The city of Chicago, incorporated in 1837, but for thousands of years inhabited by indigenous Anishinaabe, elects an anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic, and pro-temperance mayor in 1855, a Protestant reaction to the recent rapid influx of Catholic Irish and German immigrants. The new mayor increases the cost of a liquor license six-fold, moves to prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays, and bans people not born in the U.S. from serving in the police department. Police begin arresting German tavern owners.

On this day in 1855, German taverns refuse to close, and thousands march on city hall. Bridges are closed and at least one protestor is killed by police.

The previous cost of a liquor license is restored and taverns are allowed to open on Sundays. The mayor is replaced the following year.