The Legend, His Newspaper, and His Estate

“If the world refused to do [Robert R. McCormick’s] bidding, then he would fashion a world of his own at Cantigny” (336).

The Book

The history of Chicago and the suburbs is full of larger-than-life characters and their impact on the Windy City. In The Colonel: The Life and Legend of Robert R. McCormick, author Richard Norton Smith introduces the reader to one of those characters. Robert R. McCormick’s grandfather (Joseph Medill) became the managing editor of the Chicago Tribune in 1855, setting up a family dynasty for the next one hundred years. McCormick was made the acting president of the Chicago Tribune in 1911 and oversaw the paper until his death in 1955.

The Colonel delves into more than just the biography of one man. It provides biographies of his ancestors and relatives, co-workers, wives, employees, and newspaper. Smith lays out the facts, with some editorializing, and provides a neutral biography of a controversial man. McCormick was loyal (sometimes to a fault) to America, Chicago, the Chicago Tribune, and his political beliefs; but not to his family. He did what he thought was best and attempted to sway popular belief. In a sense, McCormick was the Chicago Tribune.

The story of Robert R. McCormick is complicated and detailed, which calls for a longer book. Smith’s biography covers a lot of ground, which can be too much for some readers. The book is well written and well researched, but I would only recommend it to those highly interested in the subject manner.

The Place

Cantigny was a family estate that Robert R. McCormick enlarged to his specifications. He named it after the battle he fought (at Cantigny, France) with the Big Red One First Infantry Division in World War I. McCormick bequeathed the estate, in a trust, for the people of Illinois.

Today, Cantigny provides numerous experiences for the people of Illinois. The estate includes a golf course, gardens, the Big Red One Museum, and Robert R. McCormick’s home. The Robert R. McCormick Museum allows visitors an opportunity to learn more about McCormick through a tour of his home. A tour is a great compliment to The Colonel because it helps readers and visitors visualize McCormick and see his ideas come to life. The tour guide introduces visitors to the people who lived in the house as well as the design and items that were placed there.

Guided tours are available year round (the Museum is closed on Mondays) and visitors must obtain a ticket for a tour time. There is a $5 per car entry fee into Cantigny.