It is a sad day for Chicago, folks. The once mighty Chicago Rat Hole has now been filled in due to the frenzy of attention it has been receiving since it became the center of a viral whirlwind, and unfortunately, it wasn’t even turned into a mosaic masterpiece by local artist Jim Bachor.
Despite having been in Chicago for years, the rat hole made the news all over the world after local artist and comedian, Winslow Dumaine, posted a photo to X, formerly Twitter.
Receiving millions of views in a couple of days, people began flocking to the spot in Roscoe Village to pay homage to the imprint. What began as a tongue-in-cheek pilgrimage for many soon galvanized into Chicago Rat Hole pandemonium as both tourists and locals clamored to the area, throwing coins in the rat hole and making excessive noise.
The imprint, according to locals, was likely made by a squirrel falling from a tree that used to hang over the spot but given Chicago’s affiliation with rats and the city’s position as rattiest city in the United States it quickly became known as “The Chicago Rat Hole” around the world.
Not only did people leave souvenirs, figurines, flowers, alcohol, and food, but it became so popular that people began selling Chicago Rat Hole merchandise online, it made its way onto gameshows, and, one couple even decided to get married next to it.
At one point it was briefly filled in a seemingly rogue attempt but was quickly restored to its original splendor by loyal fans.
Now, however, it looks as though The Chicago Rat Hole has been filled in permanently. This time no determined fans came to the rescue and it now lives on in Chicago Folklore.
[Featured image taken by Lucas Byron / @lucasbyron4]