again from 1927 to 1931. During his tenure, he was known for his association with Al Capone and other notorious figures of the Chicago Outfit. Thompson's mayoralty was marked by significant events, including the 1919 Black Sox Scandal and the 1920 Republican National Convention, which was held in Chicago. He was also a key figure in the development of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs.

● Early Life and Career

Big Bill Thompson was born on May 14, 1869, in Boston, Massachusetts, to a family of English American descent. He moved to Chicago with his family at a young age and attended Lake View High School. Thompson's early career was marked by his involvement in Republican Party politics, and he served as a member of the Chicago City Council from 1900 to 1902. He was also a close associate of William Lorimer, a prominent Illinois politician who served in the United States Senate. Thompson's rise to prominence was facilitated by his relationships with influential figures, including Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.

● Mayoralty of Chicago

Thompson's mayoralty was marked by significant events, including the 1919 Chicago race riot and the 1929 Saint Valentine's Day Massacre. He was a key figure in the development of Chicago's infrastructure, including the construction of Navy Pier and the Chicago 'L'. Thompson's administration was also marked by corruption and organized crime, with figures like Al Capone and Johnny Torrio exerting significant influence over the city's politics. Despite these challenges, Thompson remained a popular figure, and his mayoralty was marked by significant economic growth, including the development of Willis Tower and the Chicago Board of Trade.

● Personal Life

Thompson was known for his charismatic personality and his love of baseball, and he was a close friend of Babe Ruth and other prominent players. He was also a member of the Elks and the Shriners, and he was involved in various charitable organizations, including the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Thompson's personal life was marked by controversy, including his association with gangsters and his alleged involvement in corruption. Despite these challenges, he remained a popular figure, and his personal life was marked by significant relationships, including his friendship with Herbert Hoover and Calvin Coolidge.

● Later Life and Legacy

Thompson's later life was marked by significant challenges, including his declining health and his increasing isolation from politics. He died on March 19, 1944, at the age of 74, and was buried in Rosehill Cemetery. Thompson's legacy is complex and multifaceted, and he is remembered as a significant figure in Chicago's history. His mayoralty was marked by significant events, including the 1927 Mississippi River flood and the 1929 Wall Street Crash. Despite the challenges he faced, Thompson remained a popular figure, and his legacy continues to be felt in Chicago today, with landmarks like Thompson Center and Big Bill's Sandwich Shop bearing his name.

● Electoral History

Thompson's electoral history was marked by significant victories, including his election as Mayor of Chicago in 1915 and his re-election in 1919. He was also a candidate for Governor of Illinois in 1920, but he lost to Len Small. Thompson's electoral history was marked by controversy, including allegations of voter fraud and corruption. Despite these challenges, he remained a popular figure, and his electoral history continues to be studied by historians and political scientists today, including Richard J. Daley and Harold Washington. Thompson's legacy continues to be felt in Illinois politics, with figures like Barack Obama and Rahm Emanuel drawing on his example.