City Guide: Al Capone's Chicago - A Historical Tour of Haunts, Murders & Bars

Al Capone, Chicago prohibition-era gangster and tax evader. No visit to Chicago is complete without a look at one of Chicago's most famous residents, and no tour of Al Capone's Chicago can begin without seeing his final resting place in Mount Carmel Cemetery.

While visiting, make sure to say hello to some of his gangland cronies who are also buried nearby, including Sam Giancana and Capone murder victim Joseph "Giuseppe" Giunta. Beware! This cemetery is said to be haunted and visitors have smelled cigar smoke at Al's grave. Afterward, for a quick breakfast, try the Dunkin' Donuts down the street.

"Vote early and vote often" was a central theme in Capone's Chicago and City Hall played an important role in Capone's rise to power. In 1927, Capone donated more than $100,000 to "Big Bill" Thompson's election and his win helped Capone continue his illegal activities to the tune of $100 million dollars a year. When visiting City Hall, get an appointment to see the rooftop garden or visit Daley Center to see the Picasso. Then walk to Cardozo's Pub -- it's a great place to toast the end of the Prohibition Era.

After having a drink at Cardozo's Pub, drive to the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. On the morning of Feb. 14, 1929, five members of the "Bugs" Moran gang and two innocents were lined up against the inside wall of the SMC Cartage Company Garage on 2122 N. Clark and shot by men dressed as police.

After the murders, Capone gained control of Chicago's north side territory. Visitors often say they hear ghostly noises and a hail of bullets at night. To ask the locals about the hauntings surrounding the Valentine's Day Massacre, visit Ravens. While there, enjoy a game of darts and a beer.

No tour of Chicago would be complete without a visit to a former 1920s speakeasy. The Green Mill was once owned by Capone gang member "Machine Gun" McGurn. He became so infamous for the way he booked acts for the speakeasy that one gruesome incident, when he cut off entertainer Joe E. Lewis's tongue and slit his throat, was featured in the movie "The Joker is Wild" with Frank Sinatra. Green Mill is an excellent place to end the tour and enjoy a fun night of music.

Location References:

Mount Carmel Cemetery
1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162
Directions to Capone's grave: GPS coordinates 41.8629112, -87.9064026, Plot: Section 35

Dunkin' Donuts - 0.3 miles away from Mount Carmel Cemetery
335 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162
708-236-1227

Chicago - City Hall
121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

Cardozo's Pub - 0.05 miles away from City Hall
170 W. Washington St. No. 1, Chicago, IL 60602
312-236-1573

Ravens - 0.28 miles away from the site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre
2326 N. Clark St. No. 2, Chicago, IL 60614
773-348-1774

Green Mill
4802 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640
773-878-5552

Sources:
The Racketeer's Progress: Chicago and the Struggle for the Modern American Economy, 1900-1940; Andrew Wender Cohen, Series Cambridge Historical Studies in American Law and Society, 2004
"Vote Early and Vote Often"; Al Capone, ThinkExist.com Quotations Online 1 Oct. 2009. 14 Nov. 2009
Capone Home on the Market, Joel Hood, Chicago Tribune, April 02, 2009
Capone Dead at 48; Dry Era Gang Chief; Associated Press, New York Times, January 26, 1947