Part 3, Nightfall Summary

All through October, attendance rose. Officials were hoping to break the Chicago Day record on Closing Day. Millet had planned fireworks, music, speeches and the landing of Columbus for the Ceremony.

However, two days before, on American Cities Day, one event changed the schedule of the Closing Day's ceremonies. On the morning of American Cities Day, Harrison announced his upcoming marriage to Annie Howard. In the afternoon, his second speech of the day promised the growth of Chicago and that he would live another half century.

Prendergast tried to enter the building where Harrison was speaking, but he was refused entry. Later that night, Prendergast was put off again at the Harrisons' house; he was told to return in a half hour. When Prendergast returned, he shot Harrison and ran away. Harrison died from the wound shortly after Prendergast left. Prendergast...