Chicago Names Finalists for O'Hare Boulder Contest
Public voting is open to select a permanent moniker for a 50-ton prehistoric rock discovered at the airport.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Geology
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City officials have selected six finalists in a naming contest for a massive 50-ton dolostone boulder unearthed during an airport expansion project. Chicago residents and the public are invited to cast their votes for the winning name through November 2.
Why it matters
The naming initiative aims to engage the public with local geological history discovered directly beneath the O'Hare Airport airfield. This effort celebrates a unique archaeological find while providing a community connection to the site's prehistoric past.
The 50-ton dolostone boulder, which measures 11.5 feet wide, 8 feet deep, and 7.5 feet tall, was recovered from 30 feet below the surface. Geologists identify the specimen as dating back 400 million years to the Silurian period.
The players
O'Hare Airport
This facility is a major international aviation hub located in Chicago that serves as the site of the geological discovery.
The details
An excavator operator originally discovered the boulder in June while working on an expansion project at O'Hare Airport. The rock is now displayed to the public outside the airport's Multi-Modal Facility.
Timeline
The dolostone boulder formed during the Silurian period 400 million years ago.
The boulder was discovered during construction in June 2026.
Public voting for the naming contest concludes on November 2, 2026.
The Big Picture
This discovery highlights the geological history of the Silurian period, offering a direct link to the region's ancient landscape. It serves as a reminder of the massive prehistoric structures buried beneath urban centers.
The naming contest provides a unique opportunity for residents to engage with local science through an interactive public ballot. The final name will be permanently displayed as part of the public exhibit at the airport's Multi-Modal Facility.
The takeaway
Engaging with local geologic finds helps bridge the gap between heavy infrastructure projects and natural history. Residents interested in the outcome can participate in the digital voting process before the deadline.
What happens next
The winning name will be announced on official O'Hare social media channels following the close of voting on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local findings in the Geology section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTTW News.
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